Frequently Asked Questions
Bermuda Travel FAQs
Planning a holiday to Bermuda? This page brings together the most frequently asked questions from UK travellers - covering flights, Bermuda weather, Bermuda hotels and resorts, beaches, costs, transport and USA & Bermuda multi‑centre itineraries. As Bermuda specialists, we provide clear, up‑to‑date answers to help you plan with confidence and make the most of your time on the island.
Top 10 Most Asked Questions
1. Are there direct flights from the UK to Bermuda?
Yes. British Airways is operating direct flights from London Heathrow to Bermuda, 7 days a week in summer, 5 days a week in winter.
2. How long is the flight from London to Bermuda?
The direct flight from London Heathrow to Bermuda takes about 7 hours and is a little quicker on the way back.
3. When is the best time to visit Bermuda?
The Bermuda weather from April to October is warm, with ideal beach weather from May to September. Spring and autumn offer ideal temperatures. In the winter, the weather is mild, an ideal time of year to explore the island.
4. Is Bermuda expensive?
Bermuda is generally more expensive than other beach destinations due to its location and high standards of
accommodation. The infrastructure, roads and public areas are very well maintained and secure.
5. Is Bermuda safe for visitors?
Yes. Bermuda is considered one of the safest holiday destinations, with a welcoming atmosphere for visitors.
6. Can you rent cars in Bermuda?
No. Visitors to the island are not able to rent cars. However, Bermuda offers great alternatives; two‑seater electric vehicles (Twizys), scooters, taxis and excellent public transport.
7. Which are the best hotels in Bermuda?
There are a great selection of luxury Bermuda hotels and resorts, all with a different feel and look. Our top choices include Cambridge Beaches, Rosewood Bermuda, Hamilton Princess and Grotto Bay.
8. Is Bermuda warm in October?
Yes. October temperatures average 26 to 28°C, and the sea is still warm at that time of year. Sunshine, blue skies, and mild temperatures define Bermuda weather in October and feed into its island appeal.
Our opinion: October is one of the best time to visit Bermuda for warm swimming and for playing Golf.
9. What are the best beaches in Bermuda?
Our favourites include Horseshoe Bay, Elbow Beach, Warwick Long Bay and Tobacco Bay is great for snorkelling. Many resort hotels are located on beautiful beaches too with all their facilities onsite.
10. Can I combine Bermuda with New York?
Yes. Bermuda is only a 2 ½ hour flight from New York, making it an easy and popular North American twin‑centre holiday from the UK. Alternatives include Boston and Toronto with similar flight times.
The Ultimate Bermuda FAQ List
Flights & Travel
from the UK
Are there direct flights from the UK to Bermuda?
Yes. There are daily flights from London Heathrow to Bermuda in the summer and 5 days a week in winter, operating by British Airways.
How long is the flight from London to Bermuda?
The flight takes about 7 hours on the way out and can often be as quick as 5 and a half hours on the way back, due to the jet stream.
Which airlines fly to Bermuda from the UK?
British Airways is currently the only airline offering direct flights to Bermuda from the UK.
What is the time difference between Bermuda and the UK?
The time difference is -4 hours. Bermuda being 4 hours behind London.
Do I need a visa to visit Bermuda from the UK?
UK or European passport holders do not need a visa for holidays in Bermuda. The Passport must be valid for the duration of the trip.
Is Bermuda safe for UK travellers?
Yes. Bermuda is known for being safe, friendly, welcoming and easy to explore.
Is Bermuda easy to get to from London?
Yes. With a direct flight from London Heathrow, Bermuda is very easy to get to.
Weather &
Best Time to Visit
When is the best time to visit Bermuda?
April to October offers warm weather, sunshine and ideal swimming conditions.
Is Bermuda warm enough for swimming in April/May/October?
Yes. Sea temperatures are very pleasant from April through to October, getting warmer towards late summer.
Does Bermuda get hurricanes?
Bermuda can experience storms between August and October, but the island is well prepared and protected by its location and infrastructure.
What is Bermuda like in winter?
Winter temperatures average 18–22°C, making it mild and ideal to explore the island.
Our opinion: the weather in winter can be compared to our summers in the UK. It’s an ideal time of year to visit Bermuda and benefit from hotels special offers in the winter.
Is Bermuda hotter than the Caribbean?
No. Bermuda is warm but generally milder than Caribbean islands, especially in the winter. Bermuda benefits from mild climate and warm seasonal conditions.
Costs, Pricing & Booking
Is Bermuda expensive compared to the Caribbean?
Yes. Bermuda is typically more expensive due to its location and high-quality Bermuda hotels & resorts and services. Drinks in hotel bars are similar in price to what you might expect to pay in cities like London and New York. Groceries in Bermuda can seem to be surprisingly highly priced - this is because everything has to be imported.
Our opinion: With the cost of living rising throughout the world now, we are finding that the affordability gap between European or North American destinations and Bermuda is narrowing.
How much does a Bermuda holiday cost?
Prices vary but Bermuda is considered a premium destination with luxury hotels and resorts, restaurants and facilities. Hotels are significantly cheaper between November and March when long stay and early hotel booking offers can make a big difference. A package to include flights and 7 nights accommodation could range from approximately £2,000 per person in a 3/4 star hotel. Our opinion: There are so many variables to consider and Purely Bermuda will always match the perfect arrangements for each customer's requirements and budget.
Is food and drink expensive in Bermuda?
Most food is imported, so dining costs are higher than average. However, the quality of food in Bermuda is excellent, as the island is geared towards the luxury market and Bermudians enjoy a high standard of living.
Our opinion: Restaurants in the hotels are a mix of fine dining and casual elegance. There are also some great local eateries to sample when you get out & about around the island. The city of Hamilton offers the complete range from exclusive restaurants to Bermuda's one and only chain fast food outlet - KFC!
How far in advance should I book a Bermuda holiday?
We would recommend to book 3 to 6 months ahead, especially for the high season. Bermuda special hotel offers are available for early bookings so it’s worth checking in advance. It's particularly important to book early if you are planning on travelling in May or June. Purely Bermuda will always manage to find you somewhere lovely, but if you have a particular hotel or room grade in mind it is certainly advisable to book as early as possible. Bermuda only has about 10 hotels with more than 40 or 50 rooms. For this reason, the island never seems busy, but it does mean that high demand dates need to be reserved as soon as possible.
Do you offer ATOL protection?
Yes - Purely Bermuda is ATOL protected. The ATOL scheme (which stands for Air Travel Organisers' Licensing) is financial protection which protects you when you book a package trip that includes a flight. It is separate to travel insurance. Our ATOL number is 12260. When you book a flight inclusive package with Purely Bermuda, we will send you an ATOL certificate, detailing your financial protection.
Can I pay a deposit and pay the balance later?
Yes, Purely Bermuda only requires a 10% deposit is payable to secure the booking. The balance is due closer to departure. This enables you to be more flexible with your travel arrangements, up to the point that we ticket your flights with the airline. You can pay the deposit with a debit/credit card or by online bank transfer. All holidays sold are subject to Purely Bermuda's booking conditions which comply with the Tour Operators Code of Conduct.
Are there any Bermuda holiday deals or special offers?
Yes. Hotel special offers are available throughout the year. Purely Bermuda benefits from exclusive offers, free nights and early booking offers. We also operate a hotel best price guarantee. We would recommend to call us for expert advice on where to get the best deal. Sometimes Purely Bermuda has more than 1 offer for each hotel and our staff can advise you of the best one to suit your booking, offering the greatest savings.
Hotels & Accommodation
Which are the best hotels in Bermuda?
Purely Bermuda works with a collection of Bermuda boutique hotels and spa resorts. Top luxury hotels include Cambridge Beaches, Rosewood, Hamilton Princess and The Loren. Depending what you are looking for, we would recommend the hotel must suited to you and your type of holiday.
What’s the difference between Cambridge Beaches, Rosewood and Hamilton Princess?
Cambridge Beaches is a boutique and romantic cottage resort, Rosewood is high end luxury with a golf and beach club, and Hamilton Princess is a stylish & modern harbourfront hotel close to shops and restaurants.
Which Bermuda hotels are best for couples?
Cambridge Beaches, Rosewood and The Loren are popular with couples. Depending on the type of holiday you are looking for, Hamilton Princess, The Reefs and Newstead are also great options.
What is Bermuda like in winter?
Winter temperatures average 18–22°C, making it mild and ideal to explore the island.
Our opinion: Bermuda climate and seasonal conditions in winter can be compared to our summers in the UK. It’s an ideal time of year to visit Bermuda and benefit from hotels special offers in the winter.
Which Bermuda hotels are best for families?
Grotto Bay, Rosewood and Hamilton Princess offer excellent family facilities. Our opinion: With all inclusive options, water sports and beach inflatables, Gotto Bay is one of the top resorts for families.
Do Bermuda hotels offer all‑inclusive packages?
Yes, Grotto Bay offers quality all inclusive packages, very popular with families. It includes meals and drinks, water sports and free transport.
Are there adults‑only hotels in Bermuda?
Yes. Cambridge Beaches is adults only.
Which hotel has the best beach?
Rosewood, The Reefs and Hamilton Princess offer beautiful private beaches with beach Club facilities. Coco Reef is located on Elbow Beach, one of the most popular beaches in Bermuda.
Our opinion: The best Bermuda beachfront hotels include Rosewood Bermuda and The Reefs.
Beaches & Activities
What are the best beaches in Bermuda?
Horseshoe Bay, Warwick Long Bay, Elbow Beach and Tobacco Bay.
Is the pink sand real?
Yes. Bermuda’s pink sand comes from crushed coral and tiny marine organisms, more visible on the South Shore beaches.
What are the best things to do in Bermuda?
Beaches, watersports such as snorkelling and sailing, golf, historic towns, caves and nature trails.
Our opinion: The island is rich in culture, history and exciting sights. Bermuda’s attractions are varied and truly unique. Some of our favourites include the Royal Naval Dockyard, St George's and the Crystal Caves. The island is an incredible snorkelling destination with colourful marine life, shallow waters and more than 300 shipwrecks to visit underwater.
Is Bermuda good for snorkelling?
Yes. Bermuda has clear and shallow waters and has excellent snorkelling spots like Tobacco Bay. Bermuda is home to hundreds of ship wreck and colourful marine life.
Are there boat trips or sunset cruises?
Yes. Sunset and sightseeing cruises and boat excursions are widely available.
Is Bermuda good for diving?
Yes. Bermuda is very famous for shipwreck diving due to its shallow waters, clear visibility and warm water temperatures.
Families, Couples & Special Occasions
Is Bermuda good for families with young children?
Yes. Calm beaches, safe surroundings and activities make it ideal for Bermuda family holidays.
Is Bermuda a good honeymoon destination?
Yes. Bermuda is an ideal location for romance, boutique hotels and spa resorts, and stunning sunsets in idyllic surroundings. We would recommend Cambridge Beaches with its beautiful romantic settings.
Is Bermuda suitable for older travellers?
Yes. The island is safe, has calm beaches with easy access and is friendly to navigate. Bermuda offers gentle and relaxed activities such as Botanical Gardens, historic visit of St George’s, glass bottom boat tours, scenic sunset cruises as well as Art Galleries and Museums.
Are there kid‑friendly beaches and activities?
Yes. Many beaches are calm and have shallow waters. Family Bermuda activities include aquariums, caves and boat trips.
US Twin Centre Holidays (Bermuda & USA)
Can I combine Bermuda with New York?
Yes. Combining Bermuda with New York is a popular 2 centre trip as Bermuda is only a 2 ½ hour flight from New York. Our opinion: it can be cheaper to add an American city break to your Bermuda trip, than staying longer on the island. The proximity of Bermuda to the US and Canada is great to take advantage of.
Can I combine Bermuda with Boston or Miami?
Yes. Bermuda is well connected with direct flights to several US cities such as Boston or Miami. We can tailor made your trip whether you wish to visit Boston, New-York and also Eastern Canada city‑breaks with Purely Canada such as Toronto, Montreal or Ottawa.
How easy is it to fly between Bermuda and the USA?
Flying between North American and Bermuda is very easy. There are frequent and direct flights between Bermuda and East Coast cities.
How many nights should I spend in Bermuda vs the USA?
Many travellers would stay 3 to 4 nights in the US followed by 5 to 7 nights in Bermuda.
Our opinion: Bermuda offers not only a dream beach destination but a place with exciting activities and unforgettable experiences. Our clients typically would choose to stay longer on the island than in the US.
Which USA cities pair best with Bermuda?
New York, Boston, Washington DC followed by Miami are the most popular choices. Any Eastern Canada city‑breaks with Purely Canada is also a great option to consider when adding a city break to your Bermuda holiday.
Transport &
Getting Around
Can visitors rent cars in Bermuda?
No, only two seater electric vehicles and scooters are available to rent. Taxis and public transport are very reliable.
Our opinion: renting a scooter gives you that flexibility, easy to drive with a passenger and can be a lot of fun! Buses are safe, regular and easy to use.
How do you get around Bermuda without a car?
Electric vehicles and scooters are available to rent. Taxis, buses and ferries are reliable and regular.
Our opinion: Sometimes, the easiest way to get around Bermuda is to jump on the bus (The coloured poles at bus stop couldn’t be easier: blue out of Hamilton and pink towards Hamilton).
Are taxis easy to find?
Yes. Taxis are reliable and available across the island.
Are electric cars or scooters available?
Yes. Small electric vehicles and scooters can also be rented. In fact, scooters can also carry 2 people and are available to rent directly at most hotels.
Is Bermuda walkable?
Some areas are easily walkable but distances between beaches and hotels can be long.
Our opinion: Hamilton Hotels are all located a short walk from the centre with all its shops and restaurants. For leisure walking, Nature Trails offer pleasant and easy walks to explore Bermuda. Beach walking is wonderful in Bermuda, long stretch of coastline. South Shores offer the most scenic views and longer beaches.
Practical Information
What currency does Bermuda use?
The Bermudian Dollar (BMD), which is equal in value to the US Dollar. USD is widely accepted.
Is tipping expected in Bermuda?
Yes. Tipping is appreciated. All our hotel prices include mandatory resort charges and fees.
Is Bermuda safe?
Yes. Bermuda is one of the safest islands. Bermuda is friendly and welcoming to visitors.
What’s the dress code in Bermuda?
Smart casual. Bermuda shorts are common for men, women usually wear smart casual summer dresses. The tone is smart, relaxed and elegant.
Our opinion: Swimwear is only worn on the beach. Day wear is casual and a smarter resort wear is perfect for evenings.
Is Bermuda LGBTQ+ friendly?
Yes. Bermuda is friendly, welcoming and inclusive.
Do I need travel insurance for Bermuda?
Yes. Travel insurance is recommended for all visitors.
Food & Drink
Is food expensive in Bermuda?
Yes. Dining costs are higher due to imported ingredients.
Our Opinion: We can recommend tips for more casual dining options. Staying in Hamilton would give you a great dining selection. All inclusive meal plan at Grotto Bay is also a great option to keep your expenses reasonable.
What is Bermuda’s local cuisine?
Seafood, fish chowder, rum cake and island dishes. Famous drinks include the Dark ’n Stormy® and Rum Swizzle.
Are there good restaurants on the island?
Yes. Bermuda has excellent dining, from casual beach cafés to fine dining restaurants.
Is Bermuda good for vegetarians or vegans?
Yes. Most restaurants offer vegetarian options, and vegan choices are increasingly available.
Trip Planning
How many nights should I spend in Bermuda?
A typical stay would be for 7 nights, though longer trips are also common. If coupled with a North American destination, we would recommend 5-7 nights in Bermuda with a 3-4 nights city break added on.
Is Bermuda good for a long weekend?
Yes, The reasonable time difference of 4 hours and the shortest flight for a sub tropical destination, makes it ideal for a luxury long weekend. However, typically travellers from the UK would stay a little longer on the island.
Is Bermuda suitable year‑round?
Yes. Winter is mild, and summer is warm and sunny.
Our Opinion: Bermuda’s weather makes the island an ideal winter destination to explore, enjoy the numerous activities and sights, and play golf. The summer weather makes it perfect for sailing and watersports, as well as enjoying the pink‑sand beaches with turquoise water.
What should I pack for Bermuda?
Light clothing, swimwear, sun protection, and smart casual evening wear.
Is Bermuda good for winter sun?
Bermuda is mild in winter, offering pleasant temperatures but not peak beach heat.
Our Opinion: Bermuda climate and seasonal conditions makes the island an ideal winter destination to explore, enjoy the numerous activities and sights, and play golf on Bermuda's golf courses and oceanfront fairways.