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: United Kingdom
CapitalLondon
CurrencyBritish pound (£)
LanguageEnglish , Welsh,Scottish Gaelic,Irish,Cornish,Ulster-Scots
Phone Code+44
Electricity230V (Type G)
Tap WaterSafe to drink
Tipping
- Tipping is common in restaurants (10
- 15% for good service), for taxi drivers (rounding up or 10%), and for hairdressers (a few pounds)
- Tipping is not generally expected in pubs, though you can offer to buy a drink for the bartender
Money & Payments
- ATMs are widely available
- Credit cards are widely accepted
- Bringing a mix of cash and card is advisable
- No black market for cash
Cultural Norms
- Queuing is a common and important social norm
- Politeness and understatement are valued
- Public displays of affection are generally accepted but can vary by context and location
LGBTQ+ Information
Generally LGBTQ+ friendly. The UK is generally considered LGBTQ+ friendly, with legal protections against discrimination and same-sex marriage/civil partnerships legalized across all nations within the UK.
Alcohol & Drug Laws
- The legal drinking age is 18
- Drug laws are strict, and possession of even small amounts of illegal drugs can lead to severe penalties
Special Laws
- It is illegal to smoke in enclosed public places and workplaces
- Jaywalking is not illegal but is generally not advised on busy roads
Common Phrases
DodgySuspicious / Sketchy (DOJ-ee)
CheekyPlayfully rude / Mischievous (CHEE-kee)
GuttedVery disappointed (GUT-ed)
BrilliantGreat / Awesome (BRIL-yant)
KnackeredExhausted (NAK-erd)
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
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
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.
Book 1-8 weeks in advance
Bermuda is a golf destination. Port Royal (public) and other courses book up, especially for morning tee times.
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.
