Expert: Nan - 6/17/2007

Question
QUESTION: Hi - first time caller as they say. Together with wife and friends we will be docking at West End as part of a 9 day cruise in early August. It's a one stop over arriving at 0800 and leaving at 1700. It's also our first cruise and so please forgive a 'virgin' question.
The cruise company offers a number of excursions to pre-book but in order to compare we wanted to know if there were other shore based companies that we could look at that can arrange small tours for a fuller flavour of the island.

ANSWER: Hi Philip,
What a great question.  If I had only a short amount of time to enjoy Bermuda, I'd have to ask myself a few questions: What  is it that I'd most like to see/do?  Is basking in the sun on a pink beach away from the cruise crowds more appealing than shopping on Front Street in Hamilton?  Or would I prefer to soak up some history?  Of course I can't answer these questions for you and I don't know if this is your first visit to Bermuda.  (And don't worry about the "virgn" question -- I've never been on a cruise myself!).  Bermuda is full of wonderful Bermudian taxi drivers who would be delighted to show you around.  Most taxis are van-like vehicles that can accommodate several passengers.  So if it's the flavor of Bermuda that you're after, I'd opt to arrange a taxi for the day.  But that's really not what you asked.  For information about local tours and guides, visit the Bermuda Tourism website at www.bermudatourism.org.  Here you'll find contact information for folks that offer foot tours and cycle tours. You'll have ample time to go from one end of the Island to the other with several stops in between.  There are myriad things to do and see including the Maritime Museum (in the West End), the Underwater Exploration Institute and many, many others.  My choice would be to hire a Bermudian taxi driver for the day and enjoy!  Have a great trip, hope this helps.

Nan

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

QUESTION: Hi Nan, that's been very helpful and kind of supports our own theories about best way to do things. We've not been to Bermuda - in fact only visit to Caribbean was a winter break to St Lucia a couple of years back.  

One back up question; I very much doubt that a sun soaked beach would be high on our list of things to do so how much do you think a taxi would cost for say 6 hours sight seeing?

kind regards,

Philip

Answer
Hi Philip,

According to the 2005/06 "Destination Bermuda" guide, taxis can be hired by the hour, day or mile (a full day is six consecutive daylight hours).  Rates are per cab for one person, up to a maximum of six for normal transportation and general sightseeing.  Special all-inclusive, pre-sold tours vary in price per person.  All taxis are metered and tariff-fixed by law.  Certified "Blue Flag" taxi tour guides are available on request for touring.

I've just spoken with Freda at the Bermuda Industrial Union (BIU) Taxi Co-op (441-292-4476) to get current pricing for a sample six-person tour. Those rates are: $56.00 per hour with a minimum of 3 hours.  Gratuities are not included in this pricing.  She suggests that you call her directly to book your tour so that you're not waiting around for a taxi in Dockyard. (I have no affiliation with Freda or her taxi company by the way.)  Be sure to ask for a Blue Flag or Blue Bonnet tour guide.  The pricing is the same.

Remember: Bermuda currency is based on the U.S. dollar so those travelling from the UK, Canada or Europe are in for a nice surprise in terms of value for the dollar/euro or pound!!

I hope you find this information useful and don't hesitate to ask more questions.  My next trip is planned for mid-July and I'd be delighted to research specifics for you if you'd like.  Since you've told me that basking in the sun isn't your cup of tea for your first visit, I'm happy to share other suggestions of wonderful things to do.  From history to art to shopping and eating, you'll enjoy Bermuda and her people.  Plus, riding from end to end in a taxi with the windows open to smell the beautiful flowers and salt air is a fabulous way to spend a day in my book!  What you'll see along the way will take your breath away.

Enjoy!

Nan