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About Bermuda Country Information Bermuda, a sub-tropical Atlantic archipelago north of the Caribbean, used to be a refuge for pirates. Now it is a vacation haven for 600,000 visitors each year, including many Americans and Canadians. Most go for the peace and quiet, secluded beaches, crystal-clear waters, manicured landscapes and a holiday destination that is old-fashioned, formal and genteel. But Bermuda’s appeal is not limited to this; it’s a favorite destination for a mix of visitors. A self-governing colony, Bermuda’s British flavour remains strong. It was an act of God in 1609 that put Bermuda and its 180 islets on the map as the second-oldest British settlement in the New World. A ship carrying settlers to Virginia was wrecked off the coast by a hurricane but the passengers and crew survived on the uninhabited and fertile land. The story gave Shakespeare the inspiration for The Tempest. Activities There are many boats for hire on the island, to sail yourself or enjoy a leisurely trip exploring the coastline. Your captain will drop anchor to allow you to picnic on a secluded beach or dine onboard by candlelight and moonlight. This ideal destination has wonderful facilities for tennis and golf – particularly challenging in the changing winds. Bermuda has more golf courses for its land area than any other country in the world, with pars from the 30s to the 70s. The island is perfect for snorkeling and diving, the clear waters allowing magnificent views of sparkling coral and a multitude of sea life. You can even take in the underwater scene in a glass-bottomed boat. Or fish for plentiful wahoo or marlin and tuna off one of the three main offshore reefs. When you want a break from the town try the old Railway Trail. For this walk almost the entire length of the island pack your shorts – Bermudan, of course. Beaches The beaches in Bermuda are stunning and many are made of pink coral sand. Horseshoe Bay at the far end of South Shore Park is considered to be one of the most beautiful in the world, Somerset Long Bay is a stunning white stretch of dazzling sand on the west of the island. Wherever you are on the island you will never be more than a mile from the sea. Climate The climate is generally mild with few extremes of hot or cold, with average temperatures of 68°F (20°C) in winter and 86°F (30°C) in mid-summer. The most popular time to visit is between April and October when the sea temperatures are favourable for swimming. Cuisine The cuisine in Bermuda is global – you can order everything from an exquisite Asian curry to locally caught lobster in the restaurants of Hamilton, the capital, and St. George’s. International fast-food, apart from one Kentucky, is off the menu. Events Bermuda has an inordinate number of golf tournaments and sedate events like bowls tournaments and gardening shows aimed primarily at older people but that doesn’t mean it lacks oomph. Gombey dancers strut their stuff on New Year’s Day, and the Bermuda Festival is a six-week performing arts spectacular running from mid-January through February. The Bermuda Cat Fanciers Association Championship Cat Show in mid-March sounds like a hoot but is slightly less prestigious than the Newport-Bermuda Race, one of the world’s major ocean yacht races held in late June during even-numbered years. Soca is a Caribbean music festival that has the Royal Naval Dockyards jumping in late July or early August, while the Bermuda Reggae Sunsplash continues the skanking in mid-August. You can march to a different drummer during the three-day Bermuda Tattoo in early November, which culminates with a grand finale of fireworks. Nightlife Given that the island is 500 miles from the United States, and much farther from anywhere else, it makes sense that in Bermuda the music scene is pretty much dominated by local bands, playing the hotel-and-pub circuit. Outside performers are billed occasionally, particularly during the Bermuda Festival. Music is generally Afro-Caribbean-inspired, with reggae, calypso, and steel-drum bands at the forefront. Jazz is a big deal on Bermuda too, which culminates in the annual Bermuda Jazz Festival. Shopping Bermuda’s shop, the selection of goods, the prices and the civilized attitude toward shopping will delight visitors. Bargains can be found in Hamilton, St. George’s and other sections of the islands. The Royal Naval Dockyard’s shopping facilities are also extensive. Most stores are open Monday through Saturday, closing at 5 p.m. American dollars can be used to purchase goods there, as the Bermudian dollar is an even trade for U.S. currency. Transportation Driving is on the left, and the national speed limit is 20mph in the countryside, 15mph in busier areas. Cars are limited to one per resident family – and visitors are not allowed to rent cars at all. You’ll rely on taxis, bikes, motorized bicycles called “putt-putts,” and maybe even a romantic, colourful, fringe-topped surrey.
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#912 9th Floor, New York NY, 10016 USA
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Vancouver, British Columbia
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