Forget the Bermuda Triangle - rather anticlimactically there is actually no real mystory there about missing ships. But Bermuda itself is a stunning tropical paradise and just waiting to be discovered. Bermuda is classified as a subtropical climate and is one of Britain's British Overseas Territories. It is a self-governing territory and lies in the zone of Hurricane Alley - so be sure to keep up with the weather forecast. This island boasts stunning seas for scuba diving, scores of forts, and many natural wonders. See here for 11 things one should plan around in Bermuda.
About Bermuda
- Status: British Overseas Territory
- Population: 71,000
- Capital: Hamilton
Bermuda is a paradise for its pink sand beaches and its stunning blue and clear ocean waters. These waters are ideal for scuba diving and there are numerous wrecks lying beneath the waves to be seen (these have nothing to do with the Bermuda Triangle myth). There are also coral reefs that are able to be dived and even snorkeled by people from the shore. The water is great for scuba diving, being only around 30 to 40 feet deep or 9 to 12 meters and the visibility is excellent.
There are various attractions around the island like lighthouses and the Crystal Caves which boast underground saltwater pools and stalactites. This is a great place to go boating when not relaxing on the beach and even walking the various trails on the island.
Why Visit In October
In October the weather is very pleasant. It is not as hot as the summer, but not chilly like the winter. The weather tends to hover around a pleasant 79 degrees on the higher end and 72 degrees on the cooler end.
At the same time, the water visibility starts to improve end more and make it even more ideal for scuba diving. Finally, Bermuda is also a destination for cruise ships and it doesn't take many of them to really start affecting the island. But in October these cruise ship visits are dropping off.
On the flip side, October is also part of Bermuda's hurricane season. But they are not so common and the island is well prepared to handle these monsters. So that should not dissuade anyone from coming, the chances are low one will actually come.
Forts In Bermuda
Bermuda may only be a small island with a small population but was a British military outpost for a very long time. Today there are around 90 forts scattered around this little island. Many of them are easy to access and are in picturesque areas. Some of the main ones are:
- St. George's
- Whale Bay Battery
- Fort Hamilton
- Fort St. Catherine
- Scaur Hill Fort & Park
St George's is an egg-shaped fort built in 1823. It has a moat and 9-11 foot thick walls. Whale Bay Battery was built in the 1700s and was used up to WWII, it also boasts stunning ocean views. Fort Hamilton has commanding views of the capital settlement of Hamilton and is a choice spot for a picnic. Fort St. Catherine is in the Historic St. George's World Heritage Site and is well preserved and houses an impressive museum. It is certainly one of Bermuda's most impressive structures. Scaur Hill Fort was built to defend the Royal Naval Dockyard from the Americans during the war of 1812, later on, the Americas would help the British and use it to defend the island in WWII.
One of the main attractions is the Royal Naval Dockyard. This was the main British naval base in the Western Atlantic following America's independence up to the Cold War. Today one can visit a very interesting National Museum of Bermuda there.
- Car Rental: It Is Not Possible To Rent Cars In Bermuda. There Are Hire Scooters Or Public Transportation
Visit The Crystal & Fantasy Caves
The Crystal Caves are a must-see on the island, they are sometimes considered Bermuda's top visitor attraction. These majestic caves are deep, and clear underground pools of azure blue water. Bermuda.com states of the caves.
"Incredible formations of every size and shape imaginable. Cave ceilings are adorned with rare chandelier clusters and delicate crystallized soda straws. Each cave is uniquely beautiful and is a new adventure to discover."
These can even be a family activity and have been called "Bermuda's Tree Hidden Treasures". Of course, it doesn't matter much which time of year one visits the caves.
- Opening Hours: 9.00 am to 5.00 pm Everyday
- Guided Tours: Guided Tours Leave Every 20 Minutes
- Cost: Crystal Caves $24 Per Adult; Fantasy Caves: $24 Per Adult
Dolphin Quest
Another activity is to meet the dolphins up close in the Dolphin Quest's large ocean-fed dolphin habitat. Visitors are permitted to feed, swim, and touch these friendly marine mammals. Dolphin Quest is in the historic stone fortress that also now houses the National Museum of Bermuda.