Cuba Travel Guide

Editorial note: The request specified "Cuba, Bermuda (state)," but Bermuda is not a U.S. state, a Cuban territory, or a municipality of Cuba. Bermuda is a self-governing British Overseas Territory located in the North Atlantic Ocean, roughly 1,070 km (665 miles) east of North Carolina. This guide covers that destination. If you were looking for a place called "Bermuda" within Cuba or a U.S. state, verify locally, as no such administratively recognized place is known to this publication.

Bermuda is an archipelago of about 180 small islands and islets, of which roughly 20 are inhabited and connected by bridges and causeways. The capital is Hamilton, and the territory is known for its pink-sand beaches, turquoise water, pastel-painted architecture, and well-preserved British colonial heritage.

Despite its small size — roughly 54 sq km (21 sq miles) in total land area — Bermuda is a sophisticated destination with a well-developed tourism infrastructure, a significant offshore financial sector, and a distinctive local culture that blends British, African, Caribbean, and Portuguese influences.

Bermuda sits atop a volcanic seamount and is the northernmost coral reef ecosystem in the Atlantic, making it a notable destination for divers and marine enthusiasts. The Gulf Stream keeps temperatures mild year-round, though the island is exposed to Atlantic storms.

Entry Requirements

Visa and entry requirements for Bermuda vary by nationality. Bermuda operates its own immigration controls as a British Overseas Territory — entry rules differ from those for the United Kingdom itself. Check TravelerPulse's Visas section and consult the Bermuda Department of Immigration's official website for current requirements before you travel.

All visitors must have a valid return or onward ticket and proof of accommodation. A valid passport is required; verify the minimum validity requirement for your nationality before departure.

Health

Bermuda has no mandatory vaccination requirements for most travelers, but check current guidance from your own government's travel health advisory. The island has modern medical facilities, though serious cases may require evacuation to the U.S. or UK. Comprehensive travel health insurance is strongly recommended.

Bermuda is generally free of tropical diseases common in Caribbean destinations, but sun protection and hydration are important, especially in summer when temperatures and humidity rise significantly.

What to Pack

• Lightweight, breathable clothing for most of the year
• A light jacket or layers for evenings and air-conditioned venues
• Reef-safe sunscreen (verify current regulations, as some chemical sunscreens face restrictions)
• Water shoes or sandals for rocky shoreline access
• Smart-casual attire for Hamilton restaurants and the casino

By Air

L.F. Wade International Airport (BDA) in St. George's Parish is Bermuda's only airport. It serves flights from several major cities in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Airlines serving Bermuda include major U.S. carriers and British Airways, among others — verify current routes and schedules directly with airlines or a booking platform, as service changes seasonally.

The flight is approximately 2 hours from New York, under 2 hours from Boston, roughly 2.5 hours from Toronto, and around 7 hours from London.

By Sea

Bermuda is a popular port of call and embarkation point for Atlantic and Caribbean cruises, particularly from the U.S. East Coast. Cruise ships dock at the Royal Naval Dockyard, Hamilton, and St. George's, depending on the vessel and itinerary. Check current cruise schedules with cruise lines directly, as seasonal service varies.

On the Island

Private car rentals for visitors are not permitted in Bermuda — this is a longstanding local policy intended to manage traffic on the island's narrow roads. This is one of the most important practical facts for first-time visitors to understand.

Transportation options include:

• Scooters and electric bicycles: Available for rental and the most common way visitors get around independently. Helmets are mandatory. Riding on the left (British-style) is required.
• Taxis: Available at the airport, cruise terminals, and major hotels. Metered fares; verify current rate schedules locally.
• Public buses: Bermuda has a public bus network covering most of the island. The main hub is the Central Terminal in Hamilton. Exact change is typically required; bus passes are available. Verify current schedules and fares with the Bermuda Department of Public Transportation.
• Ferries: A scenic and practical option connecting Hamilton to the Royal Naval Dockyard and Paget/Warwick. Passes that cover both buses and ferries are available — verify current options locally.
• Taxis and private transfers: Readily available for airport and cruise terminal transfers.

Bermuda's roads are narrow, winding, and have a national speed limit — drive or ride cautiously.

Accommodation

Bermuda offers a range of accommodation types including large resort hotels, smaller boutique properties, guesthouses, and cottage colonies — a lodging format somewhat distinctive to the island, featuring self-contained cottage units set in landscaped grounds.

The main hotel and resort areas are concentrated along the south shore (Southampton, Paget, Warwick), in and around Hamilton, and near the Dockyard. St. George's has more limited accommodation but suits those prioritising the historic east end.

Bermuda is one of the more expensive destinations in the Atlantic basin. Accommodation costs are generally high relative to comparable destinations. Prices fluctuate significantly by season — spring and early summer tend to be peak. Always verify rates and availability directly with properties or via a reputable booking platform. This guide does not endorse specific hotels.

Beaches

Bermuda's south shore beaches are among the island's most celebrated features. Horseshoe Bay Beach in Southampton is the most visited, offering a long stretch of the island's characteristic pink sand (the colour comes from crushed coral and shell). Elbow Beach, Warwick Long Bay, and Jobson's Cove are quieter alternatives worth seeking out.

Diving and Snorkelling

Bermuda has more than 300 documented shipwrecks, many accessible to recreational divers. The island sits on one of the northernmost coral reef systems in the Atlantic. Several dive operators offer guided wreck and reef dives — verify certifications required and current operators locally.

History and Culture

• St. George's: Bermuda's original capital, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with well-preserved 17th-century colonial architecture, St. Peter's Church (one of the oldest Anglican churches in the Western Hemisphere), and the stocks and pillory on King's Square.
• Royal Naval Dockyard: A former British naval fortress at the western tip of the island, now a cultural and commercial hub with the Bermuda Maritime Museum (National Museum of Bermuda), craft markets, and restaurants.
• Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute (BUEI): An interactive museum in Hamilton focused on ocean exploration and Bermuda's maritime heritage.
• Crystal Caves and Fantasy Cave: Natural limestone caves with stalactites, stalagmites, and underground saltwater lakes. Admission fees and hours — verify on the official site before visiting.

Other Activities

• Golf: Bermuda has several courses; it has historically been associated with golf tourism.
• Cliff jumping and kayaking at various south shore locations
• Whale watching (humpback whales pass through seasonally, typically spring)
• The Bermuda Railway Trail: A walking and cycling trail built on the former railway corridor running much of the island's length

Local Cuisine

Bermudian food draws on British, West African, Caribbean, and Portuguese culinary traditions. Key dishes and ingredients to look for include:

• Fish chowder: A Bermudian staple, typically dark and rich, often finished with black rum and sherry peppers
• Codfish and potatoes: A traditional Sunday breakfast dish served with banana, avocado, and egg
• Spiny lobster: In season roughly September to March (verify current season dates); different from Maine lobster and locally significant
• Rockfish (black grouper): A common local fish
• Johnny bread (Johnnycakes): A traditional cornbread accompaniment
• Rum swizzle: Bermuda's unofficial national drink, a mix of dark and light rum with fruit juices; the Swizzle Inn in Bailey's Bay is historically associated with it

Dining

Hamilton has a wide range of restaurants from casual to upscale. St. George's and the Dockyard also have dining options. Bermuda is generally an expensive destination — dining costs are significantly higher than comparable U.S. or European cities. Grocery stores exist for self-catering. Prices vary; verify locally.

Drinking Age

The legal drinking age in Bermuda is 18. Carry identification.

Money

The Bermudian Dollar (BMD) is pegged 1:1 to the US Dollar, and US dollars are accepted almost universally. Other currencies should be exchanged at banks or currency exchanges. Credit cards are widely accepted at hotels, restaurants, and most shops. ATMs are available in Hamilton and other areas.

Communications

Bermuda uses the +1-441 country code. U.S. and Canadian mobile phones typically work on roaming; verify your plan's international rates before travel. Local SIM cards are available. Internet access is widely available at hotels and many cafes.

Electricity

Bermuda uses 120V / 60Hz electricity with Type A and B plugs (the same as the United States and Canada). UK and European travelers will need adapters.

Tipping

Tipping practices broadly follow North American norms. Check restaurant bills — some add a service charge automatically. Tipping taxi drivers and other service workers is customary.

Emergency Contacts

For police, fire, or ambulance in Bermuda, the emergency number is 911. Verify this and any other emergency numbers locally upon arrival, as this guide cannot guarantee current accuracy.

Bermuda is generally considered a safe destination for travelers. Violent crime against tourists is rare, but petty theft and scooter accidents are the most commonly reported issues.

Scooter safety deserves particular emphasis. Roads are narrow and winding, traffic keeps to the left, and a meaningful number of visitor injuries each year involve scooter accidents. Wear a helmet, ride slowly, and consider whether you are comfortable on a scooter before renting one. Electric bicycles may be a lower-speed alternative.

Hurricane season runs June through November, with peak activity August through October. Bermuda is periodically affected by tropical storms and hurricanes. Monitor forecasts from official meteorological services if traveling during this period and check your travel insurance covers weather disruption.

Swimming: Some of Bermuda's beaches can have strong currents, particularly after storms. Observe posted flags and local warnings.

Bermuda's culture is a layered mix of its British colonial history, the African heritage of a significant portion of its population (descendants of enslaved people brought to the island), Caribbean influences, and a Portuguese-Bermudian community descended from 19th- and 20th-century immigrants from the Azores.

Gombey dancing is one of the most distinctive local cultural expressions — a masked, costumed percussive dance tradition with West African, Caribbean, and Native American influences, performed at holidays and special events.

Cricket is the national sport, and the Cup Match holiday in late July/early August — a two-day cricket match between the east and west ends of the island — is a major community event with deep historical and cultural significance, having origins tied to the celebration of emancipation.

Bermudians tend to be formal by Caribbean standards. Smart-casual dress is expected in Hamilton's restaurants and many hotels for dinner. Beachwear is appropriate at the beach but not on the streets of Hamilton — this is a local norm that visitors are expected to respect.