Bermuda, Bermuda - Travel Guide

Bermuda is a pristine British Overseas Territory in the Atlantic Ocean, famous for its pink sand beaches, pastel-colored houses, and crystal-clear turquoise waters. Just 2 hours from the US East Coast, it offers a unique blend of British traditions and island paradise with world-class golf, legendary sailing, and extraordinary snorkeling over centuries-old shipwrecks.

Quick Facts

Recommended Stay5 days

Budget$180/day

Mid-range$350/day

Luxury$700/day

Known For

bermudapink_sandhorseshoe_bayhamiltonst_georgesdockyardbritish_territoryatlanticsailinggolfsnorkelingshipwreckspastel_housesislandhoneymoon

🇧🇲 Country Information: Bermuda

CapitalHamilton

CurrencyBermudian dollar ($)

LanguageEnglish, Portuguese, French

Phone Code+1

Electricity120V (Type A, B)

Tap WaterSafe to drink

Tipping

Tipping is common and expected in restaurants and for taxi services
A service charge of 15
17% is often automatically added to restaurant bills
For taxi drivers, a tip of 10
15% is customary
For hotel staff (porters, housekeepers), a few dollars per bag or per day is appropriate

Money & Payments

ATMs are widely available, especially in larger towns and at the airport
Credit cards are widely accepted, particularly Visa and Mastercard
Discover and American Express may be less accepted
Bringing some cash for smaller purchases and taxis is advisable, but most transactions can be done with cards
There is no black market for cash

Cultural Norms

Casual, smart attire is common for dining out in the evenings
Swimsuits are generally not worn in public areas outside of beaches and pools
While generally laid
back, politeness and respectful communication are appreciated
It's considered rude to walk on private property without permission

LGBTQ+ Information

Generally LGBTQ+ friendly. Bermuda has laws protecting LGBTQ+ individuals from discrimination in employment and housing. Same-sex marriage was legalized in 2018.

Alcohol & Drug Laws

The legal drinking age is 18
Drug laws are strict, and possession of even small amounts of cannabis can lead to fines and imprisonment
Public consumption of alcohol is generally permitted in designated areas, but public intoxication is illegal

Special Laws

Scooters are a common mode of transport, and visitors must be 16 years or older to rent one and wear a helmet
Driving is on the left
hand side of the road
Littering is strictly prohibited and can result in significant fines
There are strict regulations regarding fishing and marine life protection

Common Phrases

HelloHello (Standard English)

PleasePlease (Standard English)

Excuse meExcuse me (Standard English)

Thank youThank you (Standard English)

Good nightGood night (Standard English)

Good morningGood morning (Standard English)

Good afternoonGood afternoon (Standard English)

Climate

Bermuda has a subtropical climate moderated by the Gulf Stream. Warmer than expected for its latitude. Summer 77-85°F (25-29°C), winter 60-70°F (15-21°C). Hurricane season June-November (usually misses). Ocean is swimmable May-October. Brief rain showers common year-round.

Best Time to Visit

High Season: April
July (best weather, major events)
Shoulder: March, August
November (hurricane consideration Aug
Oct)
Low Season: December
February (cool, quiet, lower prices)
Ocean Swimming: May
October (warmest water)

Getting There

L
F
Wade International Airport (BDA) has direct flights from major US East Coast cities (Boston, NYC, Atlanta, Charlotte), Toronto, and London
Flight time from NYC is about 2 hours
No cruise ships allowed to dock since COVID policies but may resume

Getting Around

No rental cars for visitors
Bermuda restricts vehicles to one per household
Rent scooters (most popular), electric cars (Twizys), or use buses and ferries
The bus/ferry system is excellent and scenic
Taxis available but expensive
Island is only 21 miles long

Health & Vaccinations

No special vaccinations required
Standard travel precautions
Sun protection essential
UV is strong
Excellent medical facilities on island
Travel insurance recommended

Staying Connected

Digicel and One Communications have good coverage
Most US carriers have roaming agreements
WiFi widely available
eSIM works with most providers
Cell coverage is excellent island
wide

Local Cuisine

Fish Chowder must_try

Bermuda's national dish - a rich tomato-based fish soup traditionally served with dark rum and sherry pepper sauce.

Rum Swizzle must_try

Bermuda's national cocktail made with dark rum, falernum, citrus juices, and bitters. Swizzle Inn claims to be the birthplace.

Rockfish local_favorite

Local fish (actually a type of grouper) prepared fried, grilled, or in sandwiches. Fresh and sustainable.

Bermuda Fish Sandwich must_try

Fresh fried fish on raisin bread with tartar sauce, lettuce, and coleslaw. A uniquely Bermudian creation.

Dark 'n' Stormy must_try

Bermuda's other famous cocktail - Gosling's Black Seal rum with ginger beer. The name is trademarked.

Book in Advance

Plan ahead for the best experience. Here's what to book before your trip:

🔴 Must Book in Advance

Hotel Accommodations (Peak Season) Accommodation

Book 2-6 months in advance

Bermuda has limited hotel inventory and prices are high. Peak season (April-October) fills up, especially around Cup Match and Bermuda Day.

🟡 Recommended to Book Ahead

Scooter/Twizy Rental Transport

Book 1-4 weeks in advance

Visitors cannot rent cars in Bermuda. Scooters and electric Twizys are the main transport - limited inventory during peak season.

Golf Tee Times (Port Royal) tour_or_activity

Book 1-8 weeks in advance

Bermuda is a golf destination. Port Royal (public) and other courses book up, especially for morning tee times.

Shipwreck Snorkel/Dive Tour tour_or_activity

Book 3 days to 2 weeks in advance

Boat-based snorkel tours to shipwrecks have limited capacity. Popular morning departures fill up.

Fun Facts

1. Bermuda is not in the Caribbean - it sits 650 miles east of North Carolina in the Atlantic Ocean.
2. The famous Bermuda Triangle has Bermuda as one of its three points, though the island itself is perfectly safe.
3. Bermuda has more golf courses per square mile than any other country in the world.
4. Cars were banned on the island until 1946 to preserve the peace and quiet.

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