Discover the Island of Bermuda September 1, 2022
Once you safely arrive in Bermuda (by the way, the myth of the Bermuda Triangle has carried on for centuries, although never definitively affirmed), you will still notice a triangle or trio of elements that add to the island’s unique character…
Many assume that Bermuda is part of the Caribbean Islands, but it’s not. Bermuda is an island in the North Atlantic and is a British Overseas Territory. Therefore, Bermuda is neither North American, Caribbean, nor British… It is administered independently as a country. As such, independent rules apply, some noted below.
This trifecta is also evident within the island cuisines, featuring a mix of local seafood dishes, traditional British dishes, as well as American fare. Yet the island’s overall style, ambiance, and etiquette are distinctly Bermudian.
1. Getting Around Bermuda
Bermuda is a tiny island – just 24 miles long and less than one mile wide in most places – and at any given point you are within one mile of the ocean. That said, getting around the island isn’t as straightforward as it may seem.
Visitors are not allowed to rent cars in Bermuda. Because the island is so small, congestion is a huge threat to the infrastructure, and even locals have tight restrictions on car ownership. However, there are a few ways you can navigate the island on your own, even without a car. There is an emerging market of electric mini-cars that visitors can rent, and scooters, mopeds, and bikes are also reasonably priced and widely available. If you opt to drive around the island, remember that they ride on the left-hand side in Bermuda!
If you’re looking for something a little more family and luggage-friendly, taxis are also easy to find. Unfortunately, taxis are costly, so only use them if you don’t mind the high prices. Be prepared to pay in cash for your ride or use the Hitch app to pay with a card.
If you’re looking for money-saving tips for Bermuda, you can take the public buses and ferries from point A to B. Public transportation in Bermuda is incredibly visitor-friendly and affordable. Eleven different bus routes shuttle passengers around the island, and single fares start at $3.50. Note that exact change is required for bus tickets. Ferries are also a great option, with routes between some of the island’s top attractions like Hamilton, St. George’s, and the Royal Dockyards.
If you stay at the beautiful Newstead Belmont Hills, you’ll have a prime location and might not even worry about getting around. You get a free boat shuttle across the channel to the happening Hamilton area and a complimentary car shuttle to many places within a 5-minute radius to spots like Elbow Beach or the golf course.
2. Safety
While it was a subject most kids learned about growing up, you won’t have to worry about the mysterious Bermuda Triangle when traveling to the island. That being said, Bermuda has a few safety tips that visitors should keep in mind.
- Beware of Portuguese man o’ wars – a jellyfish-like creature with long tentacles and a powerful sting. Stings are rarely deadly, but the welts they create are extremely painful. Man o’ wars bob on the surface and are pushed by the wind, so keep an eye out for them if you are in the water on breezy days.
- Although hurricanes aren’t as prevalent in Bermuda as in the Caribbean, the island isn’t immune to them. If you are traveling during peak hurricane season (June through November), keep an eye on the weather forecast.
- Bermuda has no natural freshwater sources, so tap water is often just rain collected from rooftop drainage systems. There are some exceptions, but as a rule, don’t drink tap water unless you know for a fact that it’s safe to consume.
- Bermuda is an affluent travel destination with relatively minor crimes. However, petty theft is something to look out for. Watch for pickpockets in busy tourist areas and never leave valuables unattended at the beach.
- If you experience any kind of emergency in Bermuda, the emergency number is 911.
3. How to Save Money in Bermuda
Bermuda is often considered a no-budget destination due to its sky-high prices. The island is isolated, and almost everything has to be imported. So the hefty price tags make sense. That being said, there are a few money-saving tips for Bermuda to help you reel in your budget.
- Taxis are costly, so opt for a rental scooter, bike, moped, or mini electric car to save some cash. Public transportation is also an excellent option for travelers, and taking the bus or ferry is easy and cheap. In addition, most rental and public transportation options offer discounted rates if you book multiple days/trips in one go, so plan ahead to save even more.
- To get a reasonable rate on accommodation – book early! Booking a few months in advance will save you some money and guarantee a space to reserve at the hotel/resort you desire.
- Even better than booking early, booking for the off-season is one of the best money-saving tips for Bermuda. Winter (November-March) is often up to 25% cheaper than the peak summer season.
- This may feel counter-intuitive, but go ahead and splurge on eating out. Because everything is imported, cooking at home is often just as expensive as eating at a restaurant!
4. What to Eat
5. Tipping
6. Where to Stay
There are many great accommodation options in Bermuda’s East End, West End, and Central Zone. Each area has its attractions, but nothing is ever truly far away on this little island.
If you’re looking to stay in the Central Zone, the best option is hands down the Newstead Belmont Hills Golf Resort & Spa. This luxurious resort and spa is situated right on the water and near all the island’s top points of interest. Guests can book treatments at the spa, play a round of golf on the 18-hole course, or simply relax on their private balcony and take in gorgeous ocean views. The resort also boasts a pool, hot tub, modern fitness room, and more.