Our Location
It's amazing how many people think
Bermuda is located in the Caribbean, but we're actually due east
of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina (USA) - only about 560
miles away. Our coordinates are 32.20N / 64.45W, for those
of you who may be interested in exact geographical locations.
Our Climate
The average temperature ranges
between 68F / 20C (January/February) to 87F / 31C (July/August).
Of course, there are times when it can be much cooler or much
warmer. There is no specific 'rainy season' here, but late
January to the middle of March can sometimes be a bit wet.
However, there aren't very many days in the year when the sun
doesn't shine at all. Check out the
Bermuda
Weather pages for actual daily details, since
1996.
De Rock
Well..... that really should be De
Rocks! Bermuda isn't just one island - it actually
consists of 138 islands, with a combined length of about 22
miles and nearly 2 miles at the widest point. The shape of
the island is somewhat like a fishhook.
A Bit of History
Bermuda was first
discovered in 1503 by Spanish navigator, Juan de
Bermudez, hence the name Bermuda. The island
also became known as the Isle of Devils because of
the eerie noises emanating from within the wooded
areas and along the rocky coast. Little did
the Spanish sailors know that these noises were
only from wild hogs and the cahow birds.
In 1609, Admiral
Sir George Somers set off from Plymouth, England,
onboard the Sea Venture, along with a fleet of
other ships bound for Virginia. After several
weeks, a storm broke out west of the Azores and the
fleet became scattered. The Sea Venture had
become badly damaged and was taking on large
quantities of water, but managed to chance upon
Bermuda, as if by fate.
Sir George guided
the broken ship toward the island where, about a
mile offshore, they became grounded on one of the
many coral reefs which surround Bermuda. The
passengers and crew onboard the Sea Venture managed
to get safely to shore where they watched as the
battered ship slowly sank beneath the clear blue
waters. The island was later officially
colonized in 1612 by the third charter of the
Virginia Company.
The city of
Hamilton, centrally located on the island, became
the capital of Bermuda in 1815. It is filled
with many first-class restaurants, offering a fine
variety of cuisine. Hamilton is also home to
some of the finest shopping available anywhere,
providing savings on such things as English and
European clothing, perfume, watches, jewellery,
china and crystal.
A Few More Tidbits
The population of
Bermuda is just under 61,000 and our main language
is English. Our people are known worldwide for
their friendliness and honesty. Most folks,
who have visited the island, have established
life-long friendships with Bermudians and return on
a regular basis.
The currency of the
island is the Bermuda Dollar, however, the U.S.
Dollar is accepted at par value. Just about
every hotel, guest house, restaurant and shop will
accept major credit cards and U.S. travellers
cheques, as well. Other currency can be
exchanged at any of the local banks.
Our beaches, with
their pink sand and crystal-clear blue water, are
second to none. The scenery around the island
is breath-taking and the air is fresh and
clean. You can do as much, or as little, as
you want in Bermuda.... tour the island by moped,
pedal cycle, bus, taxi or ferry. Those that
prefer to travel by "ankle express" can walk along
the many scenic railway trails and experience
Bermuda close up.
The sports-minded
person has lots to choose from: swim in the most
beautiful water in the world; golf on the most
scenic courses anywhere; enjoy a game of tennis;
try to catch that "big one" on a
Bermudian-skippered fishing boat; charter a
sailboat and let the warm ocean breezes caress your
face; see the awesome sights below the water on a
snorkel trip or dive; check out a local rugby,
soccer or cricket game.
Are you a history
buff? That's great because Bermuda's history
is exciting. Visit the many forts around the
island. Take a stroll through the historic,
and quaint, old town of St. George. Spend an
afternoon at the Royal Naval Dockyard.
If you just want to
relax and get away from it all, then Bermuda is the
place for you. Chances are you'll be able to
enjoy a peaceful, garden setting at one of our many
guest houses. Or, sit out on the balcony of
your hotel room, which just happens to be only a
few hundred yards away from the rhythmic pounding
of surf against the rocks or along the beach.
Smell the ocean air and just see if you can finish
reading that book before dozing off! Whatever your
pleasure, pick up the phone today and call your friendly
travel agent to make your plans. Hope to see you here
soon!
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