COMMUNICATIONS

CAROLINE BAY MARINA 🇧🇲 BERMUDA SPONSORS THE OCEAN POSSE

PIER 41 MARINA 🇧🇲 SPONSORS THE ATLANTIC POSSE

MARINAS IN BERMUDA

1. Royal Bermuda Yacht Club
   • Description: Established in 1844, this prestigious club offers excellent facilities, including a clubhouse, restaurant, and full-service marina. It’s located in Hamilton, the capital city, providing easy access to local amenities.
   • Coordinates: 32°17.06’N, 64°47.05’W
2. Dockyard Marina
   • Description: Situated at the historic Royal Naval Dockyard, this marina offers modern facilities amidst a cultural hub with museums, shops, and restaurants. It’s a popular spot for both locals and visitors.
   • Coordinates: 32°19.29’N, 64°50.23’W
3. St. George’s Dinghy & Sports Club
   • Description: Located in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of St. George’s, this club offers a more intimate setting with great access to the town’s historical sites and beautiful waters for sailing and fishing.
   • Coordinates: 32°22.83’N, 64°40.55’W
4. Riley’s Marina
   • Description: A smaller, family-owned marina in Hamilton Parish, offering a friendly atmosphere with essential services for cruisers and local boaters. It’s well-known for its personal touch and local knowledge.
   • Coordinates: 32°18.05’N, 64°43.10’W

MAIN LOCAL WEATHER WEBSITE BERMUDA

SEVERE WEATHER BERMUDA

BERMUDA PILOT CHARTS

Pilot Charts depict averages in prevailing winds and currents, air and sea temperatures, wave heights,  visibility, barometric pressure, and weather conditions at different times of the year. The information used to compile these averages was obtained from oceanographic and meteorologic observations over many decades during the late 18th and 19th centuries.The charts are intended to aid the navigator in selecting the fastest and safest routes with regards to the expected weather and ocean conditions. For an explanation of historic Colombian Climatology and how to read Wind-roses follow this link.

PORTS OF ENTRY

PORTS OF ENTRY BERMUDA

CHARTS

BERMUDA SAT CHARTS – FOR OCEAN POSSE PARTICIPANTS >>>

DOCUMENTS

Rules for Entry BERMUDA

A valid, machine-readable passport is the required document for entry into Bermuda. All travelers, within 48 hours of departure, must complete the Bermuda travel authorization process online. Follow these other standard guidelines for clearance:

Arriving by Private Yacht

• All private yachts entering Bermuda’s waters are required to obtain Immigration, Customs and Health Clearance from HM Customs.  The clearance facility is located at the eastern end of Ordnance Island.
• The Customs boarding officer, who normally carries out clearance for all three departments, brings all documents required for clearance on board. The officer will also collect a passenger tax of $35 USD from each person on board.
• Upon approach, visiting yachts must contact Bermuda Radio, which will guide you into St. George’s Harbour and direct you to Customs clearance berthing.
• Yachts arriving from overseas ports are usually cleared with a minimum of formality.
• To learn more about Bermuda Customs & Immigration visit Bermuda Airport’s website.

For more information please view the Guidance Document and visit Department of Marine and Port Services.

Extended Stays for Visiting Yachts & Their Crew

Effective June 1, 2011, visiting yachtsmen and their crew will be granted a maximum three-month stay on arrival in Bermuda. In keeping with best practice and standard immigration policy, visiting yachtsmen and their crew will be required to provide:

• Proof of citizenship
• Financial means to repatriate themselves by air (if required)
• Proof of health insurance
• A declaration not to seek or take up employment in Bermuda

The fee for this extended stay is set at a nominal $250 for each member of the crew and each passenger. Extensions for up to a further three months will also be permitted on application to the Department of Immigration. The fee is $100.

MONEY

The BMD is pegged to the U.S. dollar at a rate of 1:1, and American currency is often used interchangeably on the island. Bermuda is a British Overseas Territory, but it has its own parliament and currency. The Bermudian dollar replaced the Bermudian pound in 1970.

COST OF LIVING

In 2021, Bermuda was again the most expensive place in the world when it topped the world’s Cost of Living Index as measured by Numbeo.com, beating out all other countries by wide margins in cost of rent, cost of living, cost of groceries and even a restaurant price index.

• Family of four estimated monthly costs are $6,713.87 without rent.
• A single person estimated monthly costs are $1,842.17 without rent.

Bermuda –   SAR (SEARCH AND RESCUE) – CONTACTS

RCC Bermuda

Type: MRCC, Country:
SRR:
Tel: 1-441-297-1010
dutyofficer@marops.bm / operations@rccbermuda.bm

MUST SEE

1. Horseshoe Bay Beach

• Coordinates: 32°15.48’N, 64°48.73’W
• Description: Horseshoe Bay Beach is Bermuda’s most famous and photographed beach. Known for its stunning pink sand and clear turquoise waters, this crescent-shaped beach offers a picturesque setting for sunbathing, swimming, and snorkeling. The beach is well-equipped with amenities including a café, restrooms, and equipment rentals. The calm, shallow waters make it a family-friendly destination, while the nearby coves and rock formations provide more secluded spots for those seeking tranquility.

2. Royal Naval Dockyard

• Coordinates: 32°19.40’N, 64°50.57’W
• Description: The Royal Naval Dockyard, located on Ireland Island, is a historic site and cultural hub. Built in the early 19th century, it served as a strategic military base for the British Royal Navy. Today, the Dockyard is home to several attractions, including the National Museum of Bermuda, the Dockyard Glassworks, and the Bermuda Craft Market. Visitors can explore the impressive maritime history, enjoy shopping, dining, and partake in various activities such as dolphin encounters at Dolphin Quest.

3. St. George’s Town

• Coordinates: 32°22.84’N, 64°40.53’W
• Description: St. George’s Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the oldest continuously inhabited English town in the New World. Founded in 1612, it boasts well-preserved colonial architecture, narrow winding streets, and historical landmarks. Key sites include St. Peter’s Church, the oldest Anglican church outside the British Isles, and the Unfinished Church, a picturesque Gothic ruin. The town also features museums, art galleries, and charming shops, offering a rich cultural and historical experience.

4. Crystal Caves

• Coordinates: 32°19.39’N, 64°42.60’W
• Description: Discovered in 1907, the Crystal Caves are one of Bermuda’s most stunning natural attractions. The caves feature dramatic stalactites and stalagmites, as well as clear underground pools. Guided tours take visitors along illuminated pathways and floating bridges, offering a mesmerizing view of the crystal formations and the reflective waters below. The nearby Fantasy Caves offer an equally impressive subterranean adventure with intricate limestone formations.

5. Gibbs Hill Lighthouse

• Coordinates: 32°15.65’N, 64°47.90’W
• Description: Built in 1846, Gibbs Hill Lighthouse is one of the oldest cast-iron lighthouses in the world. Standing at 117 feet tall, it offers breathtaking panoramic views of Bermuda from its observation deck. Visitors can climb the 185 steps to the top for a sweeping vista of the island and the surrounding ocean. The lighthouse also features a gift shop and a restaurant in the former keeper’s cottage, providing a unique dining experience with stunning views.

6. Bermuda Aquarium, Museum, and Zoo (BAMZ)

• Coordinates: 32°19.78’N, 64°43.29’W
• Description: Located in Flatts Village, BAMZ is a popular family attraction that combines an aquarium, a natural history museum, and a zoo. The aquarium showcases the diverse marine life of Bermuda’s waters, including colorful fish, sea turtles, and sharks. The museum offers exhibits on the island’s geological history and natural environment. The zoo houses a variety of animals from around the world, including lemurs, flamingos, and reptiles, set in naturalistic habitats.

7. Elbow Beach

• Coordinates: 32°16.78’N, 64°46.50’W
• Description: Elbow Beach is a beautiful stretch of pink sand beach located on Bermuda’s South Shore. Known for its calm, clear waters, it’s a favorite spot for swimming, snorkeling, and paddleboarding. The beach is home to several resorts, offering amenities such as restaurants, bars, and water sports rentals. The reef-protected waters are teeming with marine life, making it an excellent location for snorkeling and exploring underwater coral gardens.

8. Spittal Pond Nature Reserve

• Coordinates: 32°18.83’N, 64°43.32’W
• Description: Spittal Pond Nature Reserve, the largest nature reserve in Bermuda, spans 64 acres and offers a rich biodiversity. The reserve features walking trails, birdwatching opportunities, and historical landmarks such as Portuguese Rock, inscribed by shipwrecked sailors in 1543. The varied habitats, including coastal areas, salt marshes, and freshwater ponds, support a wide range of flora and fauna. It’s an ideal spot for nature enthusiasts and hikers seeking tranquility and natural beauty.

9. Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute (BUEI)

• Coordinates: 32°17.61’N, 64°47.07’W
• Description: BUEI is an educational and interactive museum dedicated to the exploration and conservation of Bermuda’s marine environment. The institute features exhibits on shipwrecks, deep-sea exploration, and the island’s maritime history. Highlights include the Ocean Discovery Centre, showcasing artifacts from famous shipwrecks, and the Blue Echo, a submersible simulator offering an immersive experience of underwater exploration. BUEI also hosts lectures, films, and educational programs for all ages.

10. Warwick Long Bay

• Coordinates: 32°15.82’N, 64°48.60’W
• Description: Warwick Long Bay is one of Bermuda’s longest and most scenic beaches, stretching nearly half a mile along the South Shore. The beach features soft pink sand, dramatic limestone cliffs, and crystal-clear waters. It’s a popular spot for swimming, snorkeling, and picnicking, with shallow reefs just offshore teeming with marine life. The adjacent Warwick Playground and Nature Reserve offer walking trails and additional recreational opportunities.

11. Bermuda Botanical Gardens

• Coordinates: 32°17.35’N, 64°46.37’W
• Description: Spanning 36 acres in Paget Parish, the Bermuda Botanical Gardens showcase a diverse collection of plants and trees. The gardens feature themed sections, including a palm garden, a flowering shrub garden, and a sensory garden designed for the visually impaired. Visitors can also explore the Camden House, the official residence of Bermuda’s Premier, and the Masterworks Museum of Bermuda Art, which exhibits works inspired by the island’s natural beauty.

12. Fort St. Catherine

• Coordinates: 32°23.08’N, 64°40.51’W
• Description: Fort St. Catherine, located at the northern tip of St. George’s Island, is a historic fortification dating back to 1614. The fort has been extensively restored and now serves as a museum, showcasing Bermuda’s military history. Visitors can explore the fort’s ramparts, tunnels, and exhibits, including a collection of antique weaponry and artifacts. The site offers stunning views of the surrounding ocean and St. Catherine’s Beach, a pristine and secluded beach ideal for swimming and relaxation.

REPAIRS AND SERVICE PROVIDERS

1. Bermuda Yacht Services
   • Description: This full-service marina in St. George’s provides a range of services including customs clearance assistance, provisioning, and repair services. It’s a favorite stop for many yachts crossing the Atlantic.
   • Coordinates: 32°22.85’N, 64°40.52’W

EMERGENCIES AND SAR INFO