Traveling To Bermuda: Exploring Your Options

Bermuda is a British territory in the North Atlantic, known for its pink-sand beaches and laid-back island vibe. It is accessible by air or sea, with several major U.S. airlines offering flights to L.F. Wade International Airport, and cruise lines such as Norwegian Cruise Line, Carnival Cruise Line, and Royal Caribbean Cruises providing itineraries that include Bermuda as a port of call.

When planning a trip to Bermuda, it is important to consider the high costs associated with accommodation, transportation, and food on the island. Booking accommodation in advance, staying in a central location like Hamilton, and opting for bed and breakfasts or home rentals over hotels can help reduce costs. Transportation on the island can be challenging, with an infrequent bus system and expensive taxis. Renting a motorbike or scooter is a more convenient and economical option.

Bermuda offers a range of attractions, including pristine beaches such as Horseshoe Bay, Astwood Cove, and Elbow Beach, as well as historical sites like the Crystal and Fantasy Caves, Gibbs Hill Lighthouse, and the Royal Naval Dockyard. The island also boasts golf courses, nature reserves, and opportunities for diving and snorkelling.

Overall, Bermuda is a beautiful and relaxing destination, but it is important to plan and budget accordingly to make the most of your trip.

Flights and cruises to Bermuda

Bermuda is a popular destination for travellers, with its pink-sand beaches and laid-back island vibe. It is easily accessible from the East Coast of the United States, with a number of airlines and cruise companies offering services to the island.

Flights to Bermuda

Several airlines fly to Bermuda, with flights departing from various cities in the United States. American Airlines, for example, offers flights from New York (JFK), Miami (MIA), Charlotte (CLT), Los Angeles (LAX), and Nashville (BNA), among others. JetBlue Airways and United Airlines also offer flights to Bermuda, with prices starting at $68 for a one-way trip and $271 for a round trip.

Cruises to Bermuda

Cruises to Bermuda are a popular way to visit the island, with several companies offering itineraries that include stops in Bermuda. Celebrity Cruises, for example, offers cruises that depart from Cape Liberty, New Jersey, and spend two nights docked in Bermuda. Royal Caribbean Cruises also offers Bermuda cruises, departing from the East Coast of the United States. These cruises offer the opportunity to explore the island's history and natural beauty, including its pink sand beaches and crystal caves.

Bermuda's best beaches

Bermuda is famous for its pink-sand beaches and laid-back island vibe. Here are some of the best beaches the island has to offer:

Horseshoe Bay Beach

Ranked by Condé Nast as one of the top 20 beaches in the world, Horseshoe Bay Beach is Bermuda's most celebrated stretch of shoreline. Its long, sweeping crescent of pink sand is punctuated by rocky outcroppings and azure waves. The nearby Beach House offers snacks, rentals, and changing facilities. The beach is also known for its excellent swimming and snorkelling opportunities.

Elbow Beach

Located on the south shore of Bermuda, Elbow Beach is a beautiful mile-long stretch of pink sand with calm waters. It is known for its scenic beauty and is a great spot for sunbathing. It is also popular with active travellers, offering a range of water sports, from snorkelling and kayaking to stand-up paddleboarding.

Tobacco Bay Beach

Situated in St. George's, Tobacco Bay Beach is known for its vibrant marine life and excellent snorkelling opportunities. The beach offers facilities such as beach rentals, bars, and restaurants. It is also a great spot for paddleboarding and kayaking.

Warwick Long Bay Beach

Warwick Long Bay is the island's longest beach, boasting a half-mile stretch of pink sand. It is set against a backdrop of scrubland and coastal grasses, with a jagged coral island just offshore, making it an excellent area for snorkelling.

Jobson's Cove Beach

Located near Warwick Long Bay, Jobson's Cove is a small, secluded beach tucked away between rocky cliffs. It offers calm and crystal-clear waters, making it perfect for swimming and snorkelling.

Astwood Cove Beach

Astwood Cove, located in Warwick Parish, is a hidden gem known for its tranquility and stunning views. Surrounded by jagged limestone cliffs, this intimate sandy cove is accessed via a steep, winding trail from Astwood Park and is likely to be a quiet, secluded spot.

Clearwater Beach

Clearwater Beach is a long stretch of powdery white sand, featuring calm, shallow waters that are ideal for families. The beach is part of a 36-acre public park with nature trails, playground equipment, and views of wildlife-filled outer islands.

Getting around Bermuda

Bermuda is a small island, covering just 21 square miles. As such, getting around the island is easy, safe, and fun.

Electric Vehicles

One of the most enjoyable ways to explore Bermuda is by renting an electric car or moped. There are no conventional car rentals available on the island, but electric vehicles are available to visitors aged 18 and over with a valid driver's license.

Public Transport

Public transport is also a good option, with buses and ferries connecting most areas of interest. Bermuda's buses are painted pink with blue stripes and are easy to spot. There are 11 bus routes and 14 bus zones, with most buses leaving from the Central Terminal on Washington Street, next to City Hall in Hamilton. Ferry routes offer a scenic alternative, with boats crossing the Great Sound between Hamilton and Sandys Parish, and from Hamilton to the parishes of Paget and Warwick.

Taxis

Taxis are easy to find outside larger hotels, near the airport, or on the streets of Hamilton, St. George, or the Royal Naval Dockyard. They are a good option for getting to and from the airport, but can be expensive for sightseeing. Taxi drivers often act as tour guides, too, and can point you in the direction of the best destinations.

Bicycles

Bicycles, e-bikes, and scooters are another option for getting around Bermuda. Helmets are mandatory, and the speed limit is 20mph/32kph.

Where to stay in Bermuda

Bermuda is a British territory known for its pink-sand beaches and relaxed island vibe. It is located in the North Atlantic, about 900 miles north of the Caribbean islands, and is easily accessible from the US East Coast. The best time to visit Bermuda is in March and April when the weather is pleasant and the crowds are thinner.

Luxury Resorts:

• Rosewood Bermuda: This 5-star resort offers exclusive amenities such as a private pink sand beach, four swimming pools, a beach club, and a spa. The sprawling property covers 240 acres of Bermuda's coastline and provides a range of accommodation options, including rooms with ocean views and private cottages with their own pools.
• The Loren at Pink Beach: Located on a pink beach in Tucker's Town, this luxury boutique hotel offers just 45 rooms and suites with ocean views and boutique furnishings. For larger groups, there is also a three-bedroom villa with a private pool. The hotel's fine dining restaurant and intimate setting make it an excellent choice for a romantic getaway.
• The Reefs Resort & Club: Perched on limestone cliffs overlooking a secluded pink sand cove, The Reefs Resort & Club offers attentive and personalised service. All 62 rooms, suites, and cottages face the ocean and feature private patios or balconies to enjoy the stunning sunset views.
• Cambridge Beaches Resort & Spa: An adults-only resort featuring a private beach, tropical ocean views, three restaurants, an Ocean Spa, tennis courts, and a gym. It offers a range of accommodation styles, from rooms to private cottages and villas, some with private pools.
• The St. Regis Bermuda Resort: This oceanfront resort is located in the historic town of St. George and offers luxurious accommodations with panoramic views of the calm turquoise waters.

Boutique Hotels:

• Rosedon Hotel: This boutique hotel occupies a stately manor-style property in the heart of Hamilton. It offers traditional decor with a unique colour palette and a heated outdoor pool.
• Inverurie Executive Suites: Located in Mount Pleasant, this hotel provides easy access to various attractions. The suites feature private verandas overlooking Hamilton Harbour, along with full kitchens and separate living and dining areas.
• Oxford House: A charming Bermuda-style townhouse just a short walk from Hamilton, the bus, and the ferries. It features 12 well-appointed rooms and a complimentary breakfast.

Private Clubs and Villas:

• Private clubs, such as Tucker's Point Club, offer exclusive experiences with personalised service, oceanfront views, sprawling private beaches, lush gardens, and lively clubhouses.
• Luxury private islands: Bermuda also offers the option of renting an entire private island for the ultimate in seclusion and luxury. These islands boast unending ocean views and modern amenities.

Things to do in Bermuda

There are plenty of things to do in Bermuda, from exploring nature to learning about history and culture. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Beach Activities

Bermuda is famous for its pink-sand beaches, so make sure to visit one of these during your trip. Horseshoe Bay Beach is one of the most popular beaches, known for its soft pink sand and turquoise waters. It's a great place to swim, snorkel, or join a beach volleyball competition. If you're looking for something more secluded, try Warwick Long Bay Beach or Jobson's Cove Beach. And if you want to explore some coastal caves, check out the Crystal and Fantasy Caves, which feature stunning underground pools and unique rock formations.

Historical Sites

St. George's, one of the oldest towns on the island, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, you can visit historic churches like St. Peter's Church, the oldest Anglican church outside the British Isles, and explore the town's rich history. Another historic site is the Royal Naval Dockyard, which was once the United Kingdom's largest naval base in the Atlantic. Today, it's home to shops, restaurants, and museums. Speaking of museums, the National Museum of Bermuda is located within a massive fort in the Dockyard and showcases 500 years of the island's history.

Outdoor Adventures

If you're feeling adventurous, there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy in Bermuda. You can go scuba diving to explore shipwrecks, take a jet ski or catamaran tour, or even go stand-up paddleboarding. There are also nature reserves and parks to discover, such as the Spittal Pond Nature Reserve, where you can spot rare wildlife. For a unique perspective of the island, consider hiking the Bermuda Railway Trail, which offers stunning views of the coastline.

Food and Drink

When it comes to food and drink, Bermuda has a lot to offer. Sample the local delicacy, the fried fish sandwich, at Art Mel's Spicy Dicy. Wash it down with a Rum Swizzle, one of Bermuda's national drinks, at the Swizzle Inn. If you're looking for something sweet, head to Bailey's Bay Ice Cream Parlour for a scoop of their famous Dark 'n' Stormy ice cream. And don't miss the chance to try some local produce and fresh seafood at the many restaurants across the island.

Frequently asked questions