Travel guide to Bermuda

Bermuda

Hamilton (approximately 15,000)

53 square kilometres

English is the official language

Many religions are represented in Bermuda, yet most Bermudians are Anglicans and Roman Catholics.

64,472 (July 1999)

Self-governing part of Great Britain

The small island of Bermuda is isolated in the Atlantic Ocean. Actually Bermuda is not an island, but rather a group of islands. This group comprises 150 islands, and the 7 largest ones are connected with bridges and dams. Only 20 of the island are inhabited. Bermuda is only 53 square kilometres and no more than 3 kilometres across at the widest point. Regardless of the postion your accommodation in Bermuda you will never lose sight of the ocean.

You may visit Bermuda all year around, but the tourist season - with guaranteed beautiful weather and ocean temperatures ideal for swimming - ranges from April to October. It is at this time of year that most events take place in the island. One of the advantages of visiting Bermuda during winter is that living expenses on the island are then reduced by approximately 40 per cent. Moreover, for windsurfers this time of year is ideal in terms of weather conditions.

Fodor's Bermuda 2000
Bermuda Pocket Guide
Lonely Planet Bermuda
Maverick Guide to Bermuda

The following units of measurements are used in Bermuda:
Weight: Kilo
Temperature: Celsius
Distance: Metres
Capacity: Litres

Photographing is allowed everywhere in Bermuda. However, you should avoid taking pictures in the airport and near the police.

The drinking water has been filtered and is safe to drink.

Electric current operates on 110 volts AC, 60 cycles, and a flat, two-pronged plug is used.

Many luxurious cruise liners go to Bermuda. Thus, in fine restaurants it is expected that you dress properly for dinner. This is also expected in some hotels.

Banks are open from 9.30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and from 9.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. on Fridays. Shops are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. In the tourist season, some shops have other opening hours, especially when cruise liners are visitng town.

Bermuda's many restaurants offer guests everything from the Mediterranean area's varied kitchen in Hamilton to exquisite local specialities in St Davids. Local dishes primarily consist of fish and shellfish, especially codfish. The most traditional dish in Bermuda is the Sunday-morning codfish. This large meal consists of codfish, eggs, potatoes, bananas and avocado, served with an onion- and tomato sauce. Black rum is the island national drink, and locals drink it together with ginger ale.

Generally, Bermuda is not well equipped for travellers with a mobility problem: However, some of the large hotels and cruise liners have facilities for disabled travellers.

New Year's Day, 1 January
Bermuda Day, May 24
The Queen's Birthday, third Monday in June
Labour Day, first Monday of September
Remembrance Day, November 11
Christmas Day, December 25
Boxing Day, December 26

In Bermuda you will find a variety of possible accommodation. You may choose one of the island's lovely hotels - most of them situated near the southern coast. Alternatively you may choose a cottage colony, where you live in your own house without a kitchen and you dine in the joint facility centre nearby. You will also find two luxurious Club Resorts for members and guests only on the island.

Book your Hotel in Bermuda here

No camping facilities are available in Bermuda.

Most hotels are situated near the southern coast of the island. You will find hotels in all price levels, and in some of these hotels, breakfast and dinner will be included in the price

Frequently guesthouses provide accommodation for only 12 people, and they are usually small private homes. In some guesthouses you will find joint kitchen facilities, whilst some of the larger ones provides breakfast.

No youth hostels are available in Bermuda.

Cottage colonies are a typical feature of Bermuda. Set around a large facility house with dining room, lounge and bar - several smaller individual cottages are placed. You do not have to cook for yourself as you may eat at restaurants or in the shared dining room. All of these cottage colonies have swimming pools. Bermuda furthermore provides apartment buildings where you can cook for yourself. They are similar to the cottage colonies - they simply lack the large facility house.

In Bermuda you cannot rent cars. Consequently many people choose to rent a scooter or a bicycle when exploring the island. The buses cover most parts of the island.

Only one airport can be found in Bermuda, situated in the southern part of the island.

Going by bus is cheap in Bermuda. The bus-stops have pink or blue colours, depending on which side of the road you are on. The pink marks indicate that the bus is heading for Hamilton, whilst the blue marks indicate that the bus is leaving Hamilton.

You will not find trains in Bermuda.

Whilst you cannot rent a car in Bermuda, taxi is by far the most convenient means of transport. They utilise a taximeter and all cars carry a price list. For every passenger in the car there is a basic charge. Having more than 4 people will raise the cost a little. Prices are higher from midnight to 6 am and on Sundays and Holidays.

car rental is not possible in Bermuda.

Scooters have become very popular in the island, and they can be rented for an hour, a day, or a week. The price includes the required helmet. In order to rent a scooter you must be at least 16 years of age. If younger you are allowed to sit pillion - provided you wear a helmet. For further information, please see:
http://www.bermuda.com/wheels

Travelling by horse-drawn carriage is a pleasant method of transport. But please note that it is not possible to get a ride after 4.30 p.m.

Cycling around the island is healthy and a wonderful experience. Many places have bicycles for rent and the prices are fair.

Tourists are not allowed to drive a car in Bermuda.
Bermuda has left-hand driving.
Alcohol is expensive in Bermuda, as the government have placed high import duties on alcohol.

 • Bermudas Southshore

 • Hamilton