Sue

My husband and I are 50 and have never been to Bermuda. We are not golfers or tennis players. Like to hike and explore and to stay in nice places. Like to snorkel but we're thinking of going in March for 4 or 5 days - too cold? Will there be enough to keep us busy? Also we are pretty casual - will that be a problem in restaurants? Thanks for any help in this decision.

Penny

Sue you will love Bermuda. There is lots and lots of things to do. You can walk the old tribe roads and railroad trails. You can explore the paths along the beaches on South Road. You can wander the Botanical Gardens, and vist the Aquarium. I am not sure about the water temperature at that time of year.
You will be very busy. Yes Bermuda has a casual side, it is not the tie and jacket only of the past. You have many choices. It is a beautiful island and it is one of a kind!!You will have a great time!

Ray Snow

Hi Sue,

I certainly agree with everything that Penny had to say about Bermuda. It is a lovely place which I know you both will enjoy. And I predict that you will return there soon. Will it be too cold? Well, it never really gets cold there, but the wind in the first 3 months of the year can make you think it's cold. March is the most windy month of the year. You didn't say when in March you are going. It gets warmer and less windy as the month progresses. Daytime highs will average 65 to 70 degrees with lows in the lower 60s to upper 50s. Factor in the wind, and you probably will need to bring a jacket or warm sweater along. Ocean water temperatures will be around 68 to 70 degrees. I've seen people swim in the ocean during March, but I've never seen or heard of anyone snorkeling at that time of year. During March, I have seen local residents swimming at Shelly Bay and Tobacco Bay, two sheltered bays on the leeward side of the island where the water is a few degrees warmer and the wind is not as bad. Some of the big hotels also have nice heated indoor pools. The water is much warmer in the summer, and there is some good snorkeling off the leeward coast at a few places including Tobacco Bay. However, the best snorkeling is at offshore reefs accessible only by boat.

I may have an English name, but half of the blood in my veins is Scottish. So I love going to the Curling ceremony held January-March around midday on Mondays at Fort Hamilton above the capital city of Hamilton. Bagpipe & drum marching bands and highland dancers all in costume perform there for over an hour. The views from there and from Gibbs Hill Lighthouse in Southampton Parrish are truly spectacular. Another neat thing to do is to take the ferry from Hamilton across Great Sound to the the Royal Navy Dockyard at the West End. There is a wonderful museum and a shopping center there. There will be lots less tourists to get in your way this time of year. Yes, several places will be closed or operating on a reduced schedule, but there will still be more to see and do than you will be able to find time for. Also you will save lots of money because of much lower off season rates. I would also suggest that you call the Bermuda Dept. of Tourism at their toll free number 800-223-6106 and request a complimentary tourist kit which is loaded with maps and other helpful information about Bermuda. Many restaurants will seat you if you are dressed casually, but a few of the finer places will require a coat and tie for dinner. I'm sure you will have a terrific time there.

Regards,
Ray

Linda

Yes, it will definitely be too cold to snorkel. Bermuda is beautiful, with lots to do and see, but if you are expecting spending time at the beach and snorkeling, I wouldn't go any earlier than May. The restaurants and hotels are very expensive.

Debbie

Sue-You'll love Bermuda even if you're not tennis players or golfers. If you enjoy walking/hiking, my suggestion would be to include a vitit to Spittal Pond. In certain areas, the ocean views are spectacular-don't forget your cameras !! There aren't any rental cars (or fast food outlets for that matter) on the island, so you'll have to either cab, moped or bus it to get there. The bus system is great-although it takes a while to get where you're going and back, but what better way to safely and inexpensively see the local scenery. ENJOY !!

Parrot Mom

Please go to...www.keyguide.com/cgi-local/index.cgi --there isn't anything these people don't know about Bermuda...They are BOP's..Bermuda Obsessed People...