Bermuda isn’t in the Caribbean, and that’s exactly what makes it interesting.
Floating alone in the Atlantic about 650 miles east of North Carolina, this tiny British territory is best known for pink sand beaches, pastel houses, and the infamous Bermuda Triangle lore that still sparks conspiracy theories.
Bermuda was uninhabited when a shipwrecked crew from the Sea Venture accidentally landed there in 1609.
That crash helped establish a supply route to Jamestown and eventually turned the island into a British colony.
You can still feel the colonial influence today, from the winding lanes of St. George’s to afternoon tea in upscale resorts.
The island is actually an archipelago of about 180 islands, with seven main ones connected by bridges and causeways.
It’s just 21 square miles in total.
You can cover a lot of ground without much effort.
Beaches get their pink hue from crushed coral and red foraminifera, a type of microscopic marine organism that mixes with white sand.
The result is soft, blush-colored shores you won’t see in many other places.
In 2024, Bermuda welcomed over 535,000 cruise visitors and around 140,000 air travelers, proving it’s still high on people’s travel wish lists.
Whether you come for the history, the water, or just the calm, colorful vibe, Bermuda delivers without feeling overcrowded or overhyped.
Warnings & Dangers in Bermuda
OVERALL RISK: LOW
There's a low risk in Bermuda, but it's definitely not risk-free. We'll tackle the risks one at a time.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM
Transportation is a medium risk, partly due to inconvenience. You can't rent a car there without a Bermuda driver's license, and scooters are notoriously dangerous, as are other people on scooters ignoring traffic laws. Your best bet is to rely on the island ferry service or public bus routes.
PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM
Crime has had an uptick in recent years, mostly petty theft. Treat pickpocketing as a medium risk. That goes for everything from leaving stuff on the beach while you swim to putting personal items in the basket of the scooter that we warned you not to rent.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
Bermuda’s main natural disaster risk is hurricanes, especially from June to November. Don't sleep on hurricane risks, despite the island being well-prepared. Direct hits are rare, but strong storms do happen. Earthquakes, floods, and wildfires are not common threats, and there's no risk of volcanic activity.
MUGGING RISK: LOW
Petty theft is much more common than theft by force. While the risk is low, stay focused on protecting your stuff and limit what valuables you carry.
TERRORISM RISK: LOW
This is a low risk. While there is illegal drug and gang activity on the island, the traditional concerns of terrorism aren't prominent. However, vigilance is always appreciated.
SCAMS RISK: LOW
Scams in Bermuda are rare, and the island has a low crime rate overall. You won’t find the usual tourist traps like fake taxis or aggressive street vendors. Still, use basic caution online, such as avoiding third-party travel sites that charge for Bermuda’s free Arrival Card.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
The risk is low, with even solo travelers feeling safe here. Even though it's not technically the Caribbean, it does have a reputation as one of the safest islands in the collective region.
TAP WATER RISK: LOW
The risk is generally low, and you can feel more confident about that in the pricey hotels and resorts where standards are strict. However, the water is provided by rainfall and desalination of seawater. You might prefer the taste of bottled water.
Safest Places to Visit in Bermuda
The official tourism website is gotobermuda.com.
Note the scam warning about Bermuda Arrival Cards at the top, and use the Plan tab to find more practical information.
The Royal Naval Dockyard is a popular cruise port and home to the National Museum of Bermuda.
It’s a great intro to the island’s British naval history, and nearby you’ll find shops, local crafts, and the island’s famous rum cake.
In the capital city of Hamilton, stroll Front Street for shopping, dining, and nightlife.
Visit the Bermuda Historical Society Museum and pop into the cathedral for skyline views.
East of Hamilton, head to the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum, and Zoo, which is surprisingly extensive and family-friendly.
Keep going east to reach St. George’s, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that feels frozen in time.
Cobblestone streets, colonial buildings, and St. Peter’s Church (the oldest Anglican church in the Western Hemisphere) are all worth a stop.
Nearby, Tobacco Bay is a small but stunning beach perfect for snorkeling.
For natural beauty, explore Crystal and Fantasy Caves.
These underground limestone formations with clear blue pools are some of Bermuda’s top attractions.
You can pair that with a trip to the Blue Hole (a deep, turquoise pool surrounded by limestone cliffs and lush forest) or hike parts of the Bermuda Railway Trail for ocean views.
And of course, the beaches.
Horseshoe Bay is the island’s most famous, with soft pink sand and lifeguards on duty.
But quieter spots like Warwick Long Bay or Elbow Beach are just as beautiful.
Places to Avoid in Bermuda
While there are large swaths of dangerous areas, after reviewing the travel advisories, here’s some advice.
First, stay off the backstreets in Hamilton, especially after bar closing time.
The U.S. State Department says assaults have been reported in that area.
The Canadian advisory notes that thefts from homes and cars have increased in St. George’s.
Both advisories also warn about theft from scooters and pickpockets.
Next, if you’re looking for a budget vacation, especially during peak travel season, Bermuda isn’t for you.
It’s notoriously expensive.
Also, hurricane season runs from June through November, but peaks between August and October.
That can lead to canceled cruises or island evacuations.
You don’t need to avoid Bermuda because of the Bermuda Triangle.
That’s because modern navigation tech, flight paths, and shipping routes make travel here as safe as anywhere else.
The mystery is mostly legend, not a real threat, and the island sees hundreds of thousands of safe arrivals every year without a hitch.
Safety Tips for Traveling to Bermuda
- Bermuda’s police force is professional and visible, but there’s no separate tourist police division. In an emergency, dial 911 for police, fire, or ambulance. For non-emergencies, you can contact the Bermuda Police Service directly or stop by one of the community stations throughout the island.
- To stay informed about hurricanes or other major events, sign up for Bermuda’s emergency notifications via the government’s EMO (Emergency Measures Organization) page or follow official social media accounts. You can also monitor local news outlets like Bernews or The Royal Gazette, which are quick to publish important updates.
- Tourists aren’t allowed to rent traditional cars in Bermuda. Instead, you can rent a scooter or a small two-seater electric vehicle (like a Twizy) with a valid driver’s license from your home country. Helmets are mandatory on scooters, and driving is on the left side of the road.
- You don’t need any vaccines to enter Bermuda, and there are no specific health risks tied to the region. That said, travelers should be up-to-date on routine vaccinations like tetanus and hepatitis A, especially if you’re planning outdoor activities, biking, or hiking. You’ll also want bug spray.
- Everyone in Bermuda speaks English fluently, with a soft island lilt that’s easy to understand. You won’t need a translation app, and signs, menus, and transportation info are all in English. Customer service tends to be friendly, helpful, and informal.
- Before heading into the ocean, look for colored flags posted at public beaches, which indicate water conditions. A red flag means dangerous currents, and double red flags mean staying out entirely. You can also check local apps or Bermuda’s weather service for daily forecasts and warnings.
- Watch for jellyfish and Portuguese Man o’ War, especially in warmer months. These floating stingers can cause painful welts, and they’re more common between May and September. If you see purple flags at the beach, it means hazardous marine life may be present. Don’t touch anything that looks like a blue or purple balloon in the water or on shore.
- Even beach towns in Bermuda involve walking on cobblestones, uneven stairs, or hilly paths. Bring sturdy shoes if you plan to explore outside the resorts. You’ll need them for the Railway Trail, caves, gardens, and walking tours. Save the sandals for poolside lounging.
- Bermuda has zero tolerance for drugs, including marijuana prescriptions. Customs officers routinely board cruise ships with drug-sniffing dogs, and arrests happen. Having a medical marijuana prescription won’t protect you. Even small amounts of illegal drugs can result in jail time or hefty fines.
- Do not bring guns, ammo, or weapon parts into Bermuda, even in checked luggage. That includes things like spare magazines, hunting knives, or a single forgotten round. The island enforces strict weapons laws, and unintentionally bringing banned items can still lead to arrest.
So... How Safe Is Bermuda Really?
Despite the mysterious and ominous reputation of the Bermuda Triangle, once you’re in Bermuda, it’s a pretty safe place.
The United States, Australia, and Canada all rank it as Level 1 risk, which means using standard safety precautions.
It’s the lowest risk level on a four-tiered scale.
You can check the Bermuda Police website for the most recent crime statistics.
Unfortunately, at the time of this publication, the website was undergoing maintenance.
That website is bermudapolice.bm.
However, after reading the travel advisories and recent news articles, I urge you not to let the Level 1 risk give you a false sense of safety.
Gangs and illegal drug activity are common.
While tourists are not targeted, you don’t want to risk being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
You’ll also need to have your wits about you near the rough currents of the ocean.
Even with a regulated tourism industry in Bermuda, don’t trust a vendor on a website or reviews alone.
Vet the safety records and recommendations.
Overall, you should enjoy your time in Bermuda.
Just use common sense.
How Does Bermuda Compare?
| Country | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Bermuda | 90 |
| Djibouti | 38 |
| Croatia | 83 |
| Mexico | 65 |
| France | 64 |
| Puerto Rico | 34 |
| Somalia | 16 |
| United Kingdom | 77 |
| Peru | 50 |
Useful Information
Visas
Most travelers don’t need a visa to visit Bermuda, including citizens of the U.S., Canada, and the UK. But if you’re flying in, you do need to complete Bermuda’s digital Arrival Card before your trip. It’s free, fast, and required for air or yacht arrivals. Cruise passengers can skip it.
Currency
Bermuda uses the Bermudian dollar (BMD), but it’s locked 1:1 with the U.S. dollar, and U.S. cash is accepted everywhere. Just be aware that if you pay in U.S. dollars, you may get Bermudian change back. Credit cards are widely accepted, but smaller spots may prefer cash.
Weather
Bermuda isn’t in the Caribbean, but the weather’s still beach-worthy most of the year. Summers are warm and humid, with temps in the 80s. Winter is cooler but still mild. Hurricane season runs from June through November, but Bermuda is built for storms and rarely shuts down over one.
Airports
You’ll fly to L.F. Wade International Airport, Bermuda’s only commercial airport. It’s small but modern, with direct flights from the East Coast, Canada, and London.
Travel Insurance
Bermuda’s healthcare system is excellent, but it's also expensive. Travel insurance isn’t required, but it’s a smart move. Look for a plan that covers medical needs, trip delays, and hurricane-related cancellations. If you're planning water sports or scuba diving, double-check that those are covered or look into adventure insurance.
Bermuda Weather Averages (Temperatures)
Average High/Low Temperature
| Temperature / Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C |
19 | 19 | 20 | 22 | 25 | 28 | 30 | 31 | 30 | 29 | 26 | 22 |
| Low °C |
16 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 21 | 23 | 25 | 25 | 24 | 22 | 20 | 17 |
| High °F |
66 | 66 | 68 | 72 | 77 | 82 | 86 | 88 | 86 | 84 | 79 | 72 |
| Low °F |
61 | 61 | 63 | 64 | 70 | 73 | 77 | 77 | 75 | 72 | 68 | 63 |
LOVED it!
My husband and I went to Bermuda in 2018 and LOVED it! We planned on going back in 2020 but then the pandemic happened. We wanted to go this year, but again the pandemic stopped us. We are hoping to go back in the spring of 2022. I felt it was the safest place I had traveled to overall and highly recommend anyone thinking of going to just go! You will love it!
As safe as can be
I love coming here and going to the beach, it can get a bit pricey with the flights there but it’s definitely worth it. awesome place for a relaxing vacation.
As for safety, I was just wondering what this website might say but seriously, this is HEAVEN, I feel safer here than anywhere else.
Spectacular beaches
I enjoyed our quick holiday in Bermuda! We had friends who were getting married there and we were there to witness the ceremony. It is quite expensive though, which makes sense I guess since a lot of things they have to import to the island. The beaches are spectacular and I guess that would be the main highlight of your visit. Its a quick flight from New York, so if you need a quick breather you might as well check Bermuda out.
One of the safest, most beautiful places on the globe!
Is Bermuda the idyllic place to visit or even get married in? That was just one of the questions I was asking myself before going there. The main downside of Bermuda is the prices which can be pretty high. Other than this, there’s not much I can say that would be on the negative side. I wouldn’t shop here because it’s just not worth paying extra dollars just to get the same things you can get at home. If you can get a good package that is within your budget then you should think about it. Bermuda, in my humble opinion, is well worth the trip and costs.
Bermuda is quite close to a lot of Northeastern cities from the US which makes it an even better choice for people living in these cities.
Safety wise, it’s super safe. I felt very safe here and didn’t hear anyone say they were mugged or pickpocketed or things of the sort. Taxis will cost more than you expect and its best to just ask how much it will cost before you go on the ride. It’s always better to take a taxi if you want to go out at night as there aren’t any other means of transportation.
As soon as you get off the plane and “enter” Bermuda you will smile when seeing those magnificent, calm waters, the hospitable and friendly people, feel the breeze on your cheeks and look at the nice colored houses with white roofs. It’s a moment that will stick with you the first time you experience it. It has stuck with me.
I highly recommend you go to Bermuda’s Southampton Parish which is considered one of the very best beaches in the entire world. Once you get there you’ll know why. I can’t explain it in words, you have to be there. Also, make sure to visit the Crystal and Fantasy Caves which are stunning, there’s no other word to describe them properly. This place is a perfect one for a spectacular wedding.
I am planning to travel to Bermuda with my parents and children in July 2022. Is it safe to visit with the current circumstances?