Earlier this year when my husband and I were discussing how and where we’d like to celebrate our 30th wedding anniversary, Bermuda rose to the top of the list. We enjoyed our honeymoon on a cruise to this beautiful island. Back then, mega cruise ships didn’t exist and our smaller, and for us, more desirable ships docked at St. George. This is no longer the case for most ships.
Fast forward to 2024.
This time, we chose to stay on the island, not cruise, and after some research, we settled on a rental in Smith’s Parish. More about that in a bit.
For this post, I chose not to discuss our day-to-day itinerary but rather focus on a compilation of all things Bermuda that I learned from visiting this beautiful island over the last three decades and provide advice to make your trip here the very best.
So let’s get started…
Helpful Tips Before You Go
- Expect sticker shock. EVERYTHING in Bermuda is pricey. Everything is imported and taxed and for that reason, food and goods cost a lot.
- Tap water is drinkable. All Bermuda water is from rainwater. Just fill up your water bottles and you’re set.
- Bermuda is NOT in the Caribbean. Located off the coast of North Carolina, it is cool here in the winter. If you’re looking for a hot destination to ease your winter blues, Bermuda’s weather may not suit your needs. Nevertheless, it is a beautiful place any time of year.
- Bermuda and US currency are interchangeable. If you don’t want to return to the States with Bermuda money, make sure to use it before you leave or always ask for your change in US currency.
- Bring a hat and plenty of sunscreen.
- US Customs is at the Bermuda airport, making returning to the States a breeze!
Now let’s move on to some advice on..
ACCOMMODATIONS
So should you cruise, stay at a resort, or rent? I’ve done all three options and over time, my opinion evolved. Cruising was my first choice 20-30 years ago. Nowadays, not so much. I’m not slamming cruising. It’s certainly a more economical way to visit this relatively expensive island. However, gone are the days when ships held 2,000 passengers or less. Now, mega Cruise ships along with the crowds descend on this island for a short 1-3 day stay.
So, this time around, we passed on cruising and chose to rent an apartment and we couldn’t have been happier. Our stay way in Smith’s Parish, a 20-minute taxi from the airport. We chose to be far away from the Naval Dockyard where the cruise ships dock. Our stay was in a beautiful and quiet residential area. Perfect for this travel couple.
So how did we get around?
TRANSPORTATION
Most likely if you’re reading this blog, you’re interested in visiting Bermuda and have already checked out the transportation options on this island but here’s my take.
You have the following choices:
Rent an electric vehicle. There are NO regular rental cars for visitors. They’re not cheap and they hold only two passengers. Be prepared to drive the “British” way. For Americans that means, the steering wheel is on the right side of the car and you drive on the other side of the road. Roads are curvy so be prepared. The upside is they provide the freedom to come and go as you please.
Rent a motorbike. Need I say more? This was not going to work for this couple. This option is for those who are fine with motorcycles.
Ride the buses. This travel couple chose this option for much of our time in Bermuda. Bermuda’s bus system is clean and relatively efficient. Rides cost $3.50-5 depending on the zone. An exact change is required unless you buy a bus pass. One to 7-day passes are available for purchase at ferry and bus terminals in Hamilton, St George, and the Navy Dockyard.
Now the downside for bus travel. Many buses stop running after 6 pm unless you’re going from the tourist areas such as Hamilton and the Dockyards. The schedules also only post the start and end times of the route. It’s up to you to calculate when the bus will reach any stop in between. Very interesting, huh?
Book a taxi. Taxis are abundant on the island. There is no Uber or Lyft in Bermuda. There are several taxi companies on the island. Get their phone numbers and you should be fine. We tried using what they offered as APP and, well, they didn’t work. Also, keep in mind that this mode of transportation is not cheap. They start the meter at anywhere from about $6-8 and then about $3-4 for every kilometer thereafter. Cash is necessary and a tip is not included. We found that most restaurants are more than happy to call one for you.
Walking. This option is best undertaken in major towns like Hamilton, St. George, and the Navy Dockyard. Most areas outside of these places have no sidewalks. Roads are narrow and curvy and can be a bit e latter can be quite scary if you are where there are no sidewalks. For example, we were a short 5-minute walk from John Smith’s Bay but there were no sidewalks and the roads were narrow but we did it
FOOD AND DINING
Although food is not cheap is an understatement, the food quality and portions served at restaurants meet expectations. All the restaurants we went to offered amazing, well-prepared food. Groceries are quite expensive. Some visitors, like yours truly, brought some items to the island like coffee pods, sugar, tea, and snacks. Many visitors who stay long-term pack more food to bring. Just check the Bermuda government website to see what you can and cannot bring in.
MUST THINGS TO DO & SEE
Spend time at one or more of their beautiful beaches.
This is a no-brainer! You probably are visiting Bermuda for this reason. Famous for its pink sand beaches and crystal blue water, you really can’t go wrong with any of them. Elbow Beach and Horseshoe Bay are two famous beaches but we had been before. They got very crowded, especially when the cruisers are in town.
For this couple, John Smith’s Bay floated to the top of our list. Uncrowded and within walking distance of our accommodations, it provided a perfect serene beach atmosphere. Other recommended options include Shelly Bay, which is great for families, and Warwick Bay.
Indulge in fish dishes washed down with rum!
When in Bermuda, enjoying their fresh fish, including their famous fish sandwich served on raisin bread, is a must. Of course, wash it down with their famous Rum swizzle. YUM!
Explore the Town of St. George, Stop by the Unfinished Church, and Swim at Tobacco Bay.
These sites can be clustered together and can easily be done in one visit. St. George is a lovely town to walk around. Enjoy the shops, and grab a bite to eat before taking a short walk down the road to the Unfinished Church. Just a bit further down is Tobacco Bay. Be warned. Tobacco Bay is at the bottom of a relatively steep hill. You will have to walk back up the hill. No buses run here. Taxis are nearby if you need them.
Explore the Bermuda Railway Trail.
The Bermuda Railway Trail provides a look at Bermuda that you cannot find any other way. It spans the island from end to end, following an abandoned railbed that winds 18 miles through tranquil landscapes and a rocky coastline. Pick a portion of the Trail and go for it. You will not be disappointed.
The Trail provides options for walkers, cyclists, and even rollerblades. Signs and plaques along the way provide not only a glimpse of Bermuda’s history but its beautiful scenery. For more information, click here.
Visit the Bermuda Botanical Gardens and Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo.
The gardens are a nice respite for an hour or so. The grounds are relatively small and there is a small museum on site. Calling all John Lennon fans! It is here where Lennon was inspired to write his album Double Fantasy after he saw this sculpture.
The Bermuda Aquarium and Zoo is not just for kids. This couple loved it too! Offering not only a glimpse into the undersea world of this island, a range of animals are also for viewing in naturalistic environments. Plus, you can enjoy great water views of the Harrington Sound and Flatt’s Inlet from a coastal walkway.
Immerse yourself in something authentically Bermudian.
Wherever our travels take us, we always try to do something specific to the culture. In Bermuda, you can book a high tea for some British tradition. We luckily were visiting during the 2024 Cup Classic held at the Somerset Cricket Club. The Bermudians take this sport very seriously. The event falls every year over two important public holidays- Emancipation Day and Mary Prince Day (August 1-2). Families camp out and book spaces in the stadium, bringing food, drink, and joy. What a blast!
Explore the Town of Hamilton.
Hamilton is the capital city of Bermuda. Visitors can stroll along Front Street, directly situated on the harbor. As you explore, take in the views of its pastel-colored colonial buildings, shop at its many retail stores, take in a pint at a bar, and grab a bite to eat. The stone Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity has a tower with city views. Visit the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute which offers ocean discovery exhibits or the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum, and Zoo.
Explore Spittal Pond Nature Preserve
Calling all nature lovers! Spittal Pond Reserve is the largest reserve on the island, covering over 64 acres. A heaven for birdwatchers, its main trail leads to spectacular coastal views.
What is Portuguese Rock? In 1612, Bermuda was settled by the survivors of the shipwrecked Sea Venture who made their way to dry land in what is now Spittal Pond. They supposedly spent the next few weeks living off the sea turtles and building a boat to get them off the island. The story goes that before they left, one of the crew climbed to the top of a craggy formation, and carved the letters “RP” (possibly meaning Rex Portugaliae, for the King of Portugal) and the year, 1543, marking the very first known human visitors to Bermuda. Today, the bronze plaque commemorates one of the great “what ifs” of the island’s history.
Take at least one bus ride and one ferry ride.
Even if you rent a car or moped, this is a fun and inexpensive way to take in the views of this beautiful island without having to keep your eyes on the road. We also met locals and had some lively discussions both by land and sea.
And last but not least…
Enjoy at least one meal with a view.
After all, you are visiting one of the most beautiful places on earth. Eating with views like this creates memories. Our 30th wedding anniversary dinner took place at the Pink Beach Club and we couldn’t have been happier. Can’t you see the smiles?
