Crime
Bermuda has a relatively low crime rate and most visits are trouble free. There was a time when crime was almost nonexistent in Bermuda but this is no longer the case. Violent crime does exist but mostly involves disputes between gangs of local youths.
Petty thefts do occur, mostly unattended baggage, items from rental bikes and thefts from hotel rooms. All of these can be prevented providing sensible precautions are taken i.e. don’t leave things lying around and put your valuables in the hotel safe.
The most likely crime which visitors are likely to experience is the theft of their rental bikes. These are mostly taken by local youths for joyrides. However, nearly all bike rental companies provide locks as part of the rental agreement and proper use of these reduces the chance of theft to almost nil.
Government travel advice can be obtained from:
- US Department of State
- UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office
- Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade
Ocean Dangers
Rip Currents
Rip currents can be potential killers. Knowing how to respond if caught in one can mean the difference between life and death.
They form when incoming water builds up on the shore and tries to return to deeper water. Typically, strong wind and waves push water over a sandbar where excess water collects. This water then tries to return seaward, ripping an opening in the sand bar through which the rip current flows. A swimmer caught in the rip current can be swept out to sea. Unlike undertows, they do not pull a swimmer underwater.
The most common mistake a person caught in a rip current makes is to try and swim directly towards the shore. However, this is difficult for even the most competent of swimmers. The correct thing to do is go with the current until it dissipates, or swim parallel to the shore until free of the rip current (they are usually relatively narrow). When free of the current swim diagonally back towards the shore.
Portuguese Man-of-War
The Portuguese man-of-war is a jellyfish-like marine creature occasionally found in Bermuda. Its body consists of a gas-filled, balloon-like translucent blue float. Below the float are clusters of polyps from which hang tentacles that can reach about 150 feet in length. The sting from these tentacles is about 75% the toxicity of cobra venom. The Portuguese man-of-war is usually most prevalent in Bermuda’s waters in spring and early summer, especially after storms when they can also be seen blown onto the beach.
Few Portuguese man-of-war stings cause death, unless the recipient is extremely sensitive to venom. For the average sting treatment should be as follows:
- Remove any visible tentacles with a gloved hand or stick
- Rinse the sting with salt or fresh water
- Apply ice to control the pain
If itching persists apply 1% hydrocortisone ointment 4 times a day, and 1-2 25 mg diphenhydramine tablets every 6 hours. Previously thought to be effective, recent studies have shown that application of alcohol, papain or urine can actually cause more harm than good.
For more serious reactions, such as chest pains and breathing difficulty, medical attention should be sought immediately.
Sharks
Most people don’t know it, but sharks are extremely common in Bermuda’s waters. The good news is that sharks on the whole, and especially the ones found around Bermuda, are extremely harmless creatures which rarely come close to the shore. More often than not, sharks will try and avoid direct contact with humans.
The most abundant types found around Bermuda are the Galapagos and dusky sharks, both noted for being particularly passive. The last reported shark attack in Bermuda was a minor incident over 30 years ago.
I’m not to concerned with the sharks. If someone came into my house and started aggravating me I would bite too.
Sharks are dangerous and dogs can be too. You should be cautious in the ocean just as you would be cautious at a dog park. Don’t be stupid but don’t peg them as killing machines.
I grew up in Bermuda (now live in London) and noticed a huge difference when I moved there a second time after being in Europe for 5 years. The Bermuda that I knew and loved had changed dramatically – rise in crime, bad atmosphere and tension. My family always reminisced on how friendly the island was but sadly this was not the case when we moved back and we cut our second time there short, preferring to move back to the UK. It’s a shame that experience tainted my fondness of my childhood home for a long time and I yet to return. When I think of Bermuda now, I remember it’s natural beauty and to this day maintain it is one of the most beautiful islands with some of the most stunning in the world. Such a shame it’s becoming like the Caribbean (it’s own worst enemy back in my time there). Sharks were never a problem when I used to swim in Bermuda’s waters, it’s the Portuguese man of war, moray eels and barracudas you gotta watch out for.
I have lived in Bermuda. My fiance is Bermudian. We are planning to move back shortly. Bermuda has changed, of course. The violence is worse, but that is expected with the bad economy and lack of punishments that are issued. However, it is not any worse than any other country. Perhaps its small size makes it seem worse. Like with any other country, as a tourist you must be wise to your surroundings. You are never truly safe wherever you go in the world, but that should not take away from your eperiences. I always say to act like you live there. Walk like you know where you are going, and act like you know what you are talking about and doing. Avoid the fanny packs, they scream tourist! Sure there are some areas to stay away from, but i’ve been to those areas, alone (I am a small female) and have never had any issues. The majority of Bermudians are the nicest of people you will ever meet. They are willing to help out strangers who are lost. Of course you will come across those who aren’t but, again, that is all over the world!
As for the sharks, puh-lease. Haven’t seen one yet. The waters are safe, with the exception of those lovely man of wars, but everyone knows when they are around (as most times the beaches are littered with them) and to stay out of the water at those times. I’ve never had any problems or encountered any issues swimming in Bermuda at all different times of the year. Although I don’t suggest winter months, as it gets pretty cold!
(@Tiffany, sharks are not dangerous. They are animals reacting on instinct. They do not know you are human. To them you are food. Unlike us, they don’t discriminate! Having said that, how many sharks kill or harm humans around the globe annually compared to how many we kill? Perhaps a few hundred (if that) compared to the millions we slaughter? Stating they are dangerous without any facts, only adds to fear and the death of innocent creatures. Most sharks stay away from humans. Believe me, you have swam with many more sharks than you know if you have swam in any ocean, when you consider the amount of species there actually are.)
Bermuda is a wonderful place to go for a nice relaxing vacation. It is pricey, but the charm of the island and her people will make up for that! I cannot wait to call it my home again!
We’ve had no problems and been there 3 times. There are a few locals that are younger youth that may be gang affiliated but never had any problems. We stayed at a manor in Paget that was haunted. Doors opening, windows opening up and shutting and lights turning off and on. It was scary at first then become kind of laugh. Our host kind of shuggred when we asked about the property and was told that many families have lived in the same area since the 1700′s. Thanks Celia for a great time
I was in Bermuda and enjoyed scuba diving. In fact, my girlfriend and I found some interesting coins and small bottles of morphine in one shipwreck. The moray eels were a bit bitey but other than that we had a nice time.
My mother was born in Bermuda. I have been twice. Lots of relatives there so stayed with those when I visited in 77 and 79 and 88. A beautiful paradise has unfortunately been spoilt by a small minority who don’t appreciate that it is one of the best places in the world. I don’t qualify to live there but I have my memories with me to last a lifetime. The true islanders are so warm and friendly.
Bermuda is awesome!! I have gone twice and am due to go back this April. I am so excited. The hotel we stay at have very, very friendly staff who are always there to help. Bermudians, in general, are very kind and helpful. My family and I did not go out after dark except around our resort.
I lived in Bermuda for 15 years before retiring and moving away in 2008. If I could afford it (Bermuda is a very expensive place to live), I would move back in a heartbeat. I have never met more welcoming, friendly people anywhere in my long life of travelling and living abroad. If you have a friendly manner and a ready smile, you’ve got it made in Bermuda. Two weeks after I arrived there, a neighbour organized a "Welcome to Bermuda" dinner introducing me to all of her friends, including a few eligible bachelors, providing the most sublime food, copious amounts of excellent wines, and lively, informative conversation. Thereafter, I was invited every weekend by someone from that group to go out to dine, attend cultural events, attend a house part or just hang out. Waiting on the corner for the lights to change, strangers would strike up conversations, as would seat-mates on the buses, restaurant servers, sales clerks, etc. If they saw me again, they greeted me as a tried and true friend would…often with a warm embrace and always with genuine enquiries as to my well-being. My life has been unfathomably enriched simply by my having lived in Bermuda and having embraced their gracious manner of dealing with strangers. As for sharks…saw a few but they weren’t interested in me at all.
Bermuda is paradise. It is a shame that some of the younger generation have no moral compass, and are disrupting our society. But for the most part, Bermudians are friendly and generous caring people.
I visited Bermuda in 2008 and I was robbed while driving my moped. I was not to far from the Dockyard. My daughter was on the back of my moped. Along came another moped, with two young men on it. They pulled up beside us, punched my daughter, kicked my moped over (I was probably going about 40 mph), grabbed our belongings off the basket and kept going. This all happened so quickly, in seconds We were headed toward a large boulder. I really thought in those few quick seconds, that we were going to die. I am not a strong woman. It was the grace of God that gave me the strength to straighten the bike out and stop it. Other people stopped to help us. A cab driver was more than helpful!! With his help, one of the robbers was caught!!! It would have been one thing to grab our stuff and flee but to endanger our lives infuriates me!!! I spent the next day at the police station all day. Another wasted day!! Police told me that this happens more than people think in Bermuda and that moped rentals don’t warn their customers about the crimes. A lot of young Bermudians (and older too) have better, faster mopeds than the ones that are rented out. Great escape for a Bermudian robber. On the third day, my ship departed. So, I still didn’t get to see much of Bermuda. My brand new camera with my cruise pictures and Bermuda were in the bag. Also some new clothes & bathing suites and sandals that we had bought for the trip. All in all, it probably totaled around $300. Luckily, my wallet was in my shorts pocket. I am cruising back again to Bermuda in a few weeks. Hopefully, I will have a better time and better luck!! Other than those two bad people I encountered there, Bermudians are wonderful bunch. However, I will never rent a moped again. If you rent one, heed my advice!!! Don’t put your valuables in the basket or anywhere where robbers can snatch them easily. Also, don’t look like a tourist. Good luck!
Just got back from Bermuda this morning on the MS Veendam. We were docked for a full 3 days, and have made this same trip about 5 times in the past several years. Although I’m sure it is fun (and dangerous since they drive on the left) to rent a moped/scooter to get around, please know that if you are planning your first trip to Bermuda it is totally unnecessary!. Their bus system is very well managed. All buses (that I’ve been on) were modern, air-conditioned vehicles. The narrow roads and hairpin turns make for a fun ride for just a few dollars. Skip the scooters (and the taxis) and take the bus to the beautiful beaches!
You were doing FORTY mph on a moped with a passenger? Bermuda’s maximum speed limit is 21 (TWENTY-ONE) mph. Were you speeding at such an excessive rate to get away from the assault and theft? I do not follow.
I recently received some overbooking vouchers from AirTran and took my wife to Bermuda, for she had never been before. My wife’s family is from Jamaica, so she always assumes that no other island is as good as Jamaica. She always finds a flaw. Well, when we walked to the beach a Warwick Long Bay and we popped out of the shrubbery to the sand. She looked and turned to me, and said, "I’ve never seen any island this beautiful in my life". After we toured around the smaller local beaches and the Dockyard on our scooter and engaged some of the local residents, she said again, "yes, it is better". She was literally blown away by the friendliness and the care. We got just a little lost on the scooter and cab driver immediately stopped when he saw us looking at the map and asked what helped we needed. Again, she smiled, "it is better". So Bermuda thank you for letting her know, what I already knew (last time there 10 years ago), that yes, "Bermuda is the best".
I like you Mel am appalled by the comment about the Rebecca MIddleton case. Yes she was murdered here in Bermuda but as Mel has said she was NOT murdered by Bermudians. And i do hope this does not make me sound cold in any way because the way she was killed was brutal and heinous, but…all 17 year old girls should know better than to get on a auxiliary cycle, in a foreign place with two strangers. I’m a Bermudian and I wouldn’t even do that here or anywhere. But with the original point…crime is EVERYWHERE. A Bermudian can go to Canada and be murdered. SO please do not use that case against us as a people, a country, as a whole. That had nothing to do with Bermuda apart from the location. We are very friendly and welcome. And her parents should be ashamed of themselves for holding this island responsible for what foreigners did to their daughter. I am deeply sorry for their lose but to hold us accountable is wrong.
I lived in Bermuda from 2008 to 2010 and used to swim most mornings in the ocean with a group called the Bermuda Open Water Swimmers (BOWS). We swam at 6.30 am each morning in places like Harrington Sound, Shelley Bay and Gibbetts beach on north shore, sometimes starting when it was still dark. Never once did I or any other swimmer encounter a shark. We sometimes saw the odd harmless spotted eagle ray. I found Bermudians friendly and helpful. However the island is getting pricey.
Bermuda is a paradise island. Go to The Bahamas and it is crime ridden. Puerto Rico has 606 murders as of 07/2011 and there is trash (garbage) all over. Shame on the people of The Bahamas and Puerto Rico. Your personal country pride should include taking care of your natural resources and not trashing your own place. Viva Bermuda, an enchanting place for sure.
Sharks: I’ve scuba dived for the last 15 years and encountered many 100′s of sharks in that time. Only once have I witnessed aggression towards humans, when three Bull sharks circled a diver and then attacked and bit him on the arm. This occurred at a depth of 30 metres, in the Solomon Islands in a place where locals told us there would be sharks. We evacuated back-to-back to the surface and the sharks disappeared.
I have always been extremely cautious of sharks, especially in my first few years of diving. I have learned though, completely against my instinctual judgement, that if left alone sharks will generally ignore you. I have also learned to pay heed to local advice. If locals say there are sharks there, then there will be. If they say there aren’t any, then you just won’t see them.
Paradise lost. The few hotels that remain in business are overpriced, with high government taxes added to your bill. Crime is sky-rocketing and no-one is doing anything to stop it. Bermuda has one of the highest murder rates in the world. When I was there last year for Memorial Day weekend there were three separate shootings in the capital of Hamilton, which is tiny. Sharks are the least of Bermuda’s problems.
I am an American and have been to Bermuda twice. I Love it there. My father is a Bermudian and has taught me about the island. During my visits, I have spent a lot of time in the waters off Bermuda and have never encountered a shark. I did notice a difference in the people during my last visit. I encountered men begging for money on the street in Hamilton. That was sad to see. I would love to live and work there, but the laws in Bermuda won’t allow for that. It’s still a beautiful island.
I live in Bermuda and know the violence is a lot worse now, but you will never in a blue moon hear about people getting bitten by a shark.
I’ve been visiting Bermuda once or twice a year since the late 80′s. Has it changed? Yes – so have I. I’ve never met friendlier people anywhere. Get on the bus! Say Hello to someone. You’ll feel like family in no time.
I’m born and raised in Bermuda and it’s extremely safe. Yes there are sharks but
sharks are everywhere and Bermudian people are super friendly.
I am a Bermudian and frankly I am appalled at the comment on the Rebecca murder case. This type of act is a daily occurrence in the U.S. and in Canada and if you were up on your news you would realize that the perpetrator was from Jamaica NOT Bermuda. Does crime exist? Duh! Where does it not? Do Bermudians for the most part take pride in their country and the tourists who visit our island? Just ask one.
I, like every other Bermudian on here have never even seen a shark that was intimidating. Just think before you act in the water.
I remember when 17 year old Canadian tourist Rebecca Middleton was brutally murdered there by locals and how the police there botched the case against the murderers. The murderers are walking free there so I would not be concerned about the sharks. Crime happens everywhere, but at least in America these guys would probably be facing life in jail or execution.
Since gang violence has been on the rise, it has ruined a family of someone dear to me. I’m appalled gang violence in Bermuda has increased. These people in gangs must have a conscience to realise who ever they kill or attack it is completely wrong and there is always a time to change or turn back before it’s too late. Gang violence in Bermuda does not need to occur, no excuse, however these gangs feel the need that they are invincible or the exception to Bermuda’s laws. They are wrong! I am possibly the ten thousandth Bermudian to say this. However this outrage to violence and shooting must come to an end in order for current issues in Bermuda to get better.
My family went on Princess Cruises this July and August and the first stop from NYC was Bermuda. We were impressed with the beauty of the island and the friendly people, especially our native tour guide who drove the Pink Elephant bus. The road was winding and narrow from Hamilton to St.Georges. The pink sand was awe inspiring. Wouldn’t mind going back for an extended vacation.
On 8/17/10 my daughter was on her moped coming from Hamilton to St. George’s around 12 noon. A young man with his shirt around his head and face, jumped off a hill in front of her and lunged at her. Thankfully, she has been riding a moped for years and did not panic and rode off. The police followed her back to the site and he young man was gone. This could have been a potential violent act.
I lived in Bermuda for over 15 years and that was back in the 90′s and early 2000. The crime on the island was fairly non-existent. It was mostly small crimes. Tourist feel safe on the island. From what I hear it there have been numerous gang-violence crimes in certain shady areas on the island.
Bermudians are warm, friendly and a large percentage of the population is college educated from the US and Canada.
Numerous places were extremely safe. i.e beaches, downtown and nightlife. The beaches are clean, sand (pink) and water crystal clear. The downtown area is pedestrian friendly with pricey shopping. Most of the nightlife is in the downtown and ends at 3 am. The age for drinking is 18 years old.
Tourists ride the bus, cab-it or rent mopeds as a means of transportation. The speed limit is very slow (I believe 25mph) NO CAR RENTALS AVAILABLE ON THE ISLAND!
All in all it is a great getaway from the US and warm beautiful weather and people. In addition, I hear cruises from the East coast US are an ideal way to travel to Bermuda.
I’ve just returned from Bermuda and I have to say it was the best holiday I’ve been on so far. It’s a really beautiful place, the weather was great, the people were friendly and really helpful and I’m dying to go back. The beaches were amazing and I didn’t want to leave the water. We never encountered any trouble, far from it – we were even invited out for drinks with a few of the locals. The Aquarium and Zoo are a must see, along with the Crystal Caves. We were given good advice before we arrived – make use of the weekly bus passes as they are really good value for money and extremely useful.
Tiger sharks (man eaters) have been caught off the waters of Spanish Point. I know, I grew up there. Back when they had whaling in Bermuda they would drag the whale carcasses into the Great Sound and slaughter them on small islands in the Harbour. The blood would attract man eating sharks. So shark attacks are not completely unheard of in Bermuda.
My visit to Bermuda has concluded. I was impressed with the Botanical Gardens and the South Shore Park on South Road. I was naive to think you can walk half hour distances in the rural areas, because there are often no sidewalks on the quite busy country roads. The buses ended up being the no-brainer solution, as they were very tourist friendly, they came every 15 minutes, and it was $20 for a two-day ticket, unlimited usage. I thought St. George was overrated. Saw two Man-of-Wars washed up on Elbow Beach, filled with their nice, blue toxin. Water was freezing. I saw a hamburger for $15 and a small sherbet float for $8. The nature-oriented areas were great, though.
We have been holidaying in Bermuda for many years. Things have changed a bit over the years but it is still the favourite vacation spot for our family. The people of Bermuda are wonderful and welcoming. The Island is Beautiful and the water is even more beautiful. If you ever wanted to swim in a fish tank that is what it feels like. The water is clear and the fish are absolutely breath taking.
We have always felt safe and relaxed. All you have to do is go one time and you will be hooked!
‘Back of Town’ is the area north of Hamilton centre. If you walked from King’s Wharf to St George you wouldn’t pass through Hamilton at all (see the maps section). It’s a long walk and would take you a full day at least.
Where exactly is this "Back of Town" that is to be avoided at the times specified? In Hamilton? What other areas would you say are even a little sketchy? Could I walk from King’s Wharf on the west side all the way to St. Georges on the east during the day without going through such areas? Thanks in advance.
Tiffany watch a movie called "Sharkwater" and you will realize your comments are just obscene.
I am a Bermudian and I can assure you that swimming in Bermuda’s water is very very safe. There’s no need to worry about sharks. The only thing I would caution against is rip tides and even that is nothing to worry about if you don’t go out to far into the water. As far as the gang activity is concerned, if you come from America and are going to Bermuda for vacation the gangs here are nothing in comparison and being in Bermuda is much much safer. Rest assured, enjoy your trip and relax. We are friendly people and you will be welcomed. Also in regards to theft, keep your belongings with you of course, but don’t wait around expecting to be mugged or something. It isn’t a rampant problem on the island. I hope this helped.
I grew up in Bermuda and now live in the Carolinas. I must say that gang violence has risen in the past few years but is mainly gang v gang, which is fine by me. Let the scum shoot each other off. About the sharks, I was on or in the water maybe 200 days a year; sailing, swimming, diving and yes spear fishing. I have never come across a shark over 2.5′. That doesn’t mean that they don’t exist bigger in Bermuda, but they are really not a threat and are way out at the edge of the reefs. I have gone spear fishing in the reefs day after day, shooting fish with blood in the water and NEVER has anything been by to investigate. I also know of many people who are in their 50s that have been spear fishing on the reefs their whole lives and nothing has been spotted. I have gone spear fishing in far worse places to get bit; Tampa FLA, Cape Hattaras, Miami. These places are a risky for accidental attack. Trust me, Bermuda is the safest tropical destination on earth to go swimming in.
I now live in the UK and grew up in Bermuda. I have been back twice in the last 12 years and have found it very different. It is a lot rougher and people seem to forget why people come there. Paradise and nice people, but the paradise is going and the people ain’t that friendly any more. Everyone needs to remember what is special about Bermuda that is no where else in the world – Bermudians.
I’ve been here my entire life and never seen a shark or been stung by a man-o-war. Stay out of the back of town and don’t go swimming at night.
You can’t live your life in fear so just play it safe by not swimming in deep waters at night. Don’t not swim for fear of sharks yet don’t just exclude them as a possible threat. Find a happy middle.
No one would suggest that petting a shark as one would pet a dog is a good idea but your chances of being bitten by the dog would be far greater than those of being bitten by the shark if you did.
During my 42 years in Bermuda I have swum at midnight, windsurfed in the sound and swum to and among the reefs. I have never even seen a shark of an even remotely threatening size let alone been bitten by one.
Sharks stay among and beyond the reefs as that is where the food is. They live to feed and we are not good eating.
No visitor has ever been bitten by a shark as far as I know but a feral chicken got one a couple of years ago. I therefore suggest heading for the water if you see any chickens as they don’t swim.
I live in Bermuda and I used to live in the UK and believe me, I’ve never felt safer in my life. There are sharks here, but they never come to the beaches like in other countries. They live in the harbour between Hamilton and Somerset. That’s a really deep stretch of water that I would advise you not to swim in. As for the man of wars, they’re really quite noticeable, so don’t worry about them. So I’m saying don’t be afraid to go in the water just cos this website is telling you about sharks! It’s absolutely fine. Just don’t be silly about rip tides. Gang members here aren’t violent generally and there have been no incidents so far. They tend to be around Back of Town so just avoid that area at night if you want to play it safe. Bermuda is now one of the safest places on earth.
Tiffany, I am with you. Am not going in the Water in Bermuda . . .
Most sharks are harmless. There have been 4 unprovoked shark attacks in Bermuda in the last 18 years. No fatalities. Tiger sharks do show up there from time to time.
People become ignorant because the believe sharks are harmless. I am not suggesting we go on a shark hunting spree in order to make people more safe in the ocean, but what I am suggesting is that we lead people away from the misconception that sharks are harmless in order ensure the safety of both humans and sharks.
Tiffany and Bateman: You are both right. Sharks a far from harmless, but they are not interested in attacking humans. However, the misconception that sharks won’t attack you makes people do stupid things, like wade in shallow waters after dark, when sharks are feeding on the fish that have moved closer to shore for the night, or surfing in shark-active waters, which can cause sharks to mistake the surfer for a seal.
So yes, they are dangerous, yes, you need to be careful when dealing with them, but no, they aren’t out to get you, and no, they aren’t going to attack unless you aggravate them or do something stupid.
Very rarely do shark attacks occur where the victim was playing safe.
Tiffany, it is in fact your ignorance of the issues surrounding sharks that has made them one of the most endangered creatures on our planet.
I’m not suggesting you should ever approach a shark in the wild, but you are statistically more likely to die from a coconut hitting your head than from a shark attack.
Sharks are not harmless, and it’s that exact thought that makes people ignorant to the real danger of these wild creatures.