Bermuda
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A celebration of contrasts
 Bermuda is: Ancient forts
... modern amenities. Busy port city ... tranquil nature reserves.
New developments above ... historic wrecks below. Diverse origins ... one
friendly face. In fact there is so much to discover and fill the day and
nighttime hours - you'll never wonder what to do, just how to find enough
time to do it!
Bermuda has it all, whether you
are interested in science, art, local crafts, museums, caves, ancient forts, nature
reserves, churches, cathedrals, lighthouses, flora and fauna - or vistas that just take your
breath away!
Visit them at horse and buggy
pace, on a moped, or by taxi, bus and ferry.
 Attractions
Nature Reserves
These are scattered throughout
the Island and offer wonderful opportunities to observe Bermuda's resident
birds and those which have just stopped over for a brief visit. Some are
shoreline reserves, others inland marsh areas, all are well worth a visit.
The Botanical
Gardens
Open from sunrise
to sunset a lush 36-acres of fascinating foliage and fifteen permanent
exhibitions. To make the most of your visit, time it to catch the guided
tours each Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday at 10:30 am. The Visitors
Information Centre is open practically every day of the year and serves
light refreshments from 10am to 4 PM.
Caves
Bermuda has one of the highest
concentrations of limestone caves in the world; most date back to the
Pleistocene Ice Age. The Island's awesome underground inspired several
creative achievements including the Muppets "Fraggle Rock" and
Shakespeare's "The Tempest". The two major caves, Leamington and Crystal
Caves, are open to the public.
Museums
The old town of St. George at the
east end of the Island, home of the early settlers, has a wealth of
buildings dating back to the sixteen and seventeen hundreds, and small
museums filled with treasures from the past - ranging from a full-scale
replica of the "Deliverance" to a notable display of carriages of every
style.
At the opposite end of the Island, the Maritime Museum in the Royal
Naval Dockyard contains fascinating displays of maritime memorabilia, from tiny treasures
unearthed from the ocean's depths, to old Bermuda cedar boats. The buildings themselves
are well worth a visit and the views are spectacular.
Forts
Bermuda's forts are relatively well preserved considering many
suffered centuries of neglect. Restored and excavated over more recent decades they once
formed a loose chain of defense around the Island, though few fired more than ceremonial
shots! Only time to see one? If you are at the east end of the Island make it Fort St.
Catherine, the central parishes - Fort Hamilton, or the west end of the Island - Fort
Scaur.
General Info
Official Name: Bermuda
Entry Requirements: A valid U.S. passport (preferred), or an original birth certificate
with a raised seal and a state/federal issued photo id (driver's license)
Capital: Hamilton
Population: 61,629
Size: 22
sq.. miles
Language: English
Climate: Semitropical
Economy:
Banking, financial services, insurance and reinsurance, tourism
Government: Parliamentary British colony
Religions: Protestant, Roman Catholic
Currency: Bermudan dollar (BD$). 100 cents =
1 BD$
Time Zone: 4 hours behind Greenwich Mean
Time; Atlantic Standard Time
Telecommunications: Efficient. Area code
is 441.
Electricity: 110 volts
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Activities and
exploration
Encircled by protective coral reefs and
miles of soft pink sandy beaches, Bermuda is a delight for swimmers, snorkelers and sunbathers alike. The
Island's elongated shape ensures you are never far from the shore whether you seek the
rolling surf, a tranquil bay or inshore reefs to snorkel around, all are conveniently within
reach.
For those who want to
see down under without getting wet, Glass Bottom Boat Tours are the
perfect solution.
Snorkeling
Masks, fins and snorkels are
available from charter boats, waterside hotels and some beaches. It's a
great introduction to an underwater wonderland of shimmering sea fans,
colorful corals, friendly fish and the many shells that thrive in this
part of the Atlantic.
Angling
Over 650 species of fish inhabit the
waters around Bermuda. Shore fishers can tussle with feisty bonefish,
pompano, Grey snapper and the great barracuda. While reef roamers will
bring yellowtail, jacks and Bermuda chub on line. Further off shore,
deep-sea fishermen reel in blackfin tuna, amberjack, blue marlin, and the
"speed merchant of the ocean" - the wahoo. Charter Boats, skippered by
licensed guides can take you to where the "big ones" wait. All boats are
equipped with fighting chairs and outriggers; fully inspected and
licensed yearly.
Diving
With water clarity good to 150 feet,
the world's northernmost coral reefs teem with life. The ocean floor is
peppered with hundreds of wrecks dating back from the 15th through the
20th century, which make Bermuda one of the most fascinating dive
destinations in the world. Dive Centers with certified Dive Masters cater
to all levels of expertise. On Helmet Diving excursions, even non-swimmers
can enjoy a view from the ocean floor without even getting their heads
wet!
Water Skiing
Protected harbors and inland
waterways make Bermuda a skiers paradise. Conditions are best from May
through September, although some Water Ski Centers are open year round.
Lessons are available for the novice, plus slalom, trick skis, knee
boards, skurfers and water sleds for the more proficient.
Sailing
Just
about every type of self-skippered craft may be rented, from wind surfers
and sunfish to day sailers, Hobie Cats, Boston Whalers, paddle boats and
yak boards.
Parasailing
From the deck of a boat in Castle Harbour, the
Great Sound or along the South Shore, tightly secured riders are are
whisked aloft for the ultimate sightseeing adventure - a bird's eye view
of the Island from 300 feet in the air. Launch from and landings on the
deck of the boat.
Tennis
Bermuda sports more than 100 all-weather
tennis courts many of them lit for night play. There are public courts
available just outside the City of Hamilton, most other courts are on club
or hotel properties.
Horseback
Riding
Whether you are a first
time rider or a seasoned equestrian, early morning rides along dunes or
bridle paths on the Island's coastal trails are a wonderful way to start
the day. Qualified instructors from the Riding Stables accompany all
rides.
Walking, Jogging, Running,
Cycling
Along roads,
railway trails and in parks, walking, jogging, running and cycling are
favorite recreational pastimes in Bermuda. Bicycles can be rented from
Cycle Liveries throughout the
Island. |
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Getting
there
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Transportation to
Bermuda
By Air Free baggage allowance.
International carriers permit 2 checked cases and 1 carry-on case of
specified sizes and weights. |
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From USA
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American Airlines - non-stop from NY (JFK). |
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Continental Airlines - non-stop from NY (Newark). |
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Delta Air Lines - non-stop from Boston and Atlanta. |
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USAir - non-stop from Baltimore/Washington, Boston, Charlotte, NC,
Philadelphia and NY (LaGuardia). |
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From Canada
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Air Canada - non-stop from Toronto and Halifax with connecting
services throughout Canada, US and Europe. U.S. partners, Continental and United airlines. |
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From UK
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British Airways - non-stop from London (Gatwick). |
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From Europe
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Condor Airlines - non-stop from Frankfurt, Germany. |
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By Sea
Free baggage allowance - for normal personal
luggage.
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Entry Rules
Travel Documents |
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A Return or Onward Ticket or other
document of onward transportation to a country to which, at that time, the passenger has
right of entry, is required by all visitors. |
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Passports are the preferred document for
entry into Bermuda and are required of all visitors from countries which require a
passport for re-entry purposes or for entry through another country to which at that time
the passenger has right of entry. |
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Proof of Citizenship and Identification
(including photo ID). All travelers (this applies to adults and children travelling alone
or with their parents - see Requirements for Children for additional notes on children
travelling with an adult other than parent and/or in the process of adoption) must carry
with them proof of citizenship and personal identification (including photo ID) relevant
to return to their own country or for re-entry through another foreign country, as
required by Bermuda Immigration authorities, in particular: |
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Visitors from the United
States
Must present any one of the
following items of identification (including photo ID) (please note
passports are the preferred travel document for entry into
Bermuda): |
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1. US Passport (if expired should be of
sufficiently recent vintage so that photograph resembles bearer) |
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2. Birth certificate with a raised seal issued by
a competent municipal authority, or certified copy; either one along with photo ID |
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3. US re-entry permit |
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4. US Naturalization Certificate |
Driver's license is not acceptable as proof
of citizenship.
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Visitors from Canada
Must present any one of the following items of identification (please note
passports are the preferred document for entry into Bermuda):
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1. Valid Canadian passport
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2. Birth certificate or certified copy,
either one along with photo ID; or, for people born outside
of Canada, a Canadian Certificate of Citizenship or proof of their Landed
Immigrant Status
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C. Visitors from the UK and
Western Europe
Must present a valid passport of their country. |
Remember, a valid passport is always the
best document for any traveler to carry.
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Length of Stay:
Most bona fide visitors with a confirmed return ticket and place
of accommodation will have no difficulties with Bermuda Immigration Control. |
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There is a special Secondary Immigration
Control section at the airport to deal with any unusual circumstances of arriving
passengers. Bermuda Immigration authorities may restrict the length of stay, for example,
passengers arriving with an open return ticket will have a time limit imposed. |
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Application to extend the length of stay
must be made in person at the Immigration Headquarters in Hamilton. |
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Passengers arriving without a return
ticket or on a one way ticket into Bermuda will not be admitted unless prior Bermuda
Immigration authorization has been given. |
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Persons wishing to enter Bermuda for the
purpose of residence and/or employment, or for indefinite periods, will not be permitted
to land unless they have prior authorization from Bermuda Immigration authorities. |
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Visas are not
required except for Nationals from the following countries and may be
obtained from the Visa Section of a British Embassy or other British Foreign
Service establishment abroad, i.e. a Consulate :
Albania,
Algeria, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia-Hercegovina, Bulgaria, China
(People's Republic of), Croatia, Cuba, Czechoslovakia (former), Georgia,
Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kampuchea (Cambodia), Kazakhstan, Kirgizstan,
Lebanon, Libya, Macedonia, Moldova, Mongolia, Morocco, Nigeria, North
Korea, Romania, Russian Federation, Slovakia, Slovenia, Soviet Union
(former), Sri Lanka, Syria, Tajikistan, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, Ukraine,
Uzbekistan, Vietnam (North & South), Yugoslavia (former) and
Yugoslavia (Serbian Federal Republic of).
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Passenger Tax |
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All persons (visitors and residents alike)
are taxable under The Passenger Tax Act 1972. |
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Air Passengers
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Effective October 1, 1996, the Bermuda Departure (passenger) Tax of
$20 is included with the airfare. |
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Ship
Passengers
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$60 collected in advance by the cruise
ship company. |
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Children under 2 years exempt. |
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(Subject to increase in 1997.) |
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Visitors entering Bermuda may bring
in for their personal use and consumption:
Duty free - all wearing apparel and articles
including sports equipment, cameras, golf bags, etc. Also, 50 cigars, 200
cigarettes, .454 kgs (1 lb.) tobacco, 1.137 litres (1 qt.) liquor, 1.137
litres (1 qt.) wine, and a $30 gift allowance.
Do not import plants, fruits, vegetables or
animals without an import permit from the Department of Agriculture &
Fisheries.
All plants, fruits and vegetables will be held for
inspection as their importation is strictly regulated. Animals (pets)
arriving without proper documentation will be refused entry and returned
to the port of origin. Only prepared fresh, frozen or cooked fish or
shellfish can be brought into the island providing the packaging is free
of algae or seaweed.
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Detailed Information
Currency
Prior to July 31, 1972 Bermuda's currency
was tied to the British Pound. Legal tender is now the Bermuda Dollar which is pegged to
the US dollar on an equal (1 to 1) basis. This means that US currency is accepted at
shops, restaurants and hotels at equal (face) value. Other foreign currencies are not
accepted but may be exchanged at local banks at rates that are set daily. |
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US traveler's cheques are accepted everywhere.
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Credit cards
are
accepted at virtually every store, restaurant and hotel, and may be used
for cash advances at all local bank branches. In addition, the Bank of
Bermuda Limited provides 19 ATM machines linked to the MasterCard/Cirrus
and VISA/Plus system for cash advances. Thirteen of these machines are
available 24 hours.
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Communications
There are
excellent Worldwide Cable, Overseas Telephone, Telex and Facsimile
services.
Telephone charges may be reversed. Direct dialing is possible to and from Bermuda
world-wide. Bermuda's country code (1) area code (441) plus (7 digits).
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Airmail
leaves
and arrives daily. All mail received in the General Post Office, Hamilton,
by 9:30 a.m. will be dispatched the same day. It may take several days to
reach its destination. Letters to Bermuda containing accommodation
confirmation or deposits should be sent by air with sufficient postage.
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Surface Mail
is
airlifted to and from Bermuda regularly.
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International Data
Express is available through the GPO, is a 48-hour
express mail service offering a reliable mail delivery to most
international destinations.
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Electricity
: 110
volts, 60 cycles AC.
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Hotel Occupancy Tax:
All room rates, regardless of meal plan chosen, will be subject
to 7.25% Bermuda Government Tax, to be paid in Bermuda on check-out from
your hotel.
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Hotel check-out
time is generally 12 noon.
Hotel
check-in time is generally 3 PM.
Tipping
In cases where the
gratuity is not included in the bill, 15% is the generally accepted amount
for most services. A large number of the hotels and guest houses add a
percentage or set amount per person per day in lieu of tips to the
accommodation bill. |
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Beaches
During summer months lifeguards will be stationed at Horseshoe Beach and John
Smith's Bay during certain hours. All other public beaches unattended.
There are no nude or semi-nude beaches in Bermuda.
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Standard Time
in
Bermuda is Greenwich Mean Time minus four hours.
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Daylight Saving Time
in effect from the first Sunday in April to the last Sunday in
October.
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Transportation
We drive on the left-hand side of the road.
There are no drive-yourself-cars for hire
but visitors get about easily by taxi, bus, ferry, and motor-scooters (no driver's license
is required).
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Bus passengers must have exact change in
coin. Ask about bus tokens or books of bus tickets at your hotel or the bus terminal in
Hamilton. Bus and ferry passengers are advised to take advantage of the very popular and
convenient "Transportation Pass" available for 3 and 7 days unlimited use on the
buses and ferries (sold at the Central Terminal, the Visitors Service Bureau in Hamilton
and at authorized outlets). |
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Children under 16 years may not drive
motor-assisted cycles and scooters. All cycle drivers and passengers are required by law
to wear safety helmets securely fastened at all times. |
Speed limit is 35 kilometers (20 miles) per hour. |
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Cyclists should note that gas stations are
open 7 am to 7 PM daily, with several open until 11 PM or later. |
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Taxis may be hired by the hour, day or
mile (full day = 6 consecutive daylight hours). Rates per cab same for 1 person up to a
maximum of 6 for normal transportation and general sightseeing. Special all inclusive
pre-sold tours vary in price per person. All taxis are metered and tariff fixed by law.
Qualified "Blue Flag" taxi tour guides are available on request for touring. |
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Climate
Bermuda is a semitropical island about 650
miles (1046 kilometers) east of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. The Gulf Stream which flows
between Bermuda and the North American continent keeps the climate temperate - not too
hot, not too cold. The weather is interesting because it has two seasons and two
"changes of season".
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Bermuda has no rainy season as such and
there is no normal month of excess rain. Showers may be heavy at times but the skies
usually clear quickly. The weather does not often interfere with the enjoyment of outdoor
sports and recreation. Summer temperatures prevail from May to mid-November, with the
warmest weather in July, August and September. |
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Average Temperature
The thermometer rarely rises above 85 F (29.5 C ) -
perfect for sunning, swimming and all water sports. There is nearly always
a cool breeze at night and all accommodations have air-conditioners or
ceiling fans. Spring-like temperatures give us cooler weather from
mid-December to late March, with an average of 70 F (21.1 C ) dropping to
low 60s F (15-18 C ). Very often the months of December and January are
warm with good swimming. Changes of season, mid-November through December,
and late March through April. Either spring or summer weather may occur
and visitors should be prepared for both.
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Bermuda Dress Code
: As a
rule of thumb, dress conservatively. Bathing suits, abbreviated tops and
short shorts are not acceptable except at beaches and pools. There are no
nude or semi-nude beaches. In public (including public areas of hotels)
beach wear must be covered. Bare feet and hair curlers are not acceptable
anywhere in public.
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Shopping
Shopping is excellent and interesting in Bermuda. You'll find a
great variety of imported merchandise such as French perfumes, English bone china, Swiss
watches, Danish silver and jewelry, cameras, English doeskin, Irish linen, Scottish
tweeds, Italian silks, cashmere sweaters, liquor and liqueurs, and dozens of other
intriguing values.
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Clearing Customs on Departure
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Visitors are permitted to take back - duty free - merchandise as follows: (duty
charged over
specified monetary amounts) |
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US Residents - $400
after 48 hours and every 31 days.
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Canadian Citizens -
$50 after 24 hours any time, $200 after 48 hours anytime, or $500 after 7 days anytime. |
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UK Citizens - £136 |
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US Customs Pre-clearance
is available in Bermuda for all scheduled flights. All passengers departing to the US must
fill out written declaration forms before clearing US Customs in Bermuda. These forms are
available at travel agencies and airlines in Bermuda.
Helpful
Books
Fodor's 99 Bermuda (Fodor's
Gold Guides)
Fodors(Editor) / Paperback / Published 1999
Insight Guides Bermuda
Martha Ellen Zenfell(Editor), et al / Paperback /
Published 1998
Recommended Hotels & Inns : North
America, Bermuda & the Caribbean (Johansens 1999
Series)
Paperback / Published 1999
The Insiders' Guide to Bermuda
(The Insiders' Guide Series)
Liz Jones, James Ziral
/ Paperback / Published 1999
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