Bermuda is a small island chain in the North Atlantic, about 21 square miles of land with a long, hook-shaped main island linked by bridges and causeways. It is not a Caribbean island, and it feels different: pastel houses, pink-tinged beaches, stone walls and a British-influenced way of life. Most visitors stay in a resort or hotel on the south shore or near Hamilton, and the island is small enough that almost everything is a short trip away. This guide covers what is worth leaving the property for and how to get around, which matters because Bermuda has unusual rules on cars.
Beaches on the south shore
The south shore beaches are the reason many people come. Horseshoe Bay Beach, in Southampton Parish, is the best known, a curved stretch of pale sand backed by rocks and small coves. Nearby, Warwick Long Bay and Jobson’s Cove have a more natural feel. The famous pink tint in the sand comes from tiny red organisms found in the surrounding reef waters. Conditions vary, and the south shore can have surf and strong currents on windy days, so read our guide to rip currents and beach flags before swimming and look for local flag warnings.
The water is warm in summer and noticeably cooler in winter, so many beach plans suit the late spring to early autumn months best. Check seasonal conditions before you book.
St. George’s
The town of St. George’s at the eastern end of the island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it is one of the oldest continuously inhabited English-founded towns in the New World. Its lanes, historic houses, churches and forts reward a slow half day on foot. King’s Square is the centre of town, and the nearby fortifications give views over the harbour.
The Royal Naval Dockyard
At the western end, the Royal Naval Dockyard has been converted into a visitor area with a museum, shops, restaurants and a craft market. It is also where cruise ships dock, so it is busier on ship days. The museum covers Bermuda’s maritime and naval history, and the site is a short ferry ride from Hamilton, which makes the trip part of the experience.
Caves and gardens
Crystal Caves and Fantasy Cave near Hamilton Parish are limestone caverns with clear underground pools and formations. They are usually visited on a guided basis, and opening times and entry rules vary, so check ahead. For something above ground, the Botanical Gardens in Paget and the walking and cycling routes on the old railway line, now a trail, give a quiet change of pace. The Gibbs Hill Lighthouse in Southampton is one of the older cast-iron lighthouses, and climbing it gives a wide view of the island and the reef.
Hamilton
Hamilton, the capital, is small and walkable, with Front Street along the harbour, restaurants, shops and the cathedral. It works well for a dry-weather morning or an evening meal. Ferries and buses connect it with much of the island, so it acts as a hub.
Snorkelling, diving and wrecks
Bermuda has a long shipwreck history, and the surrounding reef and wrecks draw divers and snorkellers. Operators run trips from several bays. Water temperature and visibility vary by season, so ask what to expect and what equipment is supplied. Our guide to snorkelling from a resort beach covers safety and etiquette. If boats make you queasy, our post on seasickness on resort boat excursions helps you plan.
Getting around: the car rule
Visitors generally cannot rent a car in Bermuda. Rental options for visitors are limited to scooters, e-bikes and similar vehicles, and you should check the current rules and licensing requirements on the official tourism site before you go. Most visitors use buses, ferries and taxis, which are reliable and cover much of the island. Roads are narrow and winding, driving is on the left, and scooters can be risky for inexperienced riders, so think carefully before choosing one. Our guide to renting a car at a resort destination explains the general trade-offs, though the Bermuda rules differ.
Ferries are a pleasant way to cross the water between Hamilton, the Dockyard and other points, and a transport pass can help if you plan to take several trips. Check the current fare options with the transport operator.
Booking and planning
Because Bermuda is small and many attractions have limited capacity, booking popular tours ahead is wise in the summer. Our guide to resort desk or independent operator helps you decide whom to book with. Flights to the island are growing, and BermudAir has added routes from several US cities, as in our coverage of BermudAir’s recent route additions.
A sample week
Spend a day at the south shore beaches, a day in St. George’s, a day at the Dockyard by ferry, and an evening in Hamilton. Add the caves or a snorkel trip on another day, and leave at least one free day for weather. Pack for variable conditions, with a light jacket for evenings outside peak summer.