Bermuda

WHEN TO GO

Bermuda is a semitropical island, with the Gulf stream keeping temperatures moderate (in the 60s and 70s) for much of the year. But because it's so far north in the Atlantic, though, the water is chilly in winter. The summer months are the best times to enjoy those spectacular pink beaches and turquoise waters (and temperatures in the mid-80s). March and April can be rainy.

HOW TO GET THERE

Bermuda's main airport, L. F Wade International Airport, near St. George in the eastern part of the island, has nonstop flights from major east coast and Midwestern cities in the U.S., and from London. Flights are approximately two hours from the east coast and seven hours from London (www.bermudaairport.com).

Another popular way to get to Bermuda is by cruise ship; several cruise lines operate weekly cruises from New York, Boston, Charleston, and Fort Lauderdale, generally spending three days in port. Ships dock either in St. George's, the capital of Hamilton, or in the Royal Naval Dockyard on the island's western end.

GETTING AROUND

Due to the island's small size and few roads, visitors aren't allowed to rent cars. Even residents have restrictions: Only one car is allowed per household. Visitors can rent mopeds or scooters, but use caution—drive on the left side of the road (in the British manner) and watch out for narrow roads as well as slippery conditions after rainfall. For rental agency suggestions, go to www.bermudatourism.com.

If scooters aren't your speed (and they can be tough if you're dressed for a fancy dinner), taxis are the solution. They're plentiful, and the drivers are very helpful (one particularly charming and knowledgeable driver is Leonard Holder (441-505-1826). Be warned, however, that taxi fares are very expensive, even for short distances.

One of the most atmospheric and affordable ways to get around is by Sea Express ferry. There are three routes that run year-round: the pink route, between Hamilton and the parishes of Warwick and Paget; the green route, between Hamilton, Rockaway in Southampton, and Somerset Bridge; and the blue route between Hamilton, the west end, and Dockyard. The orange route runs from May until November, connecting Hamilton, the Dockyard, and St. George's. (441-295-4506; www.seaexpress.bm)

Modern, air conditioned pink and blue buses also run throughout the island; bus stops are designated with small shaded shelters and poles—pink for buses heading to the city of Hamilton, and blue for those heading out of Hamilton. All routes also leave from the Central Bus Terminal on Church Street in Hamilton. The island is divided into 14 zones, with fares determined by number of zones to be traveled (up to three is $3; more than three is $4.50). Fares must be paid with exact change or tokens, available for purchase at the terminal, visitor centers, and many hotels. If you’re going exploring, it makes sense to buy a transportation pass, which is accepted on both buses and ferries (one-day is $12; three-day is $28; four-day is $35; and a week is $45).

In addition, there are minibuses operating within several parishes that have more flexibility than regular buses but don't cost as much as taxis; they're shared rides but will pick you up and drop you off at specific addresses. In the east end, contact St. George's Mini-Bus Service (441-297-8199); in the central part of the island (Pembroke, Paget and Devonshire parishes) contact Suburban Transit Mini-Bus (441-293-1244); in the west end, operating between Dockyard and Horseshoe Bay in Southampton, contact West End Mini-Bus (441-295-5298).

TOURIST INFO

Bermuda Department of Tourism
Tel: 1 800 BERMUDA
www.bermudatourism.com
travel@bermudatourism.com

There are four Visitor Information Centre locations:

Hamilton
No.1 Passenger Terminal
Front Street
Bermuda
HMEX
Tel: 441 295 1480

Royal Naval Dockyard
Clocktower Parade
Bermuda
MA02
Tel: 441 799 4842

St. George's
Water Street Plaza
Bermuda
GE05
Tel: 441 297 8000

L. F. Wade International Airport
3 Cahow Way
Bermuda
GECX
Tel: 441 299 4857