Welcome to Bermuda, an idyllic island paradise renowned for its stunning pink-sand beaches, vibrant marine life, and unique British-Bermudian charm. This guide will help you navigate the costs and best times to experience its enchanting beauty, ensuring an unforgettable trip.
Key takeaways for Bermuda: quick snapshot of costs, timing, and standout experiences.
Currency name
Bermudian dollar
Currency code
BMD
Currency symbol
$
Phone code
+1
Population
64,055
Region
Americas
Capital
Hamilton
Coordinates
32.3333, -64.7500These months bring Bermuda's warmest weather, ideal for beachgoing, swimming, and watersports. Expect peak tourist crowds, especially families, and cruise ship arrivals are frequent. Accommodation, flights, and popular activities are at their most expensive, requiring advance booking. Dining and local transport costs are also at their highest.
Accommodation
Per night for a double occupancy room at a high-end resort.
High season
$600+ • per night
Dining out
Casual lunch or dinner at a diner or takeaway spot, per person.
High season
$15+ • per meal
Transport
Adult cash fare for a single journey on public bus or ferry (up to 3 zones).
High season
$3.5+ • per ride
Things to do
Half-day guided snorkeling boat trip, including equipment rental.
High season
$70+ • per person
Accommodation
Per night for a double occupancy room at a high-end resort.
Luxury Hotel Room
Per night for a double occupancy room at a high-end resort.
Mid-range Hotel/Guesthouse
Per night for a double room at a comfortable hotel or guesthouse.
Budget Guesthouse/Apartment
Per night for a basic room or small apartment, potentially self-catering.
Vacation Rental (1-bedroom)
Per night for a private 1-bedroom apartment or cottage rental.
Dining out
Casual lunch or dinner at a diner or takeaway spot, per person.
Budget Meal/Takeaway
Casual lunch or dinner at a diner or takeaway spot, per person.
Mid-range Restaurant Meal
Dinner with a main course at a sit-down restaurant, per person (excluding drinks).
Fine Dining Meal
Dinner at a high-end restaurant, per person (main course only, excluding drinks).
Local Fish Sandwich
A Bermudian specialty, typically a large fried fish sandwich with hot sauce.
Coffee and Pastry
One coffee (latte/cappuccino) and a small pastry from a cafe.
Transport
Adult cash fare for a single journey on public bus or ferry (up to 3 zones).
Bus/Ferry Single Ride
Adult cash fare for a single journey on public bus or ferry (up to 3 zones).
Bus/Ferry Day Pass
Adult unlimited travel pass for one day on public buses and ferries.
Scooter Rental
Daily rental rate for a single scooter (24 hours), excluding fuel and insurance.
Taxi Fare (short ride)
Estimated cost for a short 5-mile taxi journey, excluding tip.
Electric Mini-Car Rental
Daily rental rate for a 2-seater electric mini-car (e.g., Twizy), 24 hours.
Things to do
Half-day guided snorkeling boat trip, including equipment rental.
Snorkeling Tour
Half-day guided snorkeling boat trip, including equipment rental.
Museum Entry
Adult admission to a major historical museum (e.g., National Museum of Bermuda).
Bermuda Aquarium, Museum & Zoo (BAMZ)
Adult admission to the combined aquarium, museum, and zoo facility.
Glass-bottom Boat Tour
Scenic tour showcasing underwater life without getting wet, per person.
Stand-up Paddleboard (SUP) Rental
One-hour rental of a stand-up paddleboard at a beach.
Prices are indicative and may change based on availability, demand, and inclusions.
Welcome to Bermuda, an idyllic island paradise renowned for its stunning pink-sand beaches, vibrant marine life, and unique British-Bermudian charm. This guide will help you navigate the costs and best times to experience its enchanting beauty, ensuring an unforgettable trip.
Bermuda has a well-deserved reputation as an upscale travel destination, where a luxurious experience often comes with a premium price tag. Understanding these costs upfront is crucial for setting realistic budget expectations and planning a comfortable trip.
Accommodation typically represents the largest expense, with hotels, resorts, and guesthouses generally falling into a higher price bracket. Dining out, from fine restaurants to more casual local eateries, can also add up quickly, though options exist for various budgets. Transportation, primarily taxis, buses, or rented scooters, contributes to the daily spend.
Everyday expenses like groceries and excursions also reflect the island's overall cost of living. While Bermuda is not a budget destination, savvy planning and a focus on value can help travelers manage their expenditures without compromising on the island's unique charm and offerings.
Bermuda's distinct climate influences both visitor numbers and pricing throughout the year. Understanding these seasonal shifts can significantly impact your travel experience, helping you choose between peak vibrancy, quieter tranquility, or optimal savings.
The high season, spanning June, July, and August, offers hot and humid weather perfect for beach activities and water sports, attracting the most visitors. During these months, demand drives up prices for flights, accommodation, and popular activities, making it the most expensive time to visit.
Conversely, the low season from January through March provides cooler, milder conditions, a quieter atmosphere, and often more budget-friendly prices. Spring and autumn serve as excellent shoulder seasons, striking a pleasant balance with agreeable weather, fewer crowds, and more moderate pricing, offering a great window for value-conscious travelers.
Sink your toes into the world-famous pink sands of Horseshoe Bay, where turquoise waters meet dramatic limestone cliffs. This iconic spot is perfect for swimming and sunbathing in summer, or for breathtaking coastal walks and photography during the quieter, cooler seasons.
Step back in time in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed town of St. George. Explore its charming cobblestone streets, discover centuries-old churches, and immerse yourself in Bermuda's colonial past, a captivating experience enjoyable in any season.
Experience Bermuda like a local and save on transport by utilizing the island's comprehensive public bus and ferry system. Enjoy scenic coastal routes, reach popular attractions affordably, and soak in the island's beauty from a unique perspective, ideal for independent exploration year-round.
Indulge in Bermuda's beloved fish sandwich, a generously portioned, flavorful staple often served on raisin bread. Seek out a local eatery or roadside stand for an authentic taste that's both satisfying and a budget-friendly alternative to pricier meals.
Discover Bermuda's natural beauty and hidden gems by traversing sections of the scenic Railway Trail. This car-free path, built on an old railway line, offers stunning ocean vistas and lush landscapes, making it perfect for cycling or walking, especially during the milder spring and autumn months, or a refreshing winter stroll.
While renting a scooter is popular, Bermuda's roads can be narrow, winding, and busy. Always wear a helmet, drive on the left, and be extra cautious, especially around blind curves. Consider electric bicycles or the reliable public bus system for a safer, more relaxed way to explore the island.
Many restaurants and hotels automatically add a 15-17% service charge to your bill. Always check your receipt before adding an additional tip to avoid double-tipping. For taxis, tour guides, and other service providers, a 10-15% tip is customary and appreciated.
Enjoying Bermuda's vibrant culinary scene and diverse activities doesn't necessarily mean emptying your wallet. With a few strategic choices, you can savor the island's delights while keeping your budget in check.
For dining, consider exploring local take-out spots or establishments slightly off the main tourist routes, which often offer more authentic flavors at better prices. Utilizing local grocery stores for breakfast items, snacks, or even picnic lunches can also lead to significant savings compared to eating out for every meal.
When it comes to activities, take advantage of Bermuda's natural beauty by enjoying free public beaches, exploring the historic town of St. George's (a UNESCO World Heritage site), or hiking scenic railway trails. Look for package deals on excursions, or consider off-peak times for popular attractions to potentially find better rates.
Bermuda is renowned as a luxurious destination, and a trip here often comes with a higher price tag compared to many other Caribbean locales. Travelers should anticipate significant expenses for accommodation, dining, and activities, particularly during the popular high season from May to October.
Accommodation costs vary widely but even mid-range options can be pricey. Dining out, especially at upscale restaurants, can quickly add up, though grocery stores offer a more budget-friendly alternative. Seasonal demand heavily influences hotel rates, with the low season providing more opportunities for better value.
Local transportation, whether by public bus, ferry, or rental scooter, is manageable but still a consideration. Taxis, while convenient, are among the more expensive options. Planning your budget carefully and booking well in advance, especially for high-season travel, is crucial to managing costs on this beautiful island.
Navigating Bermuda is part of the island's charm, with several efficient options available for visitors. The public bus system is an excellent and scenic way to explore, connecting all major points of interest and offering an authentic glimpse of island life. Ferries also provide a pleasant and practical means of transport, particularly for reaching St. George's or the Royal Naval Dockyard while enjoying stunning harbor views.
For those seeking more independence, renting a scooter is a popular choice, allowing for flexible exploration of hidden coves and panoramic viewpoints; however, drivers must be cautious on Bermuda's winding roads. Taxis are readily available for direct routes and airport transfers, though they are a more expensive option. It's important to note that tourists are not permitted to rent cars in Bermuda.
Given the island's compact size, many areas are also very walkable, especially within towns like Hamilton and St. George's, or along designated walking trails. Combining public transport with a scooter rental for a few days can offer a balanced and comprehensive way to experience all Bermuda has to offer without breaking the bank on private transfers.
Bermuda's high season, spanning from May through October, offers idyllic warm weather perfect for enjoying its famous pink sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a lively atmosphere. During these months, the island experiences peak tourist crowds, leading to higher demand and consequently, increased prices for accommodations and activities.
Conversely, the low season, from November to April, presents a cooler, quieter, and generally more affordable Bermuda. While temperatures are milder and less suited for extensive swimming, this period is ideal for golf, exploring historical sites, and enjoying the island's natural beauty without the bustling crowds. This can be a strategic time for budget-conscious travelers or those preferring a serene escape.
Descend into the enchanting Crystal Caves, a spectacular subterranean world of shimmering stalactites and stalagmites reflected in crystal-clear underground lakes. A truly magical experience that offers a cool respite from summer heat and a fascinating attraction in any season.
Embrace Bermuda's natural beauty by walking or cycling along the Bermuda Railway Trail. This former railway line spans the island, offering breathtaking coastal views, lush vegetation, and glimpses into local life. It's a fantastic, free way to explore the island at your own pace, especially enjoyable in the cooler, more comfortable low season temperatures, allowing for longer, more pleasant excursions away from the peak summer heat.
Wander through the charming, UNESCO-listed town of St. George's, one of the oldest English settlements in the New World. In the quieter low season, you can enjoy its cobblestone streets, historic churches, and museums without the bustling crowds. Discover centuries of history, from its role in early American colonization to pirate legends, offering a rich cultural experience that's less reliant on warm beach weather.
Indulge in Bermuda's beloved fish sandwich, a local staple that offers great value without compromising on flavour. Typically featuring fried fresh fish on raisin bread with tartar sauce and coleslaw, it's a hearty and affordable meal found at various local eateries and casual restaurants across the island. This is a must-try culinary experience, perfect for a satisfying lunch regardless of the season and a great way to eat well on a budget.
Utilize Bermuda's efficient public ferry system not just for transport, but as an affordable scenic tour. Connecting key points like Hamilton, Dockyard, and St. George's, the ferries offer spectacular views of the coastline, colourful homes, and clear waters, often for less than a dedicated boat tour. It's a wonderful way to experience the island from a different perspective, especially pleasant in the mild low-season weather, providing both practical transit and memorable sightseeing.
Discover the mesmerizing underground world of Bermuda's Crystal Caves. This natural wonder features stunning stalactites, stalagmites, and crystal-clear azure pools. It's an all-weather attraction, making it ideal for the low season when beach activities might be less appealing. The cooler, consistent cave temperatures offer a unique and visually spectacular experience, showcasing a different facet of Bermuda's geological beauty.
Dining out frequently can quickly add up in Bermuda. To manage your budget, visit local supermarkets like Supermart or Lindo's and prepare some of your own meals, especially breakfast and lunch, if your accommodation has kitchen facilities. Expect grocery prices to be higher than in North America.
While beachwear is suitable for the beach, it's considered inappropriate in towns, shops, and restaurants, particularly in the evenings. Locals appreciate smart casual attire; for men, collared shirts with shorts or trousers are common, and women often wear sundresses or smart separates when out and about.
Bermuda's public bus system is not only an affordable way to get around but also offers incredibly scenic routes along the coastline and through charming villages. Purchase a day pass for unlimited travel—it's a fantastic way to experience the island at a leisurely pace, mingle with locals, and save on taxi fares.
Although Bermuda has its own dollar (BMD), it's pegged 1:1 with the USD and US dollars are widely accepted everywhere. Be aware that you'll likely receive change back in Bermuda dollars. Don't worry, BMD can be spent just like USD on the island, but it's not easily exchangeable once you leave.
Beyond the paid attractions, Bermuda boasts stunning, free coastal trails, especially along the historic Railway Trail and through its various nature reserves. These offer incredible views and a chance to experience the island's natural beauty without spending a dime. Perfect for a leisurely walk or bike ride, particularly pleasant in the cooler low season months.
Bermuda's buses and ferries are excellent, efficient, and offer scenic views. Skip expensive taxis or potentially risky mopeds by investing in a multi-day transportation pass (available for 1, 2, 3, 4, or 7 days). It's a significant saving and a great way to explore the island like a local.
Dining out in Bermuda, especially at tourist-focused restaurants, can quickly deplete your budget due to the island's high cost of living. Stock up on groceries at local supermarkets like MarketPlace or Lindo's and prepare some of your own meals, particularly breakfast and lunch. This simple trick will save you a surprising amount.
