Expert: Michael - 5/7/2005

Question
Hi! We will be taking a cruise to Bermuda, with 3 1/2 days
actually on the island. The first day in St. George, the second in
Hamilton and the third at the Royal Naval Dockyard area. We
wondered about transportation, how often the buses run and
whether it's worth it to get a one, two or three day pass.

The first day in St. George, we want to take a bus to Blue Hole
Road (across the causeway) so I can go windsurfing on Castle
Harbour, and later to Tobacco Bay to go snorkeling. I wonder if
the buses to Tobacco Bay are included in the regular bus pass?

The second day in Hamilton will probably be mostly on foot
although we might take a bus to Elbow Beach. Do they run
often? Are the ferries to Warwick and across the sound included
in the bus pass?

The third day we will be at the Dockyard but are hoping to take a
bus down to the beaches in Southhampton and Warwick,
especially Church Bay where we hear the snorkeling is good
and/or Pompano Bay to go windsurfing. How is the bus service
along here? ?And if you were thinking of hitting a number of the
beaches along South Shore Park, are they close enough to walk
from one to the next? If not, how are the buses?

Frequency of bus schedules would be really helpful! We will be
there June 6-10.

If there are any great things I shouldn't miss, please feel free to
add anything, but this is not essential. I really want to know
about transportation. Many thanks! Pam  Derringer, Marblehead,
MA P.S. My husband answers questions for allexperts on
Macintoshes, the Dominican Republic, etc., so I thought this was
a good place to go for help.

Also, any great Web sites?


Answer
Hi Pam,

You will simply fall in love with Bermuda.  St. George is quaint and on the site of world historical places.  A lovely harbour town.

Hamilton, if you do not know, is the cosmopolitan center but with lots of Burmudiana.

Your idea of seeking the beaches on the Southshore from the Dockyard is good.

The busses are extremely functional.  You can call the Department of Tourism at 800.BERMUDA and ask for a bus schedule.  You can see it too at www.bermudabuses.com

The island is split into 14 bus zones and costs are for either 3 zones or 14 zones.  Up to 3 zones is less than 4-14 zones.

Cash is most expensive.  Tokens are a bit less, a book of 15 tickets is a great deal and to my liking while a three day pass may be for you although I think not.  That is because it also includes the ferry from Hamilton to Warwick is only across the harbour and not to the beaches.

I always spring for a book of tickets.  15 tickets in a book.  They are available for 3 zones and 14.  The cost is $20.00 for the 3 zone book.  You could split these with your husband and if you go beyond 3 zones just put in two tickets.  Simple as that.  A three day pass will cost you $28.00 each.

OK.  Here's where you may need tickets.  You will need one ticket to get to Blue Hole from SG.  Ten minutes or so.  Do walk up after windsurfing to the Swizzle Inn.  Just a place you have to sit and enjoy.

I would note Pam that if you find Tobacco Bay you can snorkle out towards the ocean and then around to the right to Archillies Bay.  It is pleasant.  Or from Archillies Bay over to Tobacco.  You can walk there or take the mini van.  It is only a 10 to 15 minute walk.  No bus service to here.  Just a walk.  If you like doing the unusual, St. Peters is the oldest Anglican Church in the northern hemisphere and we like walking around it reading the headstones, but this may not be for you.

When you call 800.BERMUDA ask too for the Handy Reference Map.  It will direct you anywhere you want to go.

Walking around St. George is great.  You'll love it.

Hamilton has a nice Linen Shop and Blucks who carry lovely glass and fine china etc which my wife loves to see.  You can stop at an ice cream shop on Front Street sit on a balcony and watch the goings on.  The cruise ships dock directly on Front Street.  From here you can walk up to Fort Hamiton for a nice view.  The Southshore Beaches are not far from Hamilton too.  I would take Bus #7, (now here's a big tip) and get off at Warrwick Long.  Find a path down to the ocean and walk the distance along the beaches all the way to Horseshoe Bay snorkling where you like.  This streatch of beach is the finest of all Bermuda.  And it is 1/2 to 3/4 miles.  Most people will hang around Horseshoe.  You'll walk along grape tree lined paths, over great outcropings of volcanic rock and along the most beautiful beaches.  Warwick Long, Stonehole, Jobson's Cove a couple others and eventually Horseshoe Bay.  There will be facilities at Horseshoe.  This in my opinion would be a must.

If you do this from the Dockyard, sit on the right hand side of the bus so you can have an unobstructed view of the ocean passing all the beaches I mentioned and get off at Warrwick Long or Astwood Cove.  It will be a little steep getting down but not difficult.  You will fiind much enjoymeny in this adventure. Can you bring towels and some diet cokes in a small soft cooler?   Who-ahh!

I would also recommend a morning trailride from Spicelands Stables.  Gentle horses along the beach.  Linda and I are not in any way athletes but she loved it.  Call for a reservation and get there on bus #8.

Oh, take a walk at night while in St. George and listen.

Write if you have any further questions.

One last thing Pam Derringer ... some taxi's carry a blue flag.  These drivers are trained by the government to know about Bermuda.  Maybe you can rent a driver for 4 hours and ask him to drive you around.  Probably split it with a couple from the ship.

Checkout www.bermudashorts.bm  Glenn will have lots of information and there is a fine message board there where people share there Bermuda experiences.  Just remember the Bus Transportation Booklet and Handy Reference Map.  1.800.BERMUDA

Happy planning!
Michael