Bermuda is known for its well-preserved beaches and an array of sightseeing attractions. The gorgeous pink sand beaches of Bermuda blend into cerulean waters that are perfect for snorkeling and lounging. Bermuda is an ideal getaway for solo travelers, couples, and families. The islands of Bermuda have a laid-back atmosphere but can also provide luxury experiences to visitors. The area’s famous attire, Bermuda shorts, makes this cultural mix of casual and proper elements clear. Technically, this mix comes from British and tropical influences. Since Bermuda is an overseas British territory that is self-governing, travelers will notice unique ethnic and cultural influences.
Safety in Bermuda is not a primary concern for travelers beyond conventional wisdom and situational awareness. Although crime still occurs, it is a relatively safe place to visit. From airport renovations to modern accommodations, Bermuda is very accessible and safe for visitors. Check out what tourists should be concerned about while visiting Bermuda.
Official Travel Advisories
According to the U.S. State Department travel advisory, Bermuda is a pretty safe place to visit. The travel advisory for Bermuda states that travelers should exercise standard precautions. While Bermuda does have moderate petty crime, it is not targeted towards travelers. However, the crime that does tend to happen is usually centered around the drug trade. Likewise, petty crime which includes theft is possible.
As long as visitors of Bermuda take some precautions like keeping up with personal property, they should be safe since they are in a relatively crime-free place. Travelers should monitor the travel advisory while planning their trip and can even follow the Department of State on social media for updates. Resources like the CIA World Factbook provide tips and information that will help travelers looking to have a smooth travel experience to and from Bermuda.
Is Bermuda Safe for Tourists and Solo Travelers?
In terms of crime, Bermuda is a relatively safe place to visit. Tourists are more likely to need to exercise caution around wildlife and during bad weather than worrying about more threatening factors like violence or kidnappings. However, petty crime such as pickpocketing or even verbal or physical altercations can happen, especially in St. George which is a popular port that the cruise ships frequent as well as Hamilton which is a nightlife destination.
Marine Safety
Marine safety is a concern in Bermuda since it has such diverse wildlife. One creature to exercise extreme caution around is the Portuguese Man of War. Although the purple or blue-colored gas-filled animal floats of the Portuguese Man of War are quite attractive, they should not be touched because of their venomous nature. The marine creature (that resembles a jellyfish) can be found on the surface in the region of the Atlantic Ocean that surrounds the island. It has long tentacles that sting. People stung by a Portuguese Man of War experience pain, burning, swelling and redness that can last for hours, or a subsequent rash lasting for weeks.
Natural Disaster Safety
Likewise, natural disasters such as tropical storms and hurricanes are also a possibility depending on the time of year. Still these types of storms tend to only impact the island about every six years. Hurricane season runs from June to November, so travelers should keep track of resources like the National Hurricane Center or Bermuda Weather Service (BWS). These resources are posted on Bermuda’s Government website, along with tips and information concerning hurricane safety.
The southern shore of Bermuda is the best place to surf since it is connected to the southern Atlantic Ocean. During storm season, the south side can be dangerous since it does not have protective elements to slow down waves. The northern shore has a coral reef, which provides a sort of natural protection. This cushion helps to calm the waters and creates a more serene environment. For travelers wanting to avoid the storms of Bermuda, knowing which shores to visit is important.
Getting Around Bermuda
The best way to get around Bermuda is by bus because they run on a set schedule. The buses are more reliable and affordable when traveling between attractions. Island-wide buses rely on zone-based fares — but are still cost effective. Most fares cost $3.50 for travel in three zones, while travel in more than three costs $5. All-day passes are available for around $20 and are ideal for tourists that intend to visit multiple attractions in one day. Alternatively, carry exact change or fare tokens, which can be purchased at bus terminals or local hotels.
One downside of Bermuda is that the taxis aren’t regulated. This means that fare prices can vary widely since each driver can charge whatever they think is “reasonable” for a ride. Most taxis tend to either charge per hour (starting around $50) or by the distance traveled.
Common Scams to be Aware of in Bermuda
Scams can happen anywhere, no matter how safe a place feels to a tourist. Bermuda is a fairly safe place to visit and in truth most of the scams are of the phishing variety that target local residents more than unsuspecting travelers. However, when scams do occur that target tourists, they tend to be overcharging for taxi rides or upcharging for excursions to popular attractions. Still, these can be easily avoided by negotiating prices for transportation before getting in the car, requesting that the taxis turn on their meters, and only purchasing attraction tickets through authorized agents.
How to Stay Safe in Bermuda
Travelers can visit Bermuda and feel reasonably safe doing so. However, always exercising caution and being smart about behaviors is always the best way to avoid becoming a cautionary tale. Bermuda has relatively low crime and is rated as a low level risk for U.S. travelers. Still, take a common sense approach by not flashing valuables, and sticking to populated and well-lit areas is the best way to avoid becoming a statistic.
While crime is low, it does happen in areas like St. George and parts of Hamilton which is popular for its nightlife — especially at night after the bars close. Additionally, theft at hotels or on the beach can be an issue. To avoid this, keep valuables locked in a safe when not in the hotel and avoid bringing valuable items to the beach if they’re going to be left unattended.
Where to Stay in Bermuda
Depending on how travelers want to spend their time in Bermuda, some areas are better suited than others. Popular attractions on the island include golfing, the beach, and historical sites. The capital, Hamilton, is always a good option (especially for families) since it’s a bustling town that’s centrally located to many other attractions on the island. Meanwhile, history fans might prefer St. George. Along with being a popular port of call for cruise lines, it’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and easy access to the ocean.
Luxury jetsetters might prefer Southampton in the west that’s known for posh hotels, idyllic beaches, and is also where the rich and famous spend their time when visiting the island. Note this is also where the iconic pink-sand beaches of Horseshoe Bay are located. Finally, golfers will appreciate Hog Bay which boasts PGA approved gold courses like the Port Royal Golf Course.
Best Time to Visit Bermuda
High season for Bermuda is between May through mid-October. This is when travelers can expect to spend the most for accommodations and travel, as well as encounter the most crowds. For less crowds but still reasonably decent weather, consider the shoulder seasons in April or late October. It’s important to remember that Bermuda is technically not in the Caribbean. Instead, the island sits in the North Atlantic about 900 miles east of the Carolinas. Because of this, travelers who head to the island during the low season (December through February) may not get to enjoy basking in the sun on the beach. It’ll still be mild weather, but not exactly bikini temperatures.
People Also Ask
What should you avoid doing in Bermuda?
As with most travel destinations, using common sense will take travelers far and ensure a happier experience. Common things to avoid beyond not breaking local laws is to treat locals with respect and to show respect to local customs or traditions.
Why isn’t Bermuda as popular as the other islands in the Caribbean?
First, Bermuda isn’t in the Caribbean. It sits in the North Atlantic and does have varying weather unlike its neighbors to the south. Additionally, Bermuda tends to be more expensive than some of the more popular Caribbean islands like Jamaica, Puerto Rico, or even the Dominican Republic.
Can you use US dollars in Bermuda?
While Bermuda is a British territory, US dollars are widely accepted for transactions across the island. Likewise, most ATMs and credit card machines can accept US-issued debit and credit cards.
What is the rainy season in Bermuda?
Unlike islands in the Caribbean (which Bermuda is not a part of), there’s no formal rainy season for the island. When it does rain, it’s usually sporadically.
Should You Travel to Bermuda?
Depending on where people live in the US, Bermuda is as quick as a two-hour flight from the US mainland — making it an attractive option for those quick getaways. With a low advisory warning by the U.S. Department of State, travelers can enjoy Bermuda with a reasonable degree of safety. However, being smart and aware of their surroundings is always advised. Although Bermuda doesn’t enjoy 80-degree weather year round like a Caribbean island, it’s still warm all year long and offers plenty of attractions across the island.