Though technically it sits north of the Caribbean Sea, Bermuda is a place to enjoy many of the things that make the Caribbean a fantastic vacation destination: sailing, scuba diving, and more.




SPORTING CHANCES

Any knowledgeable golfer will tell you that Bermuda is one of the best island destinations for the sport. In fact, with eight championship golf courses spread across its small square mileage, it’s nearly impossible to spend time here without seeing one of its pristine green lawns. Bermuda’s courses have lured golfers of all types from beginners to pros and celebrities including Presidents Eisenhower and Truman and, more recently, PGA pros like Tiger Woods. What makes golfing in Bermuda so attractive to the big names? First, it’s the sheer number of places to play, offering plenty of diversity from course to course. Secondly, the quality of the courses is top notch. At the Port Royal Course, for example, the 16th hole presents a challenge for all levels of players, because it’s located right on the ocean with a steep cliff at its back. And last, and perhaps most importantly, is the beauty of the courses themselves. Every respectable golf course in Bermuda has at least one or two holes with ocean views. One of the most photographed courses on the island—the Fairmont Southampton Golf Club—also boasts tropical flowers and rolling hills throughout its grounds. The Fairmont and Port Royal courses are both available to the casual visitor, while other courses—including Riddell’s Bay Golf and Country Club and Mid Ocean Club—require membership to their private clubs. But golfers staying at the Fairmont Southampton can get around those requirements. Thanks to an exclusive arrangement between the resort and Riddell’s, guests of the Fairmont can play at Riddell’s alongside certified members. The sea surrounding Bermuda’s shores is also a worthy playing field for travelers. This is one of the world’s top sailing destinations, with million-dollar yachts calling marinas like the elite Royal Bermuda Yacht Club in Hamilton their home. Though the island’s year-round temperate climate and strong breezes make sailing an ideal pursuit in any season, the sport peaks in the summer during the biannual Newport Bermuda Race. The next race will kick off June 18, 2010, sending hundreds of boats with sails hoisted speeding from Newport, Rhode Island, to the finish line at St. David’s Head.

CULTURE SEEKERS

There’s no lack of attractions for sightseers in Bermuda, particularly when it comes to historical sights. The capital city of Hamilton is home to plenty of 19th century constructions, including homes, churches, government buildings and monuments. At St. Theresa’s Catholic Cathedral, visitors can take a peek at a silver and gold chalice given to the church by Pope Paul VI in the 1960s. Just a few blocks away, the Bermuda Cathedral (also known as the Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity) showcases a number of brightly colored stained glass windows amid its neo-gothic architecture. Outside of Hamilton, one of the most historic places in Bermuda is the Royal Naval Dockyard. Dating back more than 200 years, the dockyard served as a British outpost during the War of 1812. Today, it’s been transformed into a shopping and dining area, with the historical buildings now housing boutiques and restaurants. Visitors here can also visit the Bermuda Maritime Museum and the former Commissioner’s House to get a better sense of the area’s history.

GO NATURAL

Bermuda’s most impressive natural environment isn’t actually on Bermuda at all—it’s beneath the water surrounding the island. Divers here have access to world-class dive sites including shipwrecks dating from the 1800s. At L’Herminie, a French ship which sunk in 1838, divers can see all manner of sea life including starfish, lobsters, shrimp, crabs and a colorful variety of tropical fish. More experienced divers can visit the Marie Celeste, a former Confederate paddle-wheel steamer with opportunities for cave and tunnel dives.