Bermuda: Island Queen of the Atlantic

This island paradise, in the Gulf Stream, is the northern most coral reef in the Atlantic Ocean with a nautical history spanning more than 500 years. Many a ship was blown off course only to become tangled on the treacherous sand bars and reefs that comprise this string of islets called Bermuda. This British colony was, in fact, first inhabited when a hurricane blew colonists bound for Jamestown off course in 1609. It was one of the earliest self-governing colonies under the British flag and remains part of the British Commonwealth with a very conservative British lifestyle, and a population of more than 65,000 people.

Bermuda is located 650 miles off the North Carolina coast, two hours or less by air from the East Coast. There are a few cruise lines that sail there weekly, from various eastern U.S. ports, during the spring, summer and fall. Cruises are five to seven days in length and ships remain docked in Bermuda for two to four days providing time to adequately discover what these islands have to offer (Bermuda is a string of islands linked by bridges and causeways).

The pink sand beaches are world famous and unlike any you have ever seen. Another outstanding Bermuda feature is their many cottage colonies and small, intimate hotels. It is in these that you will still find the gracious British hospitality and, of course, tea served every afternoon. Oddly, here there are no cars to rent; rather transportation is by very good public bus service, taxi or motor scooter rental. There are no superhighways or long distances to travel.

“It has been called the shipwreck capital of the Atlantic,” thus a diver’s dream. These are islands ringed by 350 to 400 sunken ships, dating from the 15th to 20th centuries.

Many wrecks are as shallow as 20 to 80 feet. Besides the ships, dive and snorkel enthusiasts can count on pristine visibility for viewing underwater caves, tunnels, canyons, spiral formations and 10,000 species of colorful indigenous marine life. Water temperatures range from 80 degrees in summer to 65 in the winter. All this makes Bermuda an ideal place for all kinds of water sports, including fishing.

What else can I experience in Bermuda? There are many challenging and scenic golf courses, gardens and nature preserves to attract birders, a network of trails extending the length of the islands for cycling and walking, a dolphin encounter, Crystal and Fantasy Caves, horseback riding (including beach rides), an aquarium, natural history museum, zoo, and Ocean Discovery Center, to name just a few activities. The adventurous tourist and beachcombing visitor will be content with this tropically beautiful, clean, and friendly environment.

Bermuda has long been a haven for honeymoon couples, as well as families and mature adults. It seems to have a unique charm, and atmosphere of serenity, while providing an array of interesting active alternatives for visitors. May through mid October is the peak tourist season and prices are somewhat higher than at other times. I have found the islands quite pleasant, and water still warm in November. Maybe you would like to personally discover Bermuda this year?

Melanie Chambers, CTC, is a travel consultant for Battlefield Travel in downtown Culpeper. She can be reached at 825-1393 or .