History and Culture

By straddling the old and new worlds, Bermuda island often finds itself a player in history's crucial moments. The island's history of slavery and bondage ended by 1834, but today you can catch a glimpse of that legacy by taking a self-guided tour along our African Diaspora Heritage Trail. Visit the slave graveyard at St. Peter's Their Majesties Chapel, the oldest Anglican church in the New World, and watch the story of the labourers who helped build the most important British naval base in the Atlantic unfold before you. There are tours that will take you from one end of the island to the other, and will bring its important role in Black history to life. 

Bermuda’s interesting history is accompanied by their rich culture: shipwrecks, African drum beats, and of course those famous shorts! The island’s culture is a vibrant fusion of

Snorkelling & Diving

The island is surrounded by a fantastic coral reef that harbors colorful fish, and has ensnared scores of shipwrecks, making for memorable diving and snorkeling at spots like Elbow Beach in Paget Parish. The crystal-clear waters of Southampton Parish provide perfect conditions for kayaking and yachting.

As Britain's oldest colony, the British influence continues to dominate the local government, educational and legal institutions, but is mostly evident in everyday life. You may spot one of the local judges walking through Hamilton in a powdered wig, or overhear a passionate conversation about a local cricket match. African influences, while subtler, can be found in the local dancing and music, especially reggae, calypso and the rhythm of the Gombeys—their magnificent dancing and drumming troupes that often take to the streets. Bermuda is of course the origin of the name of the infamous Bermuda shorts. They were originally borrowed in the early 20th century from the British military's uniform for hot climates. Although often colourful (pink is a favourite), do not mistake their shorts as informal. In fact they take them so seriously that they passed a law that no shorts should be shorter than six inches above the knee.

Cuisine

The local cuisine is a reflection of they island’s blended heritage and coastal access to premier local seafood such as wahoo and the ubiquitous rockfish. Their traditional dishes include Codfish and Potatoes (served either the English way with hard a boiled egg, egg sauce and olive oil or Portuguese influenced with a tomato-onion sauce), Hoppin' John (peas and rice), Pawpaw Casserole and, of course, Bermuda Fish Chowder.  Bermuda is also famous for two signature drinks: the Dark ‘n Stormy® (featuring local Gosling’s Black Seal Rum mixed with Ginger Beer) and the Bermuda Rum Swizzle.

ONLY 650 miles from the USA!