Travel

Getting Around Bermuda

Bermuda Neighborhoods

Although Bermuda consists of many islands, its largest island a 21-square-mile J-shaped mass that's also called Bermuda is where most visitors spend their time. The main island is divided into regions known as parishes. The airport is located on the east (in St. George's Parish) and many of the resorts are down south (in Southampton, Warwick, Pembroke and Paget parishes). The majority of restaurants, nightlife and lodging is concentrated in the center of the island, in the capital of Hamilton in Pembroke Parish.

Picturesque Sandys Parish is something special. Hilly and lush, it's the home of Somerset Long Bay, the largest public beach in the west end. Boaz Island, Ireland Island and Watford Island also make up the parish and are all connected by bridge.

Though it lacks the intimacy of Sandys, Southampton Parish is perfect for those looking for Bermuda's trademark pink beaches namely, the popular Horseshoe Bay. This southwestern parish is also good for sightseeing and golfing.

Centrally located on Great Bermuda Island, Warwick Parish is famous for Warwick Long Bay 's blush sand and horseback riding excursions. Those looking to save money on a Bermuda vacation will also find several apartment rentals here.

Just south of Bermuda's capital, Hamilton, Paget is home to the Botanical Gardens and a favorite, Elbow Beach. The region's flat terrain makes it perfect for biking and there are a handful of seaside hiking trails to explore. You should stay in Paget Parish to be close to some of Bermuda's most convenient bus and ferry schedules.

Located north of Paget Parish, the parish of Pembroke is home to Bermuda's capital, Hamilton, and the main hub of tourist activity. Vacationers who stay in Pembroke, or specifically, Hamilton, will be close to the island's best shopping along Front Street, the museums of the Royal Naval Dockyard and the liveliest nightlife in Bermuda.

Just east of Pembroke Parish lies the hilly terrain of Devonshire Parish, home to Bermuda's Arboretum, the Edmund Gibbons Nature Reserve and one of the city's oldest churches, Old Devonshire Parish Church. Devonshire Parish is also a haven for fishermen where Devonshire Dock is often crowded with people shopping for fresh grouper and rockfish. But take note that despite the area's natural beauty, it doesn't offer very many restaurants or accommodations.

Smith's Parish, to the east of Devonshire, is popular among nature lovers looking for a tranquil vacation without Sandys parish's high prices. It's home to the Spittal Pond Nature Reserve, as well as Flatts Village, which was a smuggler's port for more than 200 years. This parish offers several hotel options, but its restaurant selection is very limited.

The popular Hamilton Parish, not to be confused with the capital city, is located northeast of Smith's Parish. It's home to the Bermuda Aquarium, the Crystal Fantasy Caves. Tom Moore's Jungle and Shelly Bay. Hamilton Parish also offers plenty of opportunities to swim, sail and scuba dive.

The northern parish of St. George's is made up of two major parts, St. George's Island and St. David's Island, and is home to some of Bermuda's oldest towns, including Tucker's Town and St. George. Formerly the capital of Bermuda, Historic St. George played an important role in Bermuda's trade industry and even in the American Revolution.

Crime, especially theft, against tourists is becoming more common in some parts of Bermuda. The capital, Hamilton, is where most of the crime occurs, however, law enforcement has cracked down and installed surveillance cameras throughout the city and in all major tourist areas in recent years. Be sure to leave treasured items at home and the valuables that you do bring with you should be secured in the hotel safe. Rented mopeds are sometimes stolen; make sure to always lock your scooter before leaving it unattended.

The best way to get around Bermuda is on a bus. You don't have the option of renting a car here and maneuvering with a motorbike could be fun or deadly, depending on your perspective. The taxis pretty much have a monopoly on getting you from L.F. Wade International Airport (BDA) to your hotel, but this budget-killing option for sightseeing is not your best bet. Fortunately, the buses are reliable and affordable, and stop at many of the top attractions.