In short, yes. Bermuda is a British colony following the English Virginia Company permanently settling there in 1609 in the aftermath of a hurricane - making Bermuda an English colony at the time. Following the unification of the parliaments of Scotland and England back in 1707, Bermuda subsequently became a British colony.
What’s even more interesting is that since 1949, Bermuda has remained the oldest British Overseas Territory. But there’s a lot more that makes this exotic paradise such an enviable destination. Here are even more interesting FAQs you’re probably dying to know the answer to.
- Is Bermuda a Caribbean Island?
- Do I Need to Exchange My US Dollars?
- What is the Population of Bermuda?
- Does Bermuda Have a High Crime Rate?
- Which Local Bermudian Drinks and Cuisine Should I Try?
- Why is the Bermuda Sand Pink?
- When is Hurricane Season in Bermuda?
- What are the Flight Durations to Bermuda From Different Cities in the World?
- How Many Tourists Visit Bermuda Every Year?
- When is the Best Time to Visit Bermuda and What Can I Do?
1. Is Bermuda a Caribbean Island?
Many assume that Bermuda is part of the Caribbean islands. But it’s not.
Bermuda is an island in the North Atlantic and a British Overseas Territory. However, it’s administered independently as a country.
2. Do I Need to Exchange My US Dollars?
No, everywhere in Bermuda uses Bermuda dollars and US dollars interchangeably. So if you have US dollars, bring them. Just make sure all Bermudian dollars have been spent before leaving.
Other currencies aren’t freely traded on this luxurious island. Instead, we recommend that any other currency is exchanged for US dollars before arrival.
3. What is the Population of Bermuda?
Known for being a popular tourist attraction, Bermuda has a population of approximately 65,000. On the island, you’ll find a distinctive blend of British, Caribbean, Portuguese and North American culture, especially in the capital, Hamilton.
4. Does Bermuda Have a High Crime Rate?
Not at all. Bermuda has always been a traditionally safe and relatively crime-free place and remains that way today. This has made this cluster of islands one of the world’s top travel destinations.
5. Which Local Bermudian Cuisine Should I Try?
There are several dishes served in Bermuda that are unique to the island which offer a unique taste of traditional Bermudian culture. The available cuisine reflects a rich and diverse history where Caribbean, Portuguese and English cuisine is blended to create some mouth-watering dishes.
- Bermuda fish chowder
- Codfish and potatoes
- Cassava pie
- Fresh Bermuda caught fish
- Shark hash
- Conch fritters
- Hot cross buns
- Fish cakes
A great way to wash these down is with Bermuda’s national drink - The Rum Swizzle - a fruity cocktail topped with black and gold rum. Many bars and restaurants have their own spin on this iconic beverage.
6. Why is the Bermuda Sand Pink?
What really sets the stunning coasts of Bermuda apart from others is that the warm turquoise waters kiss pink sandy beaches. This perfect hideaway has beach sand made from particles of rocks, minerals and skeletal remains of marine organisms - like most types of sand.
However, Bermuda’s pink sand comes from a species of red foraminifera which is a marine organism that grows on the coral reefs surrounding the island. These red foraminifera shells break off on to the ocean floor and the motion of the waves reduces them to specks and washes them ashore to create our infamous pink sand beaches.
This blush-colored organism is what makes Bermuda’s sand so pink and welcoming.
7. When is Hurricane Season in Bermuda?
Hurricane season in the Atlantic usually runs from June to November, although most hurricanes occur from August-September.
Bermuda sits outside the area where hurricanes are at their most powerful and is well protected from storm surges thanks to its reefs. Buildings and roofs are typically made of concrete to withstand high winds.
8. What are the Flight Durations to Bermuda From Different Cities in the World?
As the uniquely beautiful island of Bermuda is located in the western part of the North Atlantic Ocean, it’s an easy flight from major cities in the US and Canada.
New York and Philadelphia have simple, direct flights to Bermuda that take less than two hours. Boston, Washington D.C. and Charlotte flights take two hours and Miami, Atlanta and Toronto flights take three hours, all of which combine to make Bermuda a true short-break destination.
There are also direct flights available from London, England, which take under seven hours.
9. How Many Tourists Visit Bermuda Every Year?
To truly understand just how popular the thoroughly modern and dynamic destination of Bermuda is, you only need to look at how many tourists visit this safe and secure haven each year - and regularly come back.
Currently, well over 650,000 people visit Bermuda annually. Although, 2017 was a record year for Bermuda tourism when 693,000 people visited our beautiful shores.
10. When is the Best Time to Visit Bermuda and What Can I Do?
Usually, the best time (or the most popular visiting times from tourists) to visit Bermuda is either April or May when the weather becomes more suited to sunbathing. Although, that doesn’t mean activities are limited or Bermuda is less popular for the rest of the year.
In fact, there’s always something to do in Bermuda. Some of the many activities you can take part in include:
- Sampling the vibrant energy of Hamilton.
- Enjoying a round of golf at one of the country’s world-class courses.
- Wondering at the beautiful beaches.
- Going underground and explore the mesmerising crystal and fantasy caves.
- Exploring Bermudian history in St. George’s.
- Going on a fascinating tour of the Royal Naval Dockyard.
- Drinking and eating hearty meals at the many pubs and restaurants.
- Going on an island wrap around tour of Bermuda.
- Exploring the turquoise waters on sail and snorkel tours.
- Visiting popular attractions like Blue Hole Park, Cooper’s Island Nature Reserve, Horseshoe Bay Beach and more.
That’s just scratching the surface. It doesn’t matter if you’re visiting Bermuda in January or November, the beauty of this archipelago of seven main islands is that there’s something going on all the time. Although you now know just some of the many amazing things to do in Bermuda, go ahead and find out more.
From Delicious Cuisine to Memorable Events: Here’s What Goes on in Bermuda All Year Round
Bermuda is perfect for those chasing a secluded environment without a sense of isolation. Despite its enviable calmness which makes for a perfect escape, Bermuda always has something going on that will leave you wanting more.
To stay in the loop about what you can do in Bermuda, download your ‘12 Months in Bermuda’ guide so you know what’s happening each month. Whether it’s Bermuda Restaurant Weeks in January, the Kite Festival at Easter or Harbor Nights every Wednesday during the summer months, you’ll be sure to find something to enjoy.
Get your free copy below.
