Accommodations
hotel
We have a great room rates at the Fairmont Southampton at 45% off of the normal nightly rates. The Fairmont Southampton is where our reception will be and is a beautiful resort with it's own private beach, golf course, pool, spa, gym, and restaurants. Use this link to make your reservation at our block rate. The rates apply for stays between June 23 and July 1 and must be booked before May 15. The arrival time field in the sign-up form can be tricky, if you get stuck on the form page make sure the time is entered in the hh:mm format. If you plan to cancel your room reservation after March 15, please contact us first.
house
Another option for housing is to use a an online service such as VRBO, HomeAway, or AirBnB to rent someones home or apartment. We usually have good luck using these services, but you have to be careful to read reviews, make sure prices really are cheaper, and check the location as transportation can be trick in Bermuda since rental cars are not available (see Transportation below).
Traveling to Bermuda
airplane
Bermuda's airport, BDA, has direct routes through the following cities and airlines: Toronto through Air Canada, New York(JFK) and Miami through American Airlines, London through British Airways, Atlanta New York(LaGuardia) & Boston through Delta, New York(JFK) and Boston through JetBlue, Newark through United, Charlotte Philly and DC through US Airways, and Toronto through WestJet. You will have to check which of these airlines connecting flights through your home city. Two travel sites I use are HipMunk and Kayak.
passport
Bermuda is a foreign country and requires a passport for entry. Apply for your passport several months before your trip. If you already have a passport, make sure to check your expiration date. Information and applications for passport can be found on the US Department of State website. The US Post Office now takes passport photos and accepts applications. Details can be found here.
Weather
weather
June is a summer month in Bermuda. This is the month when the weather warms up and the temperature stays between an average high of 81 degree Fahrenheit to a low of 73 degree. The water temperature also rises to about 77 degree. So the time is now great for swimming and other beach activities.
Transportation
car
Rental cars are not available. It is not legal for any foreigner to drive a car in Bermuda, even one from a relative or friend. Below are other transportation options during your stay.
minibus
We plan on having a complimentary shuttle service for guests going to the church and back to the reception. We will also have shuttle services available for a few optional organized events, please see the agenda. We also will use the shuttle services to offer airport rides. If you would like this service, which is 4-5 times cheaper than a taxi, please let us know your arrival and departure information and we will add you to the list and provide the contact information for the shuttle.
scooter
For the brave and fearless who want to get a taste of the local life. Mildly terrifying at first, scooters are a blast once you get the hang of it. Just remember to drive on the left side! Speed limit on the entire island is a maximum of 35 kmh (22 mph). We rented one on our stay and loved it, although it is not good if carrying children or luggage. Most scooter rental agencies give lessons and will either pick you or deliver to your hotel for no additional charge. Helmets are included (and required) and can be stored and locked under the seat. The main rentals are Elbow Beach Cycles, Eve's Cycles, Smatt's Cycle, Oleander Cycles and Wheels Cycles. We used Oleander Cycles and had a great experience.
taxi
Taxis may be the easiest but most expensive option if you're traveling a lot. Many drivers are more than happy to schedule an hour to two hour long tour of the island at a fixed rate of $50.00 / hour if requested. Please note that all taxi fares increase by 25% on Sundays and Public Holidays. This link and this link contain more information about taxis.
ship
From the major cities (Hamilton, St. George, Dockyard), Bermuda offers a ferry service that is quite convenient and the best way to travel if the times match up. You can take a scooter on the ferry from the Dockyard to Hamilton and then ride back to your hotel from there. The ferry from Dockyard to St George does not allow scooters. This link and this link contain more information about ferries.
bus
The Berumda bus system is very clean, reliable and air conditioned in summer - a good option for those that want to save some money. The buses stop often so a ride can take a long time. You must have exact change which is currently $3 for shorter distances. The most cost effective way to travel by bus is to buy a sheet of tickets from the Bus Station, this cost around $20. There are two types of bus stop used: PINK will take you into Hamilton and BLUE will take you AWAY from Hamilton. They are request stops - so stick your hand out! If in question, just tell the bus driver where you want to get off and they will let you know. There are direct routes for the beaches. Ask at the bus terminal in Hamilton for your best routes to avoid numerous resident stops. This site has more information on bus servies.
minibus
Bermuda has several minibuses licensed by the Bermuda Government to move groups. Minibuses usually have a minimum capacity of 9 passengers up to a current maximum of 28 passengers (although the neither the minimum nor the maximum is determined by regulations). Excluding the public buses and ferries, this is the most affordable means of transportation to most places on the Island. The minibuses, like the taxis, will provide direct transportation to your destination. Fares are on a per head basis. We have a negotiated rate for shuttle service, please contact us if you would like to use it for airport or other small group rides.
Activities
hike
There are great hiking/walking trails accessible from the hotel grounds. The longest is the railway trail which pretty much extends the length of the island. Here it is on Google Maps. To get to this trail, take the hotel shuttle to the dock/Waterlot Inn. The entrance is 50 meters from where the shuttle drops you off. There is also a trail that goes along the beach starting at the East end of Horseshoe Bay. For other options, including guided tours, check out this link or this link to choose the ones you like.
snorkle
For serious snorkelers, Church Bay in Southampton is a great option that is very close to the Fairmont Southampton. You will see colorful fish and corals in many of these beaches. However, for a perfect snorkel experience with awesome marine life, reefs and even shipwrecks, you will need to go offshore by a boat. This link and this link contain information on beachside and offshore snorkeling places.
fishing
Fishing in Bermuda can be of three types: Shore Fishing, Reef Fishing (along reef lines) and Deep Sea Fishing (beyond the reef line and in open ocean). Shore or line fishing is usually done from the rocky shores or sometimes even from the bridges. The other two require you to avail a fishing boat. This link contains a complete guide to know the best fishing locations, the common catches and the best fishing boat operators. This link contains many more fishing charter services.
scuba
Bermuda is a great place for scuba diving, whether you are experienced or you just want to take a basic lessons. There are some 230 square miles of coral reefs surrounding Bermuda that provide magnificent views of corals, fish and other marine life. And there are large number of shipwrecks in Bermuda waters existing since five centuries. There are 13 official shipwreck sites in Bermuda from 1940 alone and these do not include many yacht wrecks and the ships that sank during world war II. There are many dive centers in Bermuda where certified dive masters take the divers to the depths for wreck & reef dives, and also provide certification programs and learning lessons. Some centers also offer Snuba which is a cross between Scuba and Snorkeling. It is carried out in shallow waters (about 20-feet deep) and the oxygen tanks are kept on a floating raft or dinghy. This link contains information about wreck & reef diving, certification and learning programs, and the best dive centers in the island, and this link contains additional scuba diving resources.
kayak
Kayaking gives you a great opportunity to explore some of the best kept secrets of Bermuda like the coves that are accessible only from water, coral reefs, marine life, mangroves and lot more. You can get to the tiny islands and water areas in Great Sound like the Paradise Lake, or the Hungry Bay at Paget. While you can rent a kayak and be on your own, there are operators who offer group kayaking tours along the coastline. This link gives info on Kayaking tours, tips and the top operators offering them in Bermuda. This link contains additional kayaking resources.
horse
You can ride all throughout the year in Bermuda, along the beaches, along the old railway trails or through the lush hilly landscapes. There are several riding centers or stables that offer horseback rides in Bermuda. Most of the riding centers require advance bookings. There are both group and private rides offered. Depending on your riding skills, they will select a horse. Usually for group rides and inexperienced riders, they select quiet horses and do not encourage trot or canter. Check out this link for details.
bike
This company offers a 1.5 hour leisurely bike ride along the 'Old Bermuda Railway Trail' along Ely's Harbour. They provide a 21 speed, Trek Mountain Bike and a quality bike helmet. The tour includes insturctions on riding and safety before the guided cycle tour along the original and famous Bermuda Railway Trail. After your ride, cool off with a refreshing swim at the beach and enjoy a complimentary beverage
golf
The Turtle Hill Golf Club at The Fairmont Southampton, where the reception and block rooms are, was winner of Golf Digest’s “Best Places to Play Golf”. It features 18 challenging par 3 holes, most with stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. Three and a half miles from the hotel is The Port Royal Golf Course. This is a great course used in the PGA tour Grand Slam of Golf. Information on other great golf courses on the island can be found here.
If you are looking for additional activities not listed here, try this website..