Welcome to Bermuda, a paradise known for its pink sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant culture. If you’re planning a trip to this beautiful island, look no further than ‘Greater Than a Tourist- Bermuda: 50 Travel Tips from a Local’ by Clara Fay. In this blog post, we’ll share three insider tips from Clara’s book to help you experience Bermuda like a true local.
Welcome to Bermuda, a paradise known for its pink sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant culture. If you’re planning a trip to this beautiful island, look no further than ‘Greater Than a Tourist- Bermuda: 50 Travel Tips from a Local’ by Clara Fay. In this blog post, we’ll share three insider tips from Clara’s book to help you experience Bermuda like a true local.
1. When to Visit
The archipelago of Bermuda has a mild climate, thanks to the Gulf Stream. This makes for an ideal year-round travel destination. Pick your season to match your purpose.
Winter runs from December through March with air temperature ranging between 65 to 70°F. We focus on New Year’s resolutions of fitness and pampering. Events on the calendar include the Goodwill Golf Tournament, the Bermuda Triangle Challenge, Restaurant & Spa Weeks, and the Bermuda Festival of the Performing Arts.
Air temperature climbs to the mid-70s from late March into April as increased sunshine means spring has arrived – along with the cruise ships! We make Easter kites and prepare boats for the fast-approaching summer season. The annual humpback whale migration provides an amazing spectacle best seen from a boat.
The high summer season runs from May through October. Air temperature peaks in July/ August in the 80s and stays there until October. Water sports and outdoor activity are in full swing, as are partying and our favourite social events, such as Bermuda Day, Bermuda Carnival, and Cup Match.
While our busy season may wind down in October, the temperatures don’t. Average air temperature in the fall (October/November) remains in the 80s. The difference is that the lower humidity makes the weather perfect for running, cycling, and going to the World Rugby Classic.
For water enthusiasts, the average water temperature in Bermuda roughly follows the changes in air temperature. The water surface temperature ranges from 68°F in the winter months to 82°F in the summer. In November and December, the water temperature averages 73°F.
2. Money Matters
The Bermuda Dollar ($) is the official currency and a one-to-one ratio with U.S. Dollar. The Bermuda Dollar and the U.S. Dollar are interchangeable. Most retailers and businesses will try to give U.S. Dollar change to visitors.
Canadian dollars, British pounds, and other currencies need to be exchanged at a bank on the island. Banks include HSBC Bank Bermuda Limited, The Bank of N.T. Butterfield & Son Limited, and Clarien Bank Limited.
ATMs are available island wide. You can find 24-hour ATMs at bank branch locations. Also check convenience stores, gas stations, or your hotel. Most ATMs dispense only Bermuda dollars, although HSBC Bank offers U.S. dollars ATMs at their branch locations. Expect to pay fees for the ATM service.
We accept major credit cards, including Visa, MasterCard, and American Express. No U.S. Dollar travel cheques or money orders are accepted.
3. Where to Stay
For an island of 21 square miles, there is a wide selection of accommodations for every taste and budget. There are resort hotels, such as the Cambridge Beaches Resort & Spa and Grotto Bay Beach Resort & Spa. Smaller hotels include the Royal Palm Hotel and Pompano Beach Club. We have one larger city business hotel, the Hamilton Princess & Beach Club. Bed & breakfast accommodations are available, such as Granaway Guest House & Cottage and Green Bank Guest House & Cottages. AIRBNB and VRBO home sharing options are growing in popularity, such as centrally located Beach Walk Cottages. You should comb through the listings for a place to meet your needs and budget.
Bermuda encompasses nine parishes for administrative purposes. Each parish has its own charm and focus. Your choice of accommodation may come down to location and amenities.
Avid history buffs will enjoy the eastern parish of St. George’s. The Town of St. George is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. To experience an outstanding example of the earliest English urban settlement in the New World, include the Town of St. George on your itinerary.
The eastern/ central parishes of Hamilton, Smith’s, and Devonshire, dotted with rolling hills and farmland, have a distinct countryside feel. Harrington Sound in Hamilton Parish is perfect for spotting stingrays, and spending an afternoon at the nearby Bermuda Aquarium, Museum & Zoo. The BQ Beach Grill at John Smith’s Bay Beach in Smith’s Parish is perfect for lunch on the beach.
The central parish of Pembroke is ideal for those looking to be near the vibrant City of Hamilton, known as Hamilton, and close to shops, restaurants, bars, city parks, museums, galleries, and churches.
The central/ western parishes of Paget, Warwick, Southampton have the famous stretch of pink sand beaches and secluded coves. Stay on the south shore side for proximity to the sand and surf.
Sandy’s parish, on the western point of the island, is a good choice for those wishing to get away from the crowds to explore forts, idyllic coves, and the historic Royal Naval Dockyard, known as Dockyard, with its craft market, restaurants, and shopping.
Author Biography
Clara Fay was born in Bermuda and spent her childhood enjoying adventures of island life. Returning home several years after attending university in Nova Scotia, she delighted in sharing the unique island experience with her three children and in building a career as a communication professional for a prominent global company.
As do most Bermudians, Clara loves to travel. She enjoys exploring the islands of the Scottish Inner and Outer Hebrides, which are so different from her sub-tropical island home. She leveraged her communication expertise to capture the magical, mystical atmosphere, and unique history of these Scottish islands in a recent venture into creative writing with her novel Mark of a Crescent Moon. Clara delights in sharing her passion for her island home with this edition of Greater Than a Tourist – Bermuda.
How to Use This Book
The Greater Than a Tourist book series was written by someone who has lived in an area for over three months. The goal of this book is to help travelers either dream or experience different locations by providing opinions from a local. The author has made suggestions based on their own experiences. Please check before traveling to the area in case the suggested places are unavailable.
These are just a few of the many tips you’ll find in ‘Greater Than a Tourist- Bermuda‘ by Clara Fay. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, Clara’s insights will help you make the most of your time in Bermuda. So, grab a copy of the book, start planning your trip, and get ready to experience Bermuda like a local.
Additional Resources
- Bermuda Tourism: www.gotobermuda.com
- Bermuda Events: www.bermuda.com
- Government of Bermuda: www.gov.bm
- City of Hamilton: www.cityofhamilton.bm
- Bermuda National Trust: www.bnt.bm
