Bermuda
Pink sand paradise with British charm and turquoise waters
Look, Bermuda isn't your typical Caribbean getaway. This British territory sits 650 miles off North Carolina's coast, serving up pink sand beaches that actually look pink, not just in filtered Instagram posts. The island blends proper British afternoon tea with rum swizzles, golf courses carved into limestone cliffs, and some of the clearest water you'll ever see. It's expensive, yes. But there's something about sipping Dark 'n' Stormys while watching sailboats drift past Hamilton Harbour that makes the price tag feel worth it. The locals drive on the left, speak with lilting accents that mix British and island inflections, and somehow make wearing Bermuda shorts to dinner look sophisticated.
Best Months
APR · MAY · JUN · SEP · OCT
~26°C · moderate crowds
Culture & Context
Bermuda is Britain's oldest remaining overseas territory, and that history runs deep — you might spot a judge in a powdered wig in Hamilton or a bobby directing traffic.
But the culture is far more layered than just British colonial trappings. African, Caribbean, and Portuguese influences all show up in food, music, dance, and daily life.
The Gombey dancers — colorful costumed troupes drumming and dancing in the streets — are pure Bermudian, rooted in African and Caribbean traditions. Bermudian food draws on all of it: codfish and potatoes (both English-style with boiled egg and Portuguese-style in tomato-onion sauce), Hoppin' John (peas and rice), and Bermuda Fish Chowder spiked with Black Seal Rum and Sherry Peppers. The island's famous whitewashed stepped roofs aren't just aesthetic — they channel rainwater into underground tanks, because there are no rivers or lakes here.
Bermuda shorts, worn even in business settings, were borrowed from British military uniforms. They're not informal here — pink ones at a business meeting is completely normal. Afternoon tea is practiced seriously.
Greet everyone. Bermudians are warm but expect courtesy in return.
Local Customs
Always say good morning, good afternoon, or good evening before getting to business — skipping the greeting is considered rude and will get you a cold response.
No beachwear (swimsuits, bikinis, bare midriffs) outside of beaches and pools — even in casual restaurants this is frowned upon. Tip 15–20% at restaurants if service charge isn't already included; tip taxi drivers 10%, though drivers can refuse passengers who are wet or sandy.
Bermuda has no rivers or lakes — all fresh water comes from rain collected off rooftops. Don't waste it. Driving is on the LEFT.
Tourists cannot rent conventional cars — you're limited to scooters, electric microcars (Twizys or Bermi 200s), buses, ferries, and taxis. Scooter helmets are mandatory by law — not optional. Locals beep their horns as a friendly hello, not road rage — don't be startled.
During Cup Match (late July/early August), Crown and Anchor gambling is legally permitted island-wide for those two days only — a very big deal locally. Cannabis remains illegal in Bermuda despite regional trends — don't assume otherwise.
Safety
Bermuda holds a Level 1 (lowest risk) U.S.
travel advisory as of 2026 — the same rating as most Western European countries.
The vast majority of visitors have zero safety incidents. That said, a few things are worth knowing. Petty theft is the main issue: bags grabbed from scooter baskets at beaches (Horseshoe Bay is a known spot), unattended items on the sand, and occasional hotel room break-ins.
Keep valuables in a hotel safe, not in a scooter storage compartment, and never leave a bag on the beach while swimming. In Hamilton, the area around Back o' Town and Court Street has higher rates of drug and gang-related activity — not dangerous during the day, but avoid it after dark. Stick to Front Street and Reid Street at night, which are well-lit and busy.
Scooter accidents are the leading cause of tourist injuries, full stop. Roads are narrow, winding, and slick when wet. Traffic moves on the LEFT.
If you're not comfortable on a scooter, take the bus or a Twizy electric microcar instead — both are easy and inexpensive. Ocean rip currents are serious at south-facing beaches, especially Horseshoe Bay. Swim parallel to shore if caught in one, and always heed posted warnings.
No dangerous land animals on the island — no snakes, no predators. Portuguese Man o' War appear occasionally in the water; they sting but are not deadly. Emergency: dial 911.
King Edward VII Memorial Hospital in Paget is the main facility — costs are high (a basic ER visit can exceed $1,000), so comprehensive travel insurance is not optional here.
Getting Around
Getting around Bermuda is genuinely easy once you understand the system.
Tourists cannot rent conventional four-wheeled cars — that's not a suggestion, it's law. Your options are: the public bus and ferry system, taxis, scooters/mopeds, electric microcars (Twizy or Bermi 200), rideshare apps (Hitch, Ride Bermuda, Island Go — no Uber/Lyft), or bicycles/e-bikes.
THE BUS (Pink 'n' Blue): 11 routes, 14 zones, covers the whole island. Buses are painted pink with blue stripes. Blue pole at a stop = heading away from Hamilton. Pink pole = heading back to Hamilton. Cash fares: $3.50 (up to 3 zones) or $5 (up to 14 zones). Exact change only — drivers cannot give change, no exceptions. Or download the Shorelink app for digital tickets. Day pass: $19 for unlimited bus AND ferry travel.
THE FERRY (Sea Express): Four color-coded routes running from Hamilton Ferry Terminal on Front Street. Blue Route: Hamilton to Royal Naval Dockyard in 20 minutes. Orange Route: Hamilton to Dockyard to St. George's in 35 minutes — seasonal, summer only. Pink Route: Hamilton to Warwick and Paget. Green Route: Hamilton to Sandys, weekdays mainly. No cash on ferries — use the same passes/tokens as buses. Fast, air-conditioned catamarans with outdoor decks.
TAXIS: Metered at government-set rates. Expect $15–$40 for most tourist trips. 25% surcharge after 10pm, 50% on Sundays and public holidays. Don't get in wet or sandy — drivers can refuse you. Taxi drivers displaying Blue Flag are certified tour guides. Book via Ride.bm, Hitch, or BTOA Connect.
SCOOTERS: Daily rates $40–$50 plus a $30 non-refundable insurance waiver. Helmets mandatory. Minimum age 18. You MUST remember to drive on the LEFT. Not recommended for first-time scooter riders — the roads are genuinely narrow and have claimed many tourists.
Useful Phrases
Itineraries coming soon
We're working on adding amazing itineraries for Bermuda. In the meantime, try the app to create your own!
Money-Saving Tips
- 1.Visit during shoulder seasons (April-May or September-October) for 30-40% lower hotel rates
- 2.Buy groceries at MarketPlace or Lindo's instead of eating every meal out – restaurant prices are 40% higher than US mainland
- 3.Use the public bus system ($19 day pass) instead of taxis to save $200+ per day on transportation
- 4.Book excursions directly with operators rather than through hotels to avoid markup fees
- 5.Pack reef-safe sunscreen – it costs $25+ per bottle on the island
- 6.Bring a reusable water bottle – bottled water costs $3-4 each at hotels
- 7.Look for happy hour specials at hotel bars (usually 5-7pm) for half-price drinks
Travel Tips
- •Pack layers – ocean breezes make it feel cooler than the temperature suggests, especially in spring and fall
- •Bring or buy a scooter helmet that fits properly – rental helmets are often worn out and uncomfortable
- •Download the Bermuda bus app for real-time schedules and route maps
- •Make dinner reservations well in advance – the island has limited restaurants and they fill up quickly
- •Carry cash – many small vendors and food trucks don't accept credit cards
- •Pack reef-safe sunscreen and a rashguard – the sun reflects off pink sand and water more intensely
- •Book spa treatments early in your stay in case weather affects outdoor plans later
- •Respect the dress code – many restaurants require collared shirts and closed-toe shoes for dinner