Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
THE best OUTDOOR PURSUITS
W Diving: If you're happiest under the sea, Bermuda has what you're looking for. That
includes the wrecks of countless ships, underwater caves, rich reefs, and, during
most of the year, warm, gin-clear waters. All around the island you'll find a kalei-
doscope of coral and marine life that's the most varied in this part of the world.
Many scuba experts consider Bermuda one of the safest and best places to learn
the sport. Seasoned divers will not be disappointed, either—Bermuda has terrific
diving areas for experts. Depths begin at 7.5m (25 ft.) or less, but can exceed 24m
(79 ft.). Some wrecks are in about 9m (30 ft.) of water, which puts them within
the range of snorkelers. See “The Best Dive Sites,” below, and “Scuba Diving,” in
chapter 6.
W Golf: Known for its outstanding courses, Bermuda attracts the world's leading golf-
ers. Over the years, such luminaries as President Eisenhower, President Truman,
and the Duke of Windsor have hit the island's links. Rolling, hummocky fairways
characterize the courses. Many avid golfers come to Bermuda to “collect courses.”
See “The Best Golf Courses,” below, for our top picks, and “Where to Play World-
Class Golf,” in chapter 6.
W Boating & Sailing: Yachters around the world agree: Bermuda is one of the world's
top boating destinations. Many people forget that Bermuda isn't one island, but an
archipelago, with all kinds of nooks and crannies waiting to be discovered. With
the fresh wind of the Atlantic blowing in your hair, you can embark on your own
voyage of discovery, exploring Great Sound and its islets, including Long Island and
Hawkins Island. Tiny, secluded beaches beckon you to put down anchor and relax
awhile. If you're a novice, try Mangrove Bay; it's protected and safer than some of
the more turbulent seas. See “More Fun in the Water,” in chapter 6.
W Biking: You can't rent a car on Bermuda, so you might as well hit the road on two
wheels. Most of the island isn't great cycling terrain; the roads are narrow and the
traffic is heavy. So we suggest that you head for the Railway Trail, the island's
premier bike path. The paved trail, which follows the former route of Bermuda's
railway line, runs almost the entire length of the island. See “Other Outdoor Pur-
suits,” in chapter 6.
W Horseback Riding: Steering a horse through the dune grass and oleander, espe-
cially at South Shore Park, is an experience you won't want to miss. Because this
sport is restricted to supervised trails on Bermuda, it can be all the more memo-
rable—you'll have the gorgeous seascapes all to yourself. Horseback-riding centers
guide you on trails through the best of the countryside and to beautiful hidden
spots along the north coast. See “Other Outdoor Pursuits,” in chapter 6.
THE best DIVE SITES
The following are some of the most exciting shipwreck and coral-reef dives. See
“Scuba Diving,” in chapter 6, for information about dive outfitters and for more about
the sites described below.
W The Constellation: This 60m (197-ft.), four-masted schooner, which wrecked en
route to Venezuela with a cargo of glassware, drugs, and whiskey in 1943, lies in
9m (30 ft.) of water off the northwest side of the island, about 13km (8 miles)
northwest of the Royal Naval Dockyard. The true story of this ship inspired Peter
Benchley to write The Deep.
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