In the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, Bermuda is located 570 miles east of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, an island filled with pink sand beaches, pastel cottages and quintessential British traditions. With a land mass of only 21 square miles, it is one of the smallest in the world. Bermuda actually consists of about 140 islands, of which 8 of them are connected by bridges to form a continuous fishhook shaped area that runs 22 miles in length and only 2 miles across at its widest point. This is the Bermuda that most everyone knows, because the other islands are uninhabited, and some are only rocks.
Bermuda is another island in many ways from those that you generally think like the Caribbean. It is very polite and a little reluctant in the sense that you will not find laid-back locals wandering around barefoot and offers you Pina Coladas. It is no formal in dress, as you will see the female residents in stockings and heels and men in jackets, ties, Bermuda shorts and knee socks despite the beautiful weather. Golf and tennis are popular pastimes, and you will find that most visitors, as well as Bermudians, is over 40 years. It is a wonderful and charming island that offers many things to see and do with great places to go.
Bermuda weather is very temperate, not too hot and not too cold. It is a semi-tropical islands that do not have a rainy season, and there is no months, receiving an excess of rain. Rain may be heavy at times, but you will find that the sky clear quickly, and it does not usually affect your outdoor plans. The temperature rarely rises above 85 F (29.5 C) perfect for sunbathing, swimming and all water sports, and there is always a cool breeze at night. May to October is the hottest month with an average high of 82 F and an average low of 74 F. The coldest part of the year runs from January to March with average highs of 69 F and lows 60 F.
Department of Tourism promotes 2 seasons for Bermuda weather, summer “beach and sizzle” and winter In summer, the island is filled with activities “golf and spa.” Hotel barbecue and evening dancing to offset your daytime sightseeing tours and public beaches never close on. During the off-season, which runs from November to March, you will find that the pace slows considerably. Some of sightseeing, diving, snorkeling and water skiing boats are dry docked and only taxis trips to the island. There are also a few hotels and restaurants that will close, even when it is said, most hotels in Bermuda do stay open, and you can find prices slashed up to 40%. This is a good time to travel with perfect weather for golf and tennis, you can still rent boats, tour the islands and the best part? You can travel Bermuda and take full advantage of the uncrowded beaches, shops, restaurants and hiking and fully enjoy the beautiful sunny day.
If you want to rent a car while you travel Bermuda, you will be out of luck because there is no car available there! You can get around by public buses, ferries, rent a moped or scooter, you can use taxis – or even hire a horse and carriage. Bus system is great, running as planned throughout the day, although there are no late system. Exact change, tokens or tickets required. Tokens can be purchased at some hotels and guest houses, sub-post offices and at the Central Terminal in Hamilton on Church Street. You can also get multi-day transportation passes for three or seven days, which allows unlimited bus tours, which will save you some money. Taxis can be found at the airport and most major hotels and they can also double as tour operators, if you want to create your own sightseeing tour of the island. Bermuda taxi operators are among the world’s finest and their knowledge and comments can make for an unforgettable trip. You can rent them by the day, hour or mile. All taxis are metered and the tariff is fixed by law, so rates are the same for all: $ 4 for the first mile, $ 1.40 for each additional mile and higher rates after 10 pm. Ferries are a scenic way to get around and can sometimes be much faster than the bus. They connect Hamilton with Paget, Warwick and Somerset / Dockyard area. Moped rentals are available at 1/2 day, day, week and long term. The price varies depending on the length of rental and type of cycle. Horse and carriage rides are a nice way to see Bermuda. By day the drivers will point out landmarks, and in the evening it is very romantic.
The currency here is the Bermuda dollar, and it has a 1-1 relation to the U.S. dollar. Both currencies are accepted at all businesses, but the U.S. dollar is the currency of choice, because unlike the Bermu
da dollar, it is exchangeable anywhere in the world. Average room prices vary as such: Low – $ 100/120 Mid – $ 120/180 High – $ 200 +, average meal prices are: Low – $ 5/10 Mid – $ 10/25 High – $ 25-30. All hotels in Bermuda are subject to a 7.25% hotel tax that is added to your bill at check-out, and there is also a departure tax, but this is included in the price of your ticket. When it comes to tipping, most restaurants add a 15% service charge to your bill, so just check to see if it’s there, so you do not end up tipping twice, and of course, if it’s not there, it is average. Hotels generally also add a fee, and it is 10%. For taxis, a tip of around 10% on average.
Bermuda has more sights to see than you will be able to visit in a single holiday, here are a just a few of the highlights. Visit awesome underground Bermuda, with one of the highest concentrations of limestone caves in the world, it makes a world of dreams, there has even been the inspiration for many creative achievements, including Hensen Associates “Fraggle Rock” Muppets. Be sure to take a visit to the Crystal Caves or Leamington Caves, both along Harrington Sound Road. The Royal Naval Dockyard, which began in 1809, can be seen today restored as an entertainment and shopping complex with restaurants, craft market, art centre Bermuda Maritime Museum, historic Commissioners House, cinema and Clock Tower shopping centre. Botanical Garden, which has more than 1000 varieties of plant life spread out over 36 acres of countryside and is open all year from sunrise to sunset. Take time to visit Bermuda Aquarium, Natural History Museum and Zoo where you can take self-guided tours if you choose and learn about Bermuda’s beginnings, whaling industry, captivating undersea exploration and fragile environment. Aquarium, Museum and Zoo is internationally recognized as a centre for the conservation and reintroduction of endangered species.
If diving and snorkeling is your thing, you will find some 350 shipwrecks that are scattered among reef formations, making it an ever-changing, living museum under the sea. Another good way to see this amazing world through a Glass Bottom Boat Tour, offered during the days and nights. And let’s not forget the endless number of beautiful Bermuda beaches. With its pink sand and limestone dunes, you will find that the beaches on the south coast is more scenic than those on the north shore. The most popular, also the most crowded with tourists and locals is Horseshoe Bay Beach. Your best bet is to download the “Bermuda Guide to beaches and transport,” a free publication available at most hotels and in all visits service agencies. It combines maps and bus / ferry schedules that shows you the location of the beaches and how to reach them.
Whether you are looking to visit a busy city as the capital of Hamilton, which offers plenty of shopping and sightseeing during the day, dinner, drinks and dancing at night for a lazy day at the beach, to the World Heritage Site and historic city of St . George, Bermuda will cater for all your needs. It can be a relaxing vacation destination or an international business centre. It is a mixture of old and new worlds, friendly people, and there are so many things for you to participate in and enjoy. Whatever your desire, Bermuda is sure to welcome you.