Before diving into specific accommodations, it’s essential to understand what makes Bermuda a unique destination. Known for its subtropical climate, Bermuda is a year-round destination that offers a variety of activities, from exploring historical sites to enjoying water sports and relaxing on the beach. The island is divided into several parishes, each with its own charm, attractions, and accommodations.
Where is Bermuda?
What is the Best Airport for Flying to Bermuda?
What Are the Best Transportation Options for Getting Around Bermuda?
Where is Bermuda?
As a child of the 1980s, the first thing that pops into my head when I think of Bermuda is the Beach Boys’ 1988 hit Kokomo. You know you know it “Bermuda, Bahama, come on pretty mama.” For many Americans, that song forever geographically misplaced Bermuda (and the Bahamas!) in our brains. Because it was named along with so many Caribbean destinations, many Americans erroneously assume Bermuda is somewhere in the Caribbean.
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Sub-Regions, Neighborhoods, & Layout of Bermuda
What many new visitors to Bermuda also don’t understand is just how tiny of an island Bermuda is. To drive it tip to stern takes only about an hour. It’s long and skinny, so there are places where you can easily walk the width of the island. The entire island is only 21 square miles, making it less than half the size of the already pretty small city of San Francisco.
The country is divided into 9 parishes, but most visitors will likely refer to three different regions. Those include:
St. George’s (East End):
Located near the eastern end of the island by the airport is the town of St. George’s, the original settlement of Bermuda. Full of historic buildings and churches, it’s a worthy cultural destination. Also on this end of the island are some amazing cave formations as well as the famous Tobacco Bay Beach.
City of Hamilton & Central Bermuda:
The center of the island is where Bermuda’s one “big” city is located. Hamilton is home to the government and major commerce centers (Bermuda has a thriving reinsurance industry that contributes to the wealth there).
Royal Naval Dockyard (West End):
At the far western tip is the cruise terminal, located at the Royal Naval Dockyard. Between Central Bermuda and the west end are a ton of gorgeous beaches and the village of Somerset.
Bermuda is small enough that you can pick a single home base and use it to tour the entire island. Some visitors, however, may prefer to split their stay between either end of the island to reduce transportation time and cost.
Staying at The Hamilton Princess is like Living in a Tropical Dream
If it is your first time planning a trip to Bermuda and you are looking for the perfect place to stay, look no further. The Hamilton Princess & Beach Club is Fairmont’s luxury premier hotel in Bermuda, and it will make you want to never leave…
What Traveling to Bermuda for the First Time was Like:
Despite our long journey from Portland, Oregon, we were surprised by how easily Bermuda is accessible from the East Coast. Quick flight from New York City gets you to Bermuda in just over two hours. As we approached the small islands, the emerald and turquoise waters, dotted with white and pink beaches, painted the perfect picture of paradise.
Bermuda: Unique Oasis in the Mid-Atlantic
Even after visiting various Caribbean and Pacific islands, we had never experienced anything quite like this tiny mid-Atlantic oasis. With excitement building, I sipped my English breakfast tea, eagerly anticipating landing in this beautiful destination.
First Glimpse of Bermuda: White Roofs and Crystal Waters
Flying into Bermuda, the first thing you notice is the sea of white roofs against the lush green island, surrounded by electric blue waters. The island’s meticulously maintained appearance gives it an almost fairytale-like atmosphere. Those signature white roofs serve a practical purpose: they filter rainwater, collecting it underneath each pastel-colored dwelling.
Much-Needed Escape: Relaxing Weekend in Bermuda
Sometimes life throws challenges your way. After a stressful period juggling nursing school and dentistry, we decided to spend a weekend in Bermuda to reconnect and unwind. It was the perfect escape, offering everything we needed to recharge. We’re excited to share this experience with you!
Fairmont Hamilton Princess: Dreamy Welcome
Arriving at the Fairmont Hamilton Princess, we immediately fell in love. Millennial pink façade exuded both playfulness and sophistication. Service was exceptional, with the friendly staff welcoming us to the island with warm smiles. As we entered our room, we were greeted with a signature cocktail—the Dark and Stormy – made with dark rum, ginger beer, and a fresh lime slice, setting the tone for a relaxing stay.
Fairmont Gold Lounge
Fairmont Gold Lounge was the cherry on top of an already incredible experience. The attentive Fairmont Gold staff made a point to know us by name, welcoming us warmly and helping us plan the best activities and sights to explore. Not only did it add an extra layer of luxury, but it also significantly enhanced the value of our stay. We indulged in every event, from breakfast to afternoon tea, hors d’oeuvres to late-night desserts. Considering how pricey dining out in Bermuda can be, having the option to enjoy light lunches, appetizers, and snacks in the Fairmont Gold Lounge was the perfect perk we could ask for.
Sinky Bay: Peaceful Beach Day in Bermuda
What could travelers to Bermuda want more than a peaceful day on the beach? The long southern stretch of the island offers ample beach space for locals and visitors alike, without the overwhelming crowds. We were especially delighted to have access to a private beach club at the Hamilton Princess, Sinky Bay. A free shuttle took us to this island cove, where pink sand, colorful fish, and hammocks in the water awaited us. The bar at the beach provided chair-side service, bringing food and drinks right to us.
Sinky Bay: Calm Waters and Paradise Found
As we settled into our first beach day, we truly began to understand the meaning of paradise as defined by Bermuda. The bay at Sinky Bay is protected by a rock barrier, ensuring the water remains calm and serene. We spent our time soaking up the sun, snorkeling, paddle-boarding, and kayaking around the bay. It was a perfect, relaxing day in one of Bermuda’s most beautiful beach spots.
Spontaneous Decision: Why Bermuda Surprised Us
Honestly, we never considered Bermuda as a travel destination until we made the spontaneous decision to go. The archipelago exceeded all our expectations, offering far more than we ever imagined. It’s hard to believe it took us this long to visit this hidden gem in the Atlantic. Bermuda is unexpected, underrated, and absolutely extraordinary.
What is the Best Airport for Flying to Bermuda?
Given its tiny size, it’s probably unsurprising that Bermuda has only a single airport. Bermuda’s L.F. Wade International Airport (BDA) is located on the far east end of the island, close to the town of St. George’s. Driving from the airport to Bermuda’s main commercial city of Hamilton takes about 30 minutes. And driving to the far other end of the island takes close to an hour.
BDA is served by a wide variety of U.S. airlines, including JetBlue, American, Delta, and United. Cities with non-stop airline service include:
- Miami: American
- New York-JFK: JetBlue, Delta or American
- New York-LGA: American
- Newark: United
- Philadelphia: American
- Boston: JetBlue or Delta
- Atlanta: Delta
- Charlotte: American
- Washington-National: American
From Europe, the only carrier is British Airways from London-Gatwick. Canadian travelers can choose between service on Air Canada or WestJet from Toronto-Pearson.
Visitors flying to Bermuda need to know that its air service fluctuates with the seasons fairly significantly. Some destinations are served only in the peak June-August summer months. Flights from some places may only operate once or twice a week. That’s the major reason my husband and I were able to take a full week vacation. American only served our originating airport of CLT in August once a week on Saturdays!
As for flight time, it’s quick. Bermuda is a very short hop, skip and jump for most East Coast and southern travelers. Flights from Boston and New York City are under 2 hours. Atlanta and Charlotte flights are about 2.5 hours. It’s entirely possible to visit Bermuda on a long weekend from many US destinations, assuming the flights are available.
While cash prices can sometimes be very reasonable from New York and Boston, not all originating cities offer flight deals to Bermuda. We were able to find flights on the cheap using British Airways Avios to book flights on its partner airline, American.
What Do I Need to Know about Visiting Bermuda by Cruise Ship?
If you aren’t coming by air to Bermuda, you are almost definitely coming by boat! Bermuda is a very popular cruise ship port and with good reason. With its small size, it is an easy destination where visitors can see a lot in a single day’s visit.
Because of environmental damage to Bermuda’s reefs and harbors, the large cruise ships now dock exclusively at the Royal Naval Dockyard. So if you are coming in via ship, you need to plan for transportation from there. If you want to head to Hamilton quickly, there is a ferry located at the cruise terminal (see the transportation section below for even more information).
The cruise ship terminal area also has plenty to do within walking distance for visitors who don’t want to travel too far. The National Museum of Bermuda is located steps away, as are a number of restaurants and shops.
Even if you aren’t coming in via cruise ship, it’s smart to watch the cruise ship schedules into the Royal Naval Dockyard. When a mega-ship is in port or several ships are in town at one time, they can dramatically affect crowd levels all over the island. Tour operators book up more quickly on these dates as well. We purposefully timed our visit to the Royal Naval Dockyard for a day when one of Royal Caribbean’s biggest ships just left town. There is a Bermuda cruise calendar available several months in advance here.
What Are the Best Transportation Options for Getting Around Bermuda?
Getting around Bermuda is a breeze, thanks to its efficient and diverse transportation options. Whether you’re looking for convenience, scenic views, or an adventurous way to explore the island, here are the best ways to travel:
Bermuda Buses:
Bermuda’s bus network is one of the most popular and affordable ways to get around. The buses are frequent, with routes connecting all major tourist destinations, hotels, and shopping areas. It’s a great option for travelers who want to see the island at a relaxed pace. The buses are comfortable and air-conditioned, with an easy-to-follow schedule.
Scooters and Mopeds:
For a more personal and flexible way to explore Bermuda, renting a scooter or moped is a fantastic choice. It allows you to cruise through the island’s narrow roads and picturesque streets at your own pace. With the island’s relatively small size, scooters and mopeds are ideal for sightseeing and accessing more remote spots. Plus, they offer a fun, wind-in-your-hair experience!
Bermuda Ferries:
To enjoy the island from a different perspective, take advantage of Bermuda’s ferry services. Ferries connect popular areas like Hamilton, St. George’s, and Dockyard. They are an efficient and enjoyable way to travel, especially if you want to experience Bermuda’s stunning waterfront views. The ferries are reliable, comfortable, and provide a scenic journey, making them a must-try for any visitor.
Taxis:
Taxis are available throughout the island, with drivers often providing personalized tours. Though more expensive than public transport, taxis are convenient for those who prefer direct routes to specific destinations or for traveling in a group. It’s also a good option if you need to go somewhere quickly or are unfamiliar with the island’s layout.
Electric Minibuses (Pink Buses):
Bermuda’s electric minibuses, known as the “pink buses,” are a quieter, eco-friendly alternative to traditional buses. They follow routes around key locations and provide a sustainable way to travel. They are particularly ideal for tourists who want to minimize their carbon footprint while getting around the island in comfort.
Bicycles:
For a more active approach to sightseeing, renting a bicycle is a great way to explore Bermuda’s picturesque landscapes. The island is bike-friendly, with several trails and bike paths to enjoy. Biking also gives you the freedom to stop and enjoy the scenery, local shops, and beaches along the way.
Rental Cars (Electric or Moke Cars):
While traditional car rentals are not available in Bermuda, you can rent electric cars or “mokes,” small, open-air vehicles that are perfect for island travel. These cars allow you to zip around the island’s narrow roads in style while enjoying Bermuda’s beautiful weather and coastal views. Keep in mind that the island’s speed limits are low, and roads are often busy, so smaller vehicles are better suited for the terrain.
Is Bermuda a Good Destination to Visit with Kids?
Yes! Even though my husband and I took a couples trip, we were always on the lookout for family-friendly things to do. We remarked to each other several times a day how much one both of our kids would have enjoyed what we were experiencing.
We also saw a ton of other families in Bermuda with kids of all ages. Since it is such a short trip and is a very safe destination, it really makes a lot of sense for families. Absolutely return with my kids.
Once we had spent only just 24 hours there, Bermuda already had our hearts! We were amazed at the crystal blue water and pink sand beaches scattered all over the island. We loved learning about the island’s architecture, culture, and history. How interesting to be in such a tropical place with a tradition of afternoon tea and pictures of Queen Elizabeth everywhere. We only wish we had more time to take it all in, but of course, we cannot wait to get back to Bermuda one day and again cheers with a Dark and Stormy in hand.
