Bermuda Travel information
♦ Routes (free): Detailed travel itineraries in USA
Written by: Orad Eldar Bar
A trip to Bermuda offers a different kind of experience—Bermuda is truly magical, a destination that remains a mystery to many travelers, but the reality exceeds all imagination. Pristine beaches with stunning turquoise water and pink sand, impressive landscapes, beachfront hotels, and plenty of shops.
Bermuda is relatively expensive compared to its sisters in the Caribbean, in terms of accommodation and restaurants. This fact led to a significant decrease in the number of tourists arriving on flights in recent years, but it has made Bermuda a classic destination for many cruises.
When arriving on a cruise to Bermuda, usually for several days, there is no need to worry about accommodation or restaurants. You can tour the cities, beaches, and shops at leisure, and return to the ship for lunch or for the night.
Bermuda is located in the western Atlantic Ocean, about 600 nautical miles from the coast of North Carolina. You can reach Bermuda, as mentioned, by cruise ship or by flight.
Bermuda is a British territory, not yet independent, with about 65,000 residents whose main income is from finance, banking, and the insurance industry.
Bermuda offers tropical weather, peace and relaxation, clean sandy beaches, and many options for water sports: snorkeling, diving, jet skiing, kayaking, and many other diverse attractions. This is the ultimate entertainment in Bermuda—the crystal clear water, the special corals, and the many snorkeling options have made the island a true paradise for diving and water sports enthusiasts. At most beaches, the water is so clear that you can see to the bottom, even at great depths.
For those arriving by flight to Bermuda, it is recommended to stay for 5-7 nights to enjoy the vacation on the island at a relaxed pace. Below are several recommended hotels in different locations on the island for your choice.
Recommended Hotels in Bermuda
Hamilton Princess & Beach Club A Fairmont Managed Hotel
A 5-star hotel located in Hamilton Harbor, about a five-minute walk from the city center. Featuring an infinity pool facing the harbor. There are several restaurants on-site. Fitness center, free internet.
A 4-star hotel in the south of the island facing the beach with a private beach, including breakfast, an infinity pool, restaurant, fitness center, and free Wi-Fi.
Newstead Belmont Hills Golf Resort & Spa
A 4-star hotel located in the harbor with large family suites. Pool + jacuzzi + fitness center. Free Wi-Fi.
A 3-star hotel located in Castle Harbour with a sandy beach protected by a chain of islands. Outdoor pool with jacuzzi, tennis courts. Rooms for up to 4 adults and two children. Free internet.
| Did you know? The scary and notorious "Bermuda Triangle" is an area in the Atlantic Ocean, triangular in shape, whose vertices are the Bermuda Islands in the north, the eastern coast of Florida in the west, and Puerto Rico in the south. Its area is about 1,000,000 square kilometers. The triangle is a high-traffic area, linked to several unexplained accidents; the most famous is the disappearance of five American bombers on a routine training flight in December 1945, known as "Flight 19". Some said they were UFOs residing in the area that bring down the planes, or even a mysterious magnetic field that pulls metals into the sea. The US Coast Guard dismissed the claims, explaining that the number of accidents is not unusual at all relative to the volume of sea and air traffic in the vast area.
|
Most cruise ships arriving in Bermuda dock for about 3 nights at the island. Docking the ship for three days allows travelers to taste the variety of options Bermuda has to offer: history alongside beaches, caves alongside corals, ancient forts alongside impressive buildings, and luxury hotels on the water.
In Bermuda, it is not possible to rent a car (except for a small electric vehicle for two people or a small motorcycle) and driving there is also the opposite of Israel—they drive on the left side. Therefore, the best way to tour it is via guided tours and excursions. Below are several recommended tours on the island of Bermuda for booking from Viator:
♦ Booking tours and excursions in Bermuda adapted for cruise ship passengers (except for the catamaran cruise) from Viator:
♦ Guided bicycle tour and swimming at the beach - Railway Trail Bike and Beach Tour in Bermuda Departs from and returns to the cruise port.
The Beaches in Bermuda
Bermuda is famous for its magnificent beaches. Those arriving at the island can spend time at no fewer than 34 beaches that offer sun, sand, and clear water. Some beaches are more suitable for snorkeling, while others are better for swimming for the whole family.
The closest beach to the cruise port is Somerset Long Bay. The beach is ideal for a pleasant nature walk and even bird watching. At the beach, you will find Bermuda's famous pink sand and also great sunsets. The most famous beach in Bermuda is Horseshoe Bay. If you only have time for one beach during your vacation, it is recommended that you go to this one. The beach can be reached by taxi, bus, or shuttle from the cruise port. The beach, shaped like a crescent moon, also offers pink sand and a pleasant breeze during the summer days. It is a lovely beach, but also the most touristy and popular among tourists and those arriving on cruise ships.
Just one mile from the popular beach, you will find Warwick Long Bay. This is a great option for a quieter and more private beach experience. The soft sand and warm water will make the experience very pampering. A wonderful view can be found after a very short climb on the rocks.
Map of Bermuda Island:
Tours and Excursions in Bermuda
In Bermuda, as I mentioned before, you cannot rent a car (except for a small two-person electric vehicle or a small motorcycle) and driving there is also the opposite of Israel—they drive on the left side. Therefore, the best way to tour it is through guided tours and excursions.
A particularly enjoyable tour, which allows you to get to know Bermuda from the sea's perspective, is a boat cruise along the island. A recommended company is AQUATIC BERMUDA, with the guide Tony (www.aquaticbermuda.com). The guide, full of knowledge about Bermuda, will be happy to tell you about the history, nature, and life on the island. The cruise reaches beautiful beaches, luxury waterfront hotels, and other points of interest. During the cruise, there are several stops for swimming and snorkeling. The most special are stops near ancient shipwrecks that have become beautiful coral reefs over the years. As part of the cruise, you will get to feed fish that will come to the food in droves... Reservations must be made in advance for the tour. To contact: aquaticbermuda@logic.bm or by phone at (441) 236-2200. On the cruise, you will also pass under Somerset Bridge—the bridge was built in 1620 and is the smallest opening in the world under a drawbridge. The intention was for the bridge to rise to allow ships with a high mast to pass, but the passage is too narrow and the water too shallow, so ships cannot reach this point. Only small boats can pass through the bridge.
This is a special and enjoyable opportunity to get to know Bermuda above the surface—before "diving" into the island's depths, diving into the clear waters and the island's marine adventures. Recommended!
Another option for a marine experience—kayaking. Crystal Clear Kayaks (crystalclearkayaksbda.com) offers an enjoyable kayaking trip in kayaks with transparent floors along the shores of Bermuda. During the trip, you reach several beaches, impressive structures, coral clusters, large rocks, and shipwreck remains. The trip, lasting about an hour, is an experience for the whole family. Two people sit in each boat, also enjoying a glass floor in the kayak, which allows them to closely see the corals, fish, and sea turtles. Even during the kayaking trip, it is very enjoyable to feed the fish and see them approaching right up to your hands. The guides are experienced and friendly—a special and recommended experience! The trip must be coordinated in advance. To contact: tours@crystalclearkayaksbda.com or by phone: 441-595-2925.
Bermuda isn't just about the sea; it also has nice cities, history, impressive buildings, and beautiful stalactite caves, and the residents in Bermuda are also kind and welcoming.
To get to know the island in depth and visit the central points of interest, it is worth joining a guided tour. An experienced local guide is Lewis Foggo, who offers comprehensive guided tours that will take you to the highlights Bermuda has to offer. The guide knows the island like the back of his hand and will be happy to tell you about the history, politics, economy, tourism, and even the celebrities who live on the island. It is worth dedicating a full day to the tour to enjoy all the best that Bermuda can offer. Among other things, you will visit the capital city of Bermuda, Hamilton. The city's name was given after Sir Henry Hamilton, Governor of Bermuda between 1778-1794. About ten percent of Bermuda's residents live in the city, and it is the only city in the islands, even though it is smaller than the central town in eastern Bermuda, St. George's, which predates it historically and is larger in area and population. The city has many museums, galleries, shops, and restaurants.
For marine world enthusiasts, it is worth visiting the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute—a central and famous attraction in Hamilton, Bermuda. The center opened in 1997, with the goal of exposing the public to the mystery of the ocean and marine life in Bermuda. The center has many exhibits, most of them interactive, spanning two floors. The lower floor displays treasures, jewelry, and coins found by diver Teddy Tucker. On the upper floor is an experiential 7-minute simulator, simulating a submarine exploring the depths of the ocean.
The guided tour also includes special viewpoints. One of them is at Fort Scaur—a fort located on the highest hill in Bermuda. The fort was built in 1870 to protect the British naval base and warn of possible attack attempts. The fort served as a base for the British in WWI and as a base for the Americans during WWII. Today, a magnificent view is reflected from the hill and you can see as far as the eastern tip of Bermuda.
Don't miss a viewpoint from the high lighthouse, Gibbs Hill Lighthouse. The lighthouse was built on a hill in Southampton Parish and is one of the main attractions in this area. The lighthouse was built in 1846 and is one of the oldest in the world. Its height is 75m above sea level. A magnificent panoramic view is possible from the balcony at the tip of the lighthouse, reached by climbing 185 steps. Small exhibits are located along the ascent, presenting the story of the lighthouse's construction.
As can already be seen from the photos, the beaches in Bermuda are magnificent and they say the sunsets there are among the most beautiful in the world. But to reach breathtaking views on the island, it is worth going below the surface and discovering Bermuda's stalactite caves. In Crystal and Fantasy Caves you will find pools with deep, clear water, magnificent formations of stalactites and stalagmites that have made the attraction particularly popular. These are the most famous stalactite caves in Bermuda and they are called "the island's secret treasure" by many visitors and tourists. The tour guide will be happy to take you to "secret" corners, untouched nature that has not yet been discovered by tourists. Thus, you will be happy to discover beautiful lagoons, dark caves, and charming walking paths.
A tour should be coordinated in advance with the guide: lewis_foggo@hotmail.com
In summary, there is much to see and do in Bermuda. Whether you want to indulge in a beach vacation or whether you want to experience water sports and extreme experiences, Bermuda is the place for you. Magnificent beaches, relaxing vacation, diverse activities, fun extreme sports. What else is needed?