Did You Know…?

  • Bermuda is about half the size of Disney World (21 square miles compared with 43).
  • The island was first inhabited (1609) by shipwrecked Jamestown-bound settlers.
  • By law, Bermuda shorts can be no more than six inches above the knee.
  • Bermuda is really 181 islands, with the eight largest linked by bridges and a causeway.
  • St. George is the oldest English-speaking colonial town still in existence (1612).

Sightseeing on a moped

Even the most venturesome traveler sometimes just needs to rest and relax. Out in the Atlantic, Bermuda waits to provide just that kind of respite.

It is gorgeous, it’s comfortably warm and locals speak English and make visitors welcome. It offers tranquility to all comers. All personality types praise the island nation’s friendly, casual atmosphere, warm air and water, good food and service.

The good, even elegant, service is a big point for all travelers. Perhaps we can thank the British influence, with its tradition of fine service and visitor hospitality. In addition, visitors, regardless of personality, emphasize how clean Bermuda appears, how clear the water, how pure the air. Tourists notice and appreciate a well-kept spot.

There is considerable variety for accommodations. Choices include traditional hotels, large or small; cottage colonies which are typically Bermudan-style, housekeeping apartments, and guest houses (like B&Bs).

For pastimes, visitors choose from a variety of activities (Bermuda claims to have the highest concentration of golf courses on Earth), go sightseeing or just lie on the beach in front an elegant or quaint hotel.

The ocean and the jogging and hiking paths offer opportunity for active travelers (divers, take note: Bermuda is called the shipwreck capital of the world). Adventurous travelers also can experiment with new and exciting foods of excellent quality. In fact, among all personality types, the quality and variety of food and restaurants rate very high.

Tourists can explore Bermuda with relative ease. Public transportation is easy to figure out. Alternatively, visitors can rent a bicycle or moped, and do the touring under their own power.

Given Bermuda’s location off the U.S. East Coast, the bulk of American visitors hail from that region. November to March is the tourist season. The island nation lies roughly parallel to the Carolinas, but ocean currents keep it warmer in the winter. The temperature hovers around 70F, and hosts plan many special events for those months.  But, Bermuda is popular all year.

This destination is a relatively more expensive place than other islands, and it limits the number of cruise passengers it will accept.

Things to do for Venturers

  • Charter a fishing boat and angle for some of Bermuda’s more than 650 species of fish. Enjoy your catch, and look for endangered species such as marine turtles, porpoises, whales, corals and sea fans.
  • For an exhilarating ride, launch yourself from the deck of a boat and parasail over the blue-green waters. There are several locations to choose from.  Other popular water sports include waterskiing and snorkeling.
  • Compete in the Bermuda International Race Weekend, a three-day festival held each January. Races vary in difficulty but culminate in a half and full marathon.
  • Dive to look at any of Bermuda’s more than 400 historic shipwrecks. You can even earn the PADI Wreck Historian Distinctive Specialty. Or, snorkel to look at Bermuda’s unspoiled coral reef.
  • Sample the local food specialties: peas and plenty (black-eyed peas with onions, salt pork and sometimes rice), hoppin’ John (peas and rice), pawpaw casserole and Bermuda fish chowder.
  • Bicycle or walk Bermuda from end to end along the scenic Bermuda Railway Trail. Or use the trail for jogging or horseback riding.

Things to do for Centrics

  • Bring your binoculars for birding expeditions to see how many of Bermuda’s 360 species you can add to your list. The pond at Spittal Pond Nature Reserve is the top spot for spying those birds.
  • Play golf at one of Bermuda’s eight championship courses and check out the golf academy.
  • Discover Bermuda’s African Diaspora Heritage Trail, a self-guided tour that crisscrosses the island (really, islands) and highlights many aspects of Bermuda’s black heritage.
  • Get married in a historic church, or on one of Bermuda’s numerous beaches.
  • Try helmet diving which allows you to safely walk on the bottom of the sea and among Bermuda’s coral reefs and have fish eat from your hands. You will receive a lesson before making your guided dive.
  • Go horseback riding along one of the South Shore beaches. Or, join a group trail ride.

Things to do for Authentics

  • Tropical weather produces spectacular flowers and foliage. Get a good look at the botanical gardens. Guided tours are offered, but check at your hotel for schedules.
  • Shop ’till you drop. Bermuda is a duty-free port and offers a wide variety of merchandise from all over the world. And check the locally made items, especially pottery, blown glass and pictures by local artists.
  • The Bermuda Perfumery produces scents from flowers that bloom on the grounds. Follow the scent(s) and take a free guided tour.
  • Pamper yourself with a spa treatment or two from world class facilities.
  • At the Ocean Discovery Centre, take a simulated submersible dive to the ocean floor.
  • Take a ride around Hamilton in a horse-drawn carriage.

Additional Resources

For more information, consult the Bermuda Tourism Authority at www.gotobermuda.com and, to find a Bermuda Specialist, at www.gotobermuda.com, select Plan and click on Travel Agents and Partners, or go directly to www.gotobermuda.com/get-here/travel-agents-and-partners