Expert: Nan - 6/16/2009

Question
QUESTION: "Our family will be arriving in Bermuda on the explorer of the seas 7-11-09
at
8am. We were at the fairmont 30 years ago and remember how pretty the
beaches were. This time we are celebrating my Mom's 80th birthday. We have
11 of us from age 15-83. We would like to take a private van to the beautiful
beaches we remember, to show our kids. Can anyone accommodate all of us?
It would be fun to stay together instead of splitting up into cabs, but I would
like to eliminate the cruise bus tours! Also, how is the snorkling from the
beaches?"





ANSWER: Hi Jennifer,

I know you and your family will really enjoy your visit next month. I assume you're referring to the Fairmont's Southampton Princess since you mentioned the beaches.  It's still there and the South Shore beaches are still gloriously beautiful.  Snorkeling, too, is still good on the South Shore after 30 years.  (Particularly at Church Bay though it suffered some hurricane damage a few years back. All is well now, however, and it's a great source of South Shore snorkel fun!)

For your tour, try Bermuda Hosts, Ltd.  This company provides pre-arranged transport between the airport and many hotels, etc., but they also handle sightseeing tours.  Call them at 441-293-1334 or send them an e-mail at "info@bermudahosts.bm" or visit the website: www.bermudahosts.bm.

Another source is Beeline Transport, Ltd.  Contact them at 441-293-0303 or through their website:  www.beelinetransportltd.com.

I have no connection with these two vendors, I just did a little research for you.  I strongly recommend that you set up your tour in advance.  Especially if you want all 11 of you to ride in the same vehicle.

Happy Birthday to your mother and enjoy your trip!

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for all the info.
"Does Church Bay have snorkel equipment for rent? Is this beach less crowded
than some of the other south shore beaches?"  

Answer
Hi Jennifer,

My next trip to Bermuda is scheduled for July, so I haven't personally verified the snorkel equipment access at Church Bay yet for this year.  BUT, having said that, I would safely venture to guess that, yes, you can rent equipment here if past years are any indication.  

Regarding the crowds, Church Bay is a popular snorkeling spot to say the least.  And it's relatively small.  I've never felt that it was "too" crowded as my own little group of two has always been able to find a nice spot to rest between "dives."  (I've mistaken fellow snorkelers for my husband and bumped into a few folks along the way, but that's probably due more to my being face down too much!)  Don't let this stop you and your family from visiting.  It's truly a wonderful place to enjoy watching the fish.  

I can't say this enough: be careful of the slippery rocks.  I've thrashed around too much and suffered too many scrapes and bruises in my early tourist days in Bermuda to NOT mention this to you.  You may not remember that your entry into and your exit out of the water here both require you to navigate the surf over the rocks.  It can be done safely, just be careful.

One more thing... you might consider stopping off at Warwick Long Bay in the late afternoon to see the parrot fish feed in the surf from the beach. Magnificent.  Ask your cab driver/tour guide about this.

Enjoy your trip!  (And thank you for your kind words.)

Nan