Bermuda
Bermuda’s resemblance to the Caribbean and proximity to the US East Coast have made it one of the most popular places to visit for vacations or just a break from the corporate jungle, where there’s nothing but a vast expanse of ocean, gorgeous volcanic islands, and the prospect of relaxing on the beach with a pia colada in hand.
Bermuda, with its seven main islands packed together right on the Atlantic, offers a wide range of activities. Bermuda is a must-visit if you want to add to your list of famous tropical places. It offers everything from snorkeling and diving to simple lazing and dipping on any of its many beautiful beaches, as well as aesthetically stunning ancient cities with plenty to see and do.
Why is Bermuda Unique?
Caribbean-Par Beaches
First and foremost, Bermuda is not in the Caribbean. The archipelago, which consists of seven main islands, is a British island territory in the North Atlantic Ocean, east of the United States. Many visitors mistake Bermuda for a Caribbean island because its beaches share many of the same qualities as other Caribbean beaches. However, for obvious reasons, this commonality has proven to be advantageous.
Bermuda’s beaches are worth the trip for their pristine, scenic white sands and gorgeous blue crystal-clear blue waters. Bermuda, like the rest of the Caribbean, enjoys sunny skies and warm days all year, even throughout the rainy season and the dry, chilly winter months.
Elbow Beach, Jobson’s Cove, Chaplin Bay, Tobacco Bay, and the most recommended Horseshoe Bay Beach for its rose-tinted sands and gentle waves, according to travel junkies, are some of the greatest beaches on the islands. Conde Nast magazine named the famed pink beach one of the top 20 beaches in the world.
Diving Scene
Bermuda has something for everyone, whether a professional diver or a recreational diver. Divers of all types will find a variety of diving spots on the islands, which will pique their interest. Submarine caves and grottos, gorgeous lengths of coral reefs rich with marine life, sunken ships, and planes from bygone eras are all part of the underwater world. Bermuda is widely regarded as one of the world’s top diving destinations.
Submarine Grottos and Caves
Bermuda’s diving landscape is unique in that it includes subterranean tunnels, in addition to the regular coral reefs and walls teeming with marine life. Several firms offer diving expeditions to the larger cave systems near the beaches.
The Green Bay Cave, Bermuda’s longest underwater cave system, has corridors stretching for 2.4 kilometers (1.5 miles). Walsingham and Palm Cave as well as Cathedral Caves, are other attractions worth visiting.
Coral Reefs
The base for the growing coral reefs on Bermuda’s seas is a limestone rock atop an extinct mountain range, providing a thriving diving environment for enthusiasts from all over the world.
Bermuda, on the other hand, takes its tourism and nature seriously, therefore these coral reefs are protected. Only travel firms and diving schools may arrange for you to visit them. Sea turtles, parrotfish, barracuda, and blue angelfish are among the marine fauna you’ll encounter as you dive into the islands’ numerous reefs. Divers have a better chance of seeing more marine life than snorkelers.
Sunken Histories
A lot of the treasures from Bermuda’s colorful and varied history are deep beneath, in the shape of shipwrecks, planes, and even centuries-old hulls and cannons. More than 300 shipwrecks are strewn across Bermuda’s seas, the majority of which are accessible to divers.
The Bermuda Islands are sometimes referred to as the “shipwreck capital of the world” due to the large number of wrecks found there, some of which are visible while others remain a mystery. The Hermes, a 165-foot World War II ship that has been astonishingly well maintained, is one among the wrecks you may dive into. Among the other items on display are a B52 bomber, a Chinese migrant ship, and the remains of Spanish galleons.
The Infamous Bermuda Triangle
Let’s address the elephant in the room while we’re on the subject of Bermuda. Due to the unexplained disappearances of more than 50 ships and 20 airplanes over the years, Bermuda and the waters surrounding it have always been associated with mystery. The Bermuda Triangle is more than a sailor’s terrifying legend; it’s a phenomenon that has perplexed experts for years.
The Bermuda Triangle is a stretch of water in the North Atlantic that is surrounded by the Atlantic coasts of Florida, Bermuda, and the Greater Antilles, forming a loose triangle shape. Since the mid-nineteenth century, strange happenings have been documented in the area. After transmitting no distress signals, some ships were discovered abandoned for no apparent reason, while others were never seen or heard from again. Rescue efforts are also said to have gone after aircraft were reported and then vanished in the area.
What’s more enigmatic is that no wreckage has been discovered in the aftermath of the disappearances, prompting individuals to become more inventive when it comes to concocting ideas. Extraterrestrial life, supernatural causes, and other bizarre tales have given the word “Bermuda” a new lease on life in the travelsphere.
The Town of St. George
The island’s vibrant center of culture, entertainment, and lifestyle is St. George, commonly known as St. George’s. Originally known as New London, the town has witnessed much of Bermuda’s history, from the construction of the island’s earliest churches to its current status as one of the best in the tropics. Not only for its rich history but also for its beauty, the town has been listed as a UNESCO world historic site.
There are many gorgeous colorful buildings here, each with its unique personality. If you go, make a point of visiting the town center to get a sense of the town’s history. There are numerous tour companies that will take you on a walking tour of the town to assist you to understand more about the British history of the islands.
St. George’s is also home to some of the island’s best shopping, restaurants, and pubs, as well as events such as festivals and other traditional festivities. It’s best to begin your study of Bermuda here, with its history, society, and culture.
The Royal Naval Dockyard
For almost 150 years, the dockyard has functioned as a vital strategic base, first as a secure harbor for the British Navy’s fleet and then as a shipyard. The Royal Naval Dockyard was a bustling port with floating docks that maintained and often developed ships for war throughout both World Wars. Nearly 600 ships were repaired at the dockyard, making it a productive and efficient operation. People were transported securely from and to the UK and Canada thanks to the dockyard’s proficiency in providing a naval outpost for British sea patrols.
After all of the spoils of war, the Royal Naval Dockyard is now one of Bermuda’s most visited attractions. There are plenty of things to do in Bermuda, including the National Museum, a mini-golf course, elegant restaurants, and bars. Aside from the activities, you may also purchase for local artisan products to take home as a souvenir from Bermuda.
You can catch a ferry or a bus from Hamilton to get to the dockyard on the west end of the island. The dockyard has plenty of venues that open and close at different hours so be sure to check the official website to iron out your itinerary.
Bermuda, one of the best in the tropics, is the poster child for what a tropical vacation should be. The Atlantic’s answer to the Caribbean, Southern Europe, and Southeast Asia is the Archipelago’s splendor and all of its attractions. Bermuda continues to enchant, awe, and entice visitors with its natural beauty, history, culture, and even infamous urban legends.
The Bahamas
It has “sixteen major islands” is an understatement when talking about the vastness of The Bahamas, it’s more like, “over 700,” if you have to put a label on it. And it’s not just landmasses that are aplenty here, the Bahamas has also a plethora of experiences to be had — sights, sounds, feels — whatever you fancy.
Beachgoers out there are the least of those who will have a blast. With a wide selection of sandbars, award-winning beaches, and otherworldly pink sands, there is a setting that will best suit your mood. But your water escapade does not end with the beaches, though. Adventurous explorers cannot hope to conquer all Bahamas’ blue holes — more than 200, mind you.
Even the animal lovers will have their fill of interactions with the most peculiar of creatures — swimming pigs, of all things. With all the uninhabited islands and untouched wildlife, who knows what you will discover!
And for the shopaholics and epicures, head on over to Bay Street. It is the central strip where you can get your shot of shopping, dining, and drinks. Traditional rum cakes, handmade trinkets, souvenirs, arts and crafts, and the desideratum that is duty-free shopping abound this street.
And of course, no trip to the Bahamas is ever complete if you don’t round it all out with the cultural immersion that is the Junkanoo. Read all about the juicy details waiting for you further below!
What Makes the Bahamas Unique?
Last Lighthouse of Its Kind
In the Boating Capital of The Bahamas, the last lighthouse of its type stands tall — ever a shining beacon to those who wish for landfall, or perhaps guide the weary traveler who may have lost their way. You can’t miss it, even in the brightest of daylight, its red and white candy-stripe paint job shouts out, “LOOK AT ME!”
Lighthouses come in all shapes, sizes, and mechanisms; their recorded history stretches as far back as the 8th century BCE. But Elbow Reef Lighthouse is a construction between fuel-based medieval and modern-day electrical technologies. It’s a kerosene-burning lighthouse that’s eye candy, and fully functional to boot.
Climb its 101 steps to the lighthouse gallery where you can soak up the amazingly wide views of the many islands of the Bahamas, the moored yachts within Hope Town harbor, and the great expanse of the Atlantic with a smattering of seafarers. The scenery simply brings about a feeling of awe that only wide-open spaces can deliver.
Swim Pig, Swim!
The hyperbole, “when pigs can fly,” seems no longer that far-fetched; pigs are swimming in the beautiful Big Major Cay in the Exumas — perhaps slowly inching towards the ultimate goal of flight. Their presence is such a mystery that even the Bahamians are stumped as to how these normally domesticated characters got there in the first place.
These swine squeal as their way of welcoming you to their home on Pig Beach. You can then feed them their “approved” food in the designated location. And swim alongside them for a dumbfounding experience. Interactions with them will be the highlight of your visit, guaranteed!
But they are not the only “wild” life you can encounter up close and personal in the Exumas. Interact with nurse sharks, stingrays, starfish, and the endangered rock iguanas, to name a few.
Fish Fry, Fish Fry, Fish Fry Everywhere!
Although conch is part of the national dish of the Bahamas, you could argue that fish fry is a close contender with it being omnipresent in virtually all of the islands. But more than just fried fish, as the name clearly suggests, Bahamians have infused the term with new meaning, turning the noun into the pronoun “Fish Fry.”
Fish Fry has evolved to encompass the breadth of Bahamian cuisine and the culture of enjoying them as though part of a major gathering. From the humble street vendor to beach-shack barbecues to sit-down restaurants lined along the street all the way to the beach, wherever you decide to indulge yourself, you are sitting at what is essentially a long table of a grand Bahamian feast!
The best experience could very well be the most intimate ones. Stand in line while a beach-shack cook takes your order from inside their claustrophobic half-built kitchenettes saturated and spilling out thick fragrant smoke of roasting chicken or the sweetest of corn sizzling on a spit out back, or the freshest of … you guessed it, fish frying.
After having your fill of the mouth-watering smells, take a seat on brightly colored picnic benches and enjoy an appetizer of the freshest tropical conch salad. And after a short wait, savor the aromas and flavors of the best barbecue the Bahamas has to offer, and pair that with the sweet nectar from fresh fruit.
Junkanoo Street Parade
Festivities and parades are one of the most consistently occurring loud and proud capers in the Caribbean. And with that, you cannot miss out on the Bahamas’ unique interpretation of how they should be done; enter the Junkanoo!
For the unaccustomed ear, the term can sound a little funny, but make no mistake, it is more than what it sounds. It is the climax of effort put into the plush performances — months of planning, blood, sweat, tears, and a ton of friendly competition.
Celebrate the culmination of the locals’ efforts manifested in colorful costumes, delirious dancing, rambunctious routines, and a whole host of festivities. Hearken to the stream of sounds from custom-built instruments like cattle bells, calf-skin drums, and conch-shell horns. Join in on the fun! It is the perfect wrap-up to your Bahamas trip.
Is Bermuda or Bahamas Better?
Two of the Atlantic Ocean’s entries to the best of the tropics, Bermuda and Bahamas sport gorgeous beaches that could even topple many of the Caribbean’s best entries, full of exciting histories and an enchanting air that has reverberated throughout the world. They both offer different things on a seemingly similar canvass; at the end of the day, it is up to you to decide.
The Bahamas is more fit for those looking to have pure fun and relaxation from a vacation. The archipelago is the best choice for individuals who wish to enjoy a lovely destination without paying a fortune because it has a higher number of stunning beaches and a wider variety of lodging and food alternatives.
Bermuda on the other hand, is the more upscale choice, with fascinating histories and sights, and famously expensive costs often rivaling Aruba. The volcanic archipelago has some great beaches and interesting cities to explore, but there aren’t many inexpensive hotels or restaurants, so your stay will be more expensive. Budget accordingly.
FAQ
Are Bermuda and Bahamas the Same?
Bermuda and the Bahamas, despite their proximity, share the same ocean and are not the same. Bermuda is an archipelago made up of seven principal islands that are closely clustered together, making traveling across the island accessible and relatively easier. Each of Bermuda’s islands is characterized as being fringed with coral reefs thanks to the island’s once-volcanic bedrock.
The Bahamas on the other hand doesn’t just have seven principal islands, it is an archipelago of 700 sporadic islands, islets, and cays that further adds to the country’s appeal, thanks to the uniqueness of each of these landmasses.
Is Bermuda Part of the Bahamas?
Bermuda in itself is a separate island nation, with its sovereignty and a gifted set of draws that often differ from the Bahamas. Both are located in the Atlantic Ocean, with an outward appearance that can be compared to the Caribbean. Their beauty and local culture, and histories of being both colonized and controlled by the British often confuses them together.
Is the Bahamas Part of Bermuda?
The Bahamas and Bermuda aren’t a single nation. Both are independent island nations with unique characteristics that set them apart from each other and other nations in the region. Both islands are in the Atlantic Ocean and have a Caribbean-like appearance. Their natural beauty and culture, as well as their history of colonization and domination by the British, frequently mix them up.
Is Bermuda Close to the Bahamas?
The two island nations are nothing close to each other, despite being in the same ocean. You literally have to cross an entire ocean to get between them. Bermuda is approximately 1,474 km or 916 miles from The Bahamas, directly.
Where Are Bermuda vs. the Bahamas?
Both located in the North Atlantic Ocean, Bermuda and the Bahamas sit 1,474 km or 916 miles from each other. The former is situated out into the ocean, with a whopping distance of 1,662 km, or 1,032 miles from Miami, Bermuda is located farther from the North American continent than the Bahamas.
The Bahamas on the other hand sits close to the continental USA, with only a sheer distance of 294 km, or 183 miles from Miami. Getting to the Bahamas is faster and much more accessible to fly to.
Which Is Safer – Bermuda or Bahamas?
If you take great consideration of the latest statistical findings, Bermuda has proven to be the safer choice, thanks to ti decreasing crime rate over the years. Various government bodies have also deemed the island nation to hold a minimum to medium level of threat, relieving a lot of travelers of their safety and security concerns.
As for the Bahamas, extra caution is recommended as the nation has seen an increase in crime reports such as armed robberies, sexual assault, fraud, and watercraft safety violations. However, no matter how safe or risky a destination is, it’s best to err on the side of caution to avoid a run-in with threats and risks. Common sense is still your best protection.
Bermuda vs. Bahamas Weather
Bermuda experiences near-perfect weather with its temperate conditions, and predictable weather patterns. The island nation’s temperatures don’t sear as high as the 30s C, (85+ F), which makes outdoor activities enjoyable. Bermuda is also less humid and sees a lot less rain, and while it can still be affected by hurricanes, the island nation’s location keeps it protected.
The Bahamas is famous for its heat throughout the year, with temperatures hitting the 30s C, (90s F) in the summer, and 20s C (70s F), during the winter months. Not to mention the island nation’s high levels of humidity. Compared to Bermuda, the Bahamas always gets sideswiped by hurricanes and sees a lot more rain.
Bahamas vs. Bermuda Cruise
With all their appeals, raw beauty, and excitement, the Bahamas and Bermuda are premier tropical destinations for cruising. Both possess an abundance of draws, and several characteristic islands that each have something making cruising worth it whichever you choose.
The key difference between these exquisite island nations is the attractions and activities that they offer for shore excursions. The Bahamas is big on beach excursions and several types of water activities, while Bermuda has a more varied landscape for touristy activities and attractions to explore, giving the country a more diverse yet varied set of experiences for its cruisers.
