Bermuda: The Mid-Atlantic Mystery You Need to Visit

First, let’s clear up the biggest misconception: Bermuda is not in the Caribbean. Floating alone in the North Atlantic, roughly 650 miles off the coast of North Carolina, it is a world unto itself.

Because of its isolation, Bermuda has developed a unique personality. It is a place where businessmen wear shorts with blazers, where the sand is genuinely pink, and where the shipwreck diving is unrivaled. It blends the properness of Britain with the sub-tropical ease of island life.

If you are looking for a destination that is safe, sophisticated, and stunningly photogenic, here is your guide to the Jewel of the Atlantic.

1. The Phenomenon of Pink Sand

You have seen the photos, but seeing it in person is different. The south shore of Bermuda is lined with beaches that glow with a soft, rose-colored hue.

• Why is it pink? The color comes from crushed red shells of microscopic organisms called foraminifera mixed with the white coral sand.
• Horseshoe Bay: This is the most famous beach for a reason. It is a crescent of perfection. However, it gets crowded.
• The Pro Tip: Walk left. If you follow the sandy trails east from Horseshoe Bay, you will hit Chaplin’s Bay and Warwick Long Bay. These are just as pink, but often empty.

2. St. George’s: A Step Back in Time

On the eastern tip of the island lies the Town of St. George, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Founded in 1612, it is the oldest continuously inhabited English town in the New World.

• The Vibe: It feels like a colonial time capsule. Narrow alleys with names like "Featherbed Alley" wind between white-washed stone cottages.
• St. Peter’s Church: Step inside the oldest Anglican church outside the British Isles. The cedar-beamed ceiling and the smell of old wood and candle wax are unforgettable.
• The Unfinished Church: A short walk up the hill leads to this gothic ruin. Construction began in the 1870s but was never finished. Now, it is a roofless cathedral of stone and grass open to the sky.

3. The Underworld: Crystal Caves

Bermuda is just as beautiful below ground. The Crystal & Fantasy Caves were discovered in 1907 by two teenagers playing cricket who lost their ball down a hole.

• The Experience: You descend 120 feet into the earth to find a subterranean lake of crystal-clear water. Pontoon bridges lead you over the water while thousands of white stalactites hang from the ceiling like chandeliers. It is humid, silent, and visually spectacular.

Crystal & Fantasy Caves. Source- Bermuda.com

4. The "No Car" Rule (And How to Get Around)

Here is the quirk that defines Bermuda tourism: Visitors are not allowed to rent cars. To keep traffic down on the narrow, winding roads, full-size car rentals are banned for non-residents.

• The Twizy: In recent years, the island allowed the rental of "electric microcars" like the Renault Twizy. They are two-seater, golf-cart-sized vehicles that are safe and fun.
• Scooters: The traditional way to get around is by moped. It is classic, but be careful—the roads are narrow and locals drive fast.
• The Ferry: The sea breeze commute. Taking the ferry from the Royal Naval Dockyard to Hamilton (the capital) is not just transport; it’s a scenic tour.

5. Practical Tips for the Traveler

The Price Tag Bermuda is affluent and imports almost everything, which means it is expensive. Expect New York City or London prices for dining and accommodation.

• Currency: The Bermuda Dollar (BMD) is pegged 1:1 with the US Dollar. US currency is accepted everywhere, so there is no need to exchange money if you are coming from the States.

Staying Connected Because you cannot rent a standard car with a GPS, and because the bus routes can be tricky to figure out on the fly, you will live on Google Maps.

• The Roaming Trap: Roaming fees in Bermuda can be shockingly high depending on your provider.
• The Smart Fix: The most reliable way to navigate the island is to purchase an eSIM data plan before you arrive. This digital solution allows you to connect to local networks immediately. It is essential for checking the live bus tracker (the "Pink" and "Blue" route buses) or navigating your rental Twizy to a hidden beach without getting lost in the winding parishes.

Dress Code Bermuda is conservative. Bathing suits are for the beach only. Walking around Hamilton or St. George’s shirtless or in a bikini is frowned upon. "Smart Casual" is the standard for evenings.

Why Go Now?

Bermuda is the antidote to the chaotic vacation. It is orderly, clean, and incredibly friendly. Whether you are drinking a Rum Swizzle at the Swizzle Inn or snorkeling over the wreck of the Constellation, Bermuda offers a class of travel that is rare to find. It is a place where you can wear Bermuda shorts without irony and watch the sun set over the most beautiful water in the Atlantic.