Bermuda or officially, the Bermuda Islands or the Somers Isles, is a British overseas territory in the North Atlantic Ocean. Located off the east coast of the United States, its nearest landmass is Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. Its capital city is Hamilton. Bermuda is the oldest and most populous remaining British overseas territory, settled by England a century before the Acts of Union created the Kingdom of Great Britain. Bermuda's first capital, St George's, was settled in 1612 and is the oldest continuously inhabited English town in the Americas.
Getting to Bermuda is by one of two ways, by boat or by plane. The modest airport has daily flights in and out of JFK airport in New York and other east coast airports, plus is a very popular cruise ship stop for many cruiselines in the summer. Cruises range from 1 day calls to 3 day/2 overnights in King's Wharf, Bermuda. Some of the smaller ships from cruiselines may make calls into St. Georges or Hamilton, however all the panamax size ships will call on King's Wharf. Actually, there is 2 piers in Dockyard, the newest being called Heritage Wharf.
Dockyard (King's Wharf)historically was a naval base for the Royal Navy until just after World War II. Most of the buildings used by the military have been turned into museums and shops. The old Prison still stands and is currently being renovated for possible tourism options but at this time is still not open to the public. For the cruise ship guest, it is easy to get around by walking. The Maritime Museum is located right next to the ships' piers (nominal admission fee) and has the history of its use as a naval base with the Commissioner's House sitting high up overlooking the open ocean. The Clocktower (which used to hold the armaments for the base) now houses a collection of local shops and a couple restaurants. One of the longstanding establishments right next to the Maritime Museum is the Frog & Onion Pub. Most of the interior decor is themed military nautical. One of the dining rooms has a large collection of flags. Should you decide to learn some history, take a short tour of the area on a horse drawn carriage, road train or the newest by Segway. The Segway is not only a cool way to get around the area but you get a guided tour of Dockyard and the Maritime Museum. This is one of my favorites.
Hamilton is the capital city of Bermuda and center of commerce. Here you will find an assortment of souvenir shops, jewelry stores, restaurants and pubs. This is the best place to spot the business gents in their colorful bermuda shorts and knee socks. The history of this form of business where came from the Royal Army units that were dispatched to tropical locations and their regular uniform was too hot. Getting to Hamilton from Dockyard can also be done by utilizing the local ferry or bus system. It is very efficient, however either way will take about 45 minutes each way. For guests on some of the ship sponsored tours to Hamilton, the cost of the ferry passes are included in the price. This allows guests to get a narrated tour and free time to explore and shop. Guests that just want to go over to Hamilton can use the ferry. Ferry & bus passes are available at the VIC (bright pink and blue round building) next to the Ferry Terminal in Dockyard. On Wednesday nights in the summer is the Harbor Nights Festival, where they block off Front Street and have street vendors, live entertainment and the local stores stay open a bit later than normal.
The last major town to visit on your Bermuda adventure is St. Georges. This was the first capital of Bermuda. It was founded by Capt. George Somers on the Sea Venture that was on its way to Jamestown, Virginia on a rescue mission. She hit one of the many shallow reefs around the island and Capt. Somers managed to run her aground in very shallow water and stopped the ship from sinking. All the passengers and crew survived. They were able to construct 2 ships, the Deliverance (a replica displayed in Somers Wharf) and Patience and sailed to Jamestown to find the rest of the fleet had not arrived. They boarded the survivors and attempted to sail back to England and ran into the rest of the fleet. They turned around and Jamestown was saved by the fresh supplies brought in. In St. Georges make sure to go to King's Square and see the midday re-enactment of daily life on Wednesdays. St. Georges you can also see St. Peters Church and easier access to St. David's Lighthouse and Fort St. Catherine.
Garret's Tips:
#1 Bermuda currency is on par (1 to 1) with US Dollars. You do not need to exchange money however you will find if you exchange Bermuda Dollars in the US you will lose some of the value in fees that are applied by the exchange houses.
#2 Scooter rentals are available nearly everywhere on the island. Please be careful, as not only do they drive on the otherside of the road (to U.S.), but have different traffic laws and scooter accidents on the island are prevalent and numerous.
#3 Make sure to cover up your bathing suit when going to and from the beach, as Bermudians are quite conservative.
#4 If you are in Bermuda for multiple days, utilize the day or monthly passes as long as you will be using ferry/bus more than 3 times per day. If not, just get single tokens.
#5 Tours are the best way to learn history of the island. Ferry & buses are very efficient to get around the island but you don't learn anything.
#6 There are no beaches within walking distance from Hamilton or Dockyard. The South Shore (where Horseshoe and Elbow Beaches are) are accessible by taxi or public bus. In St. Georges, Fort St. Catherine (big beach but no amenities) and Tobacco Bay (small beach & bar) have beaches but is about 20-30 minute walk from Somer's Wharf.
There are many things to do on the island so if you are vacationing in Bermuda by plane and hotel check with your travel agent or Bermuda Tourism. The site can also give you great deals on flights and hotels. http://www.bermudatourism.com
Or, if your on a cruise, see your Shore Excursion Desk and Port & Shopping Consultants onboard to find out the best way to maximize your day in port.
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