Bermuda looks like a postcard come to life. Pink sand beaches, turquoise water that seems almost fake in its perfection, and pastel-colored houses dotting the coastline. You’ve probably seen the photos and felt that pull to visit this tiny island paradise.
But here’s what most travel guides won’t tell you upfront. Bermuda has its own rhythm, its own rules, and its own way of doing things. What works in other beach destinations might get you sideways glances here, or worse, cost you money and time you can’t get back.
I’ve gathered the most important things you’ll want to steer clear of during your Bermuda trip. These aren’t just tourist traps or overpriced restaurants. We’re talking about actual mistakes that could derail your vacation before you’ve even unpacked your swimsuit.
Things to Avoid in Bermuda
Getting Bermuda right means knowing what not to do before you even step off the plane. Here are 10 crucial mistakes to avoid so your island getaway stays picture-perfect from start to finish.
1. Trying to Rent a Car
Let’s get this one out of the way first because it trips up almost everyone. You cannot rent a car in Bermuda. Full stop. It doesn’t matter how good your driving record is or how many countries you’ve driven in. The law prohibits tourists from renting cars, period.
This policy exists for good reason. Bermuda is only 21 square miles, making it one of the most densely populated places on Earth. The roads are narrow, winding, and built for a different era. Most are single-lane in each direction, with stone walls hugging the edges. Toss in the fact that Bermudians drive on the left side of the road (British influence), and you can see why the government decided tourist drivers would create chaos.
Your actual options? You can rent a scooter or moped if you’re over 18 and have a valid driver’s license. The rental company will give you a quick orientation, and you’ll need to wear a helmet at all times. Scooters cost around $50-70 per day, and honestly, they’re perfect for zipping around the island. Just take it slow at first. Those curves come up fast.
If two wheels aren’t your thing, Bermuda has an excellent public bus system and ferries. A weekly pass costs about $69 and gets you unlimited travel. Taxis are everywhere, though they’ll run you $2-3 per mile. Many visitors combine methods, taking buses during the day and grabbing taxis at night when they’re dressed up for dinner.
2. Packing Camouflage Clothing
This sounds oddly specific, but it’s critically important. Wearing camouflage is illegal in Bermuda. Yes, you read that right. Those trendy camo shorts or that cute camo jacket? Leave them at home. This includes any camouflage pattern, whether it’s traditional military colors or fashion camo in pink or blue.
The law reserves camouflage for the Bermuda Regiment, and the government takes this seriously. If you arrive at the airport wearing camo, customs officers will confiscate the item on the spot. You won’t get it back, and you might face a fine. I’ve heard stories of families losing brand-new cargo shorts that cost $80 at the airport, all because they didn’t know about this rule.
Before you pack, double-check your kids’ clothes too. Children’s clothing often features camo prints, and the law applies to everyone regardless of age. That adorable toddler camo swimsuit? Pack something else instead. Better to know now than to explain to your three-year-old why their favorite outfit just got taken away at customs.
This rule catches American visitors off guard more than anyone else, probably because camo is so common in casual fashion back home. Bermuda sees things differently, and respecting local laws is part of being a good traveler.
3. Assuming Bermuda is Part of the Caribbean
Geography lesson time, and this one matters more than you might think. Bermuda sits about 650 miles east of North Carolina, floating alone in the Atlantic Ocean. The Caribbean? That’s roughly 1,000 miles to the south.
Why does this matter for your trip? The climate differs from the Caribbean islands. Bermuda has actual seasons. Summer (May through October) is gorgeous and warm, with temperatures in the 80s. But winter can get surprisingly cool, with temps dropping into the 60s and 50s at night. That’s not swimming weather for most people. I’ve met tourists who showed up in February expecting bathing suit weather and spent the whole week shivering in their shorts.
The Atlantic Ocean also means different water conditions. Bermuda’s beaches face open ocean, so waves can get bigger and currents stronger than the typically calm Caribbean waters. The island has beautiful beaches, but respect the water. If the lifeguard says conditions are rough, believe them.
Culture-wise, Bermuda leans heavily British. You’ll notice it in everything from tea time traditions to the proper way people dress for dinner. The Caribbean influence exists, sure, but it’s mixed with British formality in a way that creates something unique. Understanding this helps you pack right, plan appropriately, and set realistic expectations for your trip.
4. Underestimating How Expensive Everything Is
Bermuda is expensive. Like, really expensive. We’re talking some of the highest costs in the Western Hemisphere. A casual lunch at a beachside cafe might run you $25-35 per person. Dinner at a nice restaurant? Easily $60-100 per person before drinks. Groceries cost about three times what you’d pay in the U.S.
Everything gets imported, and that drives prices through the roof. The island produces almost nothing locally, so your breakfast cereal, your sunscreen, your bottle of water—all of it came on a ship. Import duties run high, and businesses pass those costs straight to you.
Budget accordingly, or you’ll burn through your money faster than sunscreen on a hot day. A realistic daily budget for a moderate traveler runs around $150-200 per person, and that’s being conservative. This includes meals, transportation, activities, and a drink or two. Families need to multiply that by everyone coming along, and suddenly, your week in Bermuda costs as much as two weeks in Mexico.
Smart money-saving moves exist, though. Stock up on snacks and drinks at the grocery store for beach days. Many hotels have mini-fridges you can use. Take advantage of breakfast included with your hotel when possible. Happy hours offer better drink prices, usually between 5-7 pm. Some restaurants have early-bird specials before 6 pm that can save you 20-30% on dinner.
The public transportation system provides excellent value compared to taxis. That $69 weekly pass suddenly looks pretty good when a single taxi ride from the airport to your hotel costs $35-50. You can also pack some of your own beach gear. Rental umbrellas and chairs cost $25-30 per day, so bringing a cheap beach umbrella from home pays for itself immediately.
5. Skipping Sunscreen or Using Too Little
The Bermuda sun is fierce. This isn’t like hanging out at your backyard pool. You’re at 32 degrees north latitude, surrounded by white and pink sand that reflects UV rays right back at you, plus water that bounces even more sun onto your skin. The combination is intense.
I’ve watched tourists turn lobster-red on their first day, and their entire vacation becomes about managing pain instead of enjoying paradise. One couple I met at a hotel spent $200 on after-sun products and aloe at the pharmacy because they thought their routine would work here. They basically paid to be miserable for three days.
Here’s what actually works. Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before you go outside, giving it time to absorb. Use at least SPF 30, though SPF 50 is smarter. Reapply every 90 minutes, not every two hours like you might at home. If you go in the water, reapply immediately when you come out, even if the bottle says water-resistant. Those claims don’t hold up as well in saltwater.
Get the spots people always miss. Back of your neck, tops of your feet, your ears, and your scalp along your hairline. Guys, if you’re balding, your head needs protection too. A hat helps, but it’s not enough on its own.
Consider reef-safe sunscreen while you’re planning. Bermuda’s reefs are protected, and while the island hasn’t banned certain chemicals yet, like Hawaii has, reef-safe products help preserve these underwater ecosystems. Many local shops stock brands specifically marketed as reef-friendly. You’re protecting your skin and the ocean at the same time.
6. Wearing Beach Clothes Around Town
Bermuda has a dress code, and tourists who ignore it stick out like sore thumbs. The locals dress up. Men wear Bermuda shorts (yes, they originated here) with knee socks and dress shoes to the office. Women wear dresses and nice separates. This isn’t a laid-back Caribbean vibe where everyone walks around in flip-flops and cover-ups all day.
Walking through Hamilton or St. George in your bikini top and board shorts will earn you disapproving looks. Some restaurants, shops, and churches won’t let you in at all. There are actual signs on doors saying “No Beachwear” or “Proper Attire Required.”
Pack clothes that work for both beach and town. It’s not hard. Throw a sundress over your swimsuit or put on actual shorts and a clean shirt before leaving the beach. Bring shoes that aren’t flip-flops for when you’re off the sand. Men, a collared shirt and khaki shorts work almost everywhere. Women, a simple dress or nice shorts with a blouse are perfect.
Evening dining calls for another level up. Men should bring long pants and a button-down shirt for nicer restaurants. Some places require jackets, though that’s becoming less common. Women should pack at least one or two dressier outfits. This doesn’t mean ball gowns, but definitely a step above what you’d wear to a casual lunch.
Churches deserve special mention here. If you plan to visit any of Bermuda’s historic churches (and you should, they’re beautiful), cover your shoulders and knees. Shorts are generally fine for men if they’re tailored Bermuda shorts, but women should wear skirts or dresses that fall below the knee. Bring a light scarf or shawl you can throw over your shoulders if needed.
7. Ignoring the Bus and Ferry Schedules
Public transportation runs like clockwork in Bermuda, but only if you know how to read the schedule. Buses and ferries don’t run constantly. They come at set times, and if you miss yours, you might wait 30 minutes or an hour for the next one. Some routes have limited evening service, and Sunday schedules differ completely from weekdays.
Pick up a schedule at any ferry terminal or bus depot during your first day. Better yet, download the schedule PDF to your phone before you leave home. The Bermuda Government website has current schedules posted. Study the route maps too. Bermuda is divided into zones, and your fare depends on how many zones you cross. Most tourist areas fall within zones 1-3.
Here’s a trick that saves people tons of time. The pink route buses run the length of the island along the main road. If you’re going to popular spots like Horseshoe Bay Beach, Elbow Beach, or Crystal Caves, you want a pink route bus. The blue routes handle the shorter internal roads and connecting routes. Figure out which color you need before you step up to the bus stop.
Ferries connect Hamilton, Dockyard, and St. George. They’re faster than buses for those routes and give you amazing water views. The ferry schedule matters even more than the bus schedule because boats run less frequently, especially to the Dockyard. Missing the last ferry back from Dockyard to Hamilton means taking a taxi, and that ride costs $60+.
Cash is king on public transport. Have exact change ready in Bermuda dollars or U.S. dollars. Drivers don’t give change, and they don’t take credit cards. A single ticket costs $3.50 for zones 1-3, or you can buy tokens in advance. But seriously, just get that weekly pass if you’re staying more than three days. It pays for itself fast and removes all the stress of having exact change.
8. Missing Out on Off-Season Travel Benefits
Everyone wants to visit Bermuda in summer, and I get it. That’s peak season for good reason. But the off-season, which runs November through March (except Christmas and New Year’s), offers serious advantages that savvy travelers shouldn’t ignore.
Hotel prices drop by 30-50% during these months. That luxury resort room that costs $500 per night in July? You might snag it for $250 in February. Restaurants have tables available without reservations. Popular beaches look practically deserted. You can actually enjoy the attractions without crowds of cruise ship passengers everywhere.
The weather isn’t as cold as you might fear. Yes, you won’t be swimming in January (water temps drop to the mid-60s), but daytime highs still reach the upper 60s and low 70s. Perfect weather for exploring historical sites, hiking the Railway Trail, or playing golf. Bermuda has some of the best golf courses anywhere, and green fees drop in the off-season while the weather stays perfectly playable.
Locals are noticeably more relaxed during these months too. Summer tourism exhausts everyone who works in hospitality. Come in February, and you’ll find people have more time to chat, share recommendations, and make your visit feel personal. The rushed, busy atmosphere of peak season disappears.
The trade-offs exist, of course. Some beach bars and restaurants close for the season. Water sports operations have limited hours or shut down completely. If your whole vacation centers on jet skiing and parasailing, off-season won’t work for you. But if you want to experience Bermuda’s culture, history, and natural beauty at a fraction of the cost and with a fraction of the crowds, off-season is smart planning.
9. Overlooking Proper Beach Etiquette
Bermuda’s beaches are stunning, but they’re not free-for-all party zones. The island maintains high standards for beach behavior, and locals expect visitors to respect these standards. Breaking the unwritten (and sometimes written) rules marks you as an inconsiderate tourist.
First rule: take everything out that you bring in. Bermuda keeps its beaches immaculate, and littering is taken very seriously. That means every bottle, every wrapper, every cigarette butt. There aren’t trash cans everywhere like at U.S. beaches, so bring a bag for your garbage and carry it out. Finding a single plastic bottle left behind on a pristine pink sand beach feels like a personal offense to Bermudians.
Glass containers are banned on all public beaches. That bottle of wine you wanted to bring for sunset? Transfer it to a plastic bottle or flask before you get there. Rangers patrol beaches and will fine you for having glass. This rule exists because broken glass on sand creates dangerous situations that can persist for years.
Music requires headphones. That speaker you brought to blast your vacation playlist? Leave it in your room. Bermudians value peace and quiet at the beach. They come to hear the waves, not your music collection. You’ll notice locals reading books, chatting quietly, or just soaking in the natural sounds. Follow their lead.
Photography gets tricky around people. Don’t take photos of strangers or their children without asking first. This goes double on beaches where people are in swimsuits. It’s creepy everywhere, but Bermuda’s small community makes it feel even more invasive. Stick to landscape shots or photos of your own group.
Finally, respect any roped-off areas or signs about wildlife. Some beaches have turtle nesting areas during certain months. Stay out of marked zones. The island takes conservation seriously, and disturbing protected areas can result in hefty fines.
10. Booking Without Researching Your Hotel’s Location
Bermuda is small, but where you stay matters enormously. The island stretches about 21 miles long and only a mile wide at most points. This skinny shape means some hotels are far from everything else you want to do.
Southampton area hotels sit at the western end, near gorgeous beaches like Horseshoe Bay, but far from Hamilton’s restaurants and shops. It’s a 45-minute bus ride or $40 taxi to get there. St. George, at the opposite end, offers incredible history but limited nightlife and dining options. You’ll spend time and money traveling back and forth if you book based solely on price or a pretty pool photo.
Hamilton and Paget parishes put you in the middle, close to the capital city Hamilton. You get easy access to restaurants, shopping, and the ferry terminal. Beaches require a short bus or scooter ride, but you’re centrally located for everything else. This works great if you want a balance of beach time and exploring.
Consider what kind of vacation you want. Beach lovers should book in Southampton or Warwick, where the pink sand beaches are steps away. City explorers do better in Hamilton. History buffs might love St. George despite its distance from other attractions. Don’t just pick the cheapest hotel or the one with the best reviews. Look at a map and think about how you’ll spend your days.
Check whether your hotel includes beach access and amenities. Some resorts have private beaches with chairs, umbrellas, and food service included. Others are city hotels where you’ll need to take a bus or taxi to reach any beach. That difference changes your daily costs and schedule significantly. A $200 resort room with beach access and free beach equipment might actually cost less overall than a $150 hotel room plus $30 daily for beach chair rentals and $20 in bus fare.
Wrapping Up
Bermuda rewards travelers who do their homework. Skip these ten common mistakes, and you’ll spend less money, avoid frustration, and actually enjoy this incredible island instead of fighting against it.
Pack smart, respect the local culture, and plan for the real costs. That’s the difference between a vacation you’ll talk about for years and one you wish you could forget. Bermuda is out there waiting for you, pink sand and all. Make it count.
