Beach Vacations

The Essential Guide to Bermuda for Families

Last updated 16th October 2017

Welcome to Bermuda

Small-island experiences don’t get much better than Bermuda. An idyllic yet diminutive 21 miles long by one mile wide, Bermuda sits alone in the Atlantic on a mighty volcanic shelf, just two from New York, standing apart both geographically and in terms of family experiences. All ages are awed by the island’s subtropical climate, pink sand beaches and pretty pastel-hued architecture. Bermuda is home to the most northerly coral reefs in the world, and is the oldest British colony, with enough history to rival any major city.

For teens, it’s a perfect mix of cool experiences, from diving and snorkeling to jungle treks and live local music. At present, there’s a tangible sense of renewal about the island, as it rethinks its approach to tourism with new island initiatives such as “live like a local,” where you can find yourselves hanging out with a local family.

No wonder Shakespeare called this place an island “full of noises, sounds and sweet airs…” Put it on your bucket list now!

Bermuda-map

Bermuda for families

Mark Twain famously remarked, “You go to heaven if you want to; I’d rather stay right here in Bermuda.” It’s no coincidence that this legendary writer also has a remarkable insight into the thoughts and feelings of children: witness his legendary characters Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn. Even in our fast-paced, tech-driven world, Bermuda is a small island that will enchant the most cynical teenager and relax the most stressed parent. It’s both restorative and exhilarating, depending on how you want to play it.

Often perceived as a long-haul destination, it is actually just a few hours away from major East Coast cities.

It’s not super hot, yet it’s a true subtropical island, with jackfruit that look like pineapples in the trees and tropical fish on the reef. High season is from April to November but it’s warm and pleasant year round. It’s safe and clean with no poverty guilt, but still has an authentic small-island feel, with much to discover and experience, from its subterranean caves to its rolling golf courses and pink sand beaches.

kids-running-on-bermuda-beach

Its geographical coordinates made Bermuda a strategically important island for traders and empire builders, leading to a rich history that’s easily accessible for families in pretty St George, the island’s former capital. Here, on Bermuda’s eastern tip, kids can discover why the island became a hub of master builders, before checking out the impressive Royal Naval Dockyard in the west, built by the British in the early 1800s.

Teenagers will love the freedom of Bermuda. They can bike the old Railway Trail, catch the pink and blue local buses and enjoy a whole raft of water- and land-based experiences. If they are at all interested in the ocean, a visit to the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute is a must.

Incredible experiences are made easy in Bermuda. You can snorkel a shipwreck here without the need to scuba dive, swim with dolphins, go fishing with locals, try out the latest in water bikes, play golf by the ocean and discover why John Lennon loved the island. There are beach parties and yoga on the pink sand at sunrise. The island has shaken off its old school “exclusive” image and is reemerging as an exciting, friendly destination for modern families. Bermuda is one of the those magical islands where you come home feeling different from when you arrived – and for teens, a vacation here can be a transformative experience that’s sure to broaden their horizons.

Getting around

No rental cars are allowed in Bermuda, so get around by ferry, bus, scooter, bike or taxi. Locals must drive smaller, more fuel-efficient cars, so a round of applause for this small island’s environmental policy. It also means bus and ferry services are easy to navigate and affordable.

Buses

The pink and blue buses are very efficient and easy to use. Pink bus stops for inbound to Hamilton and blue for outbound. Day passes from $15 adults, $7.75 for children. Day passes can be used on the public ferry system.

Ferries

Bermuda’s public ferry routes offer a speedy, picturesque way around the island that kids will love. All ferries depart from the Ferry Terminal in Hamilton. Four routes take you to Dockyard, Sandys, Paget, Warwick and Southampton parishes and the town of St George’s. Tickets and passes must be bought in advance.

Walking and cycling

Cycling is a great way to get around the island, and if you want a safe and scenic route, head to the Railway Trail. The old track has been converted into walking and biking paths, which span the length of the island. It’s a perfect way to explore, providing easy access to the quaint, colorful towns, popular beaches, intimate coves and historic sites. The Bermuda Railway Company began operations in 1931 and ceased in 1948, after just 17 years of service, despite being one the of the most costly railroads per mile in the world.  The Railway Trail tour is a 90-minute hosted bike tour from the Royal Naval Dockyard along the Old Railway Trail. Riding picturesque trails, you’ll stop at historic points as the guide provides fun facts about Bermuda and its heritage, followed by a cool-off swim at one of the many intimate coves. Total tour time is 3.5 hours. From $60 per person. Independent bike rental costs start around $25 per day.

fishing-trip-Bermuda

How to get there

Major airline carries have flights to Bermuda from major US cities and nonstop flights from East Coast cities.

By Jane Anderson, Family Traveller Editor