How Much Does A Trip to Bermuda Cost?
Less than two hours away from New York City (and many other cities on the East Coast), Bermuda is a convenient international beach getaway. Although it wasn’t previously on my travel wish list, I stumbled on an irresistible flight deal late last summer with Thrifty Traveler Premium. After visiting Bermuda, I quickly changed my tune about the island. Despite it being an expensive travel destination, Bermuda is one of my favorite islands in the world. So much so that I’ve made it my annual vacation spot.
For less than $220 USD round-trip, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to jet off to the Atlantic. This trip was my last chance to soak up some summer sun and I invited my mom to join the fun. Mom and I spent most of our time at the beach swimming in Bermuda’s warm turquoise waters and laying on Bermuda’s picturesque white sand beaches – talk about total island bliss. Now you must be wondering, how much did our Bermuda vacation cost?
How much does a trip to Bermuda cost?
Although I don’t think that Bermuda will ever be “cheap” by any means, it can certainly be less expensive than you might think. It is possible to vacation in Bermuda on a budget, but it won’t necessarily be easy. You’ll have to find creative ways to cut corners and stretch your Bermuda vacation budget.
Now depending on your needs and interests, your Bermuda budget may look different, but use this spending plan as a guide. It’ll give you a better sense of how much money you’ll need to budget for your trip and perhaps where you can possibly save. Before I get into the nitty-gritty of my Bermuda budget, here are the things you need to know before you go.
Planning a Trip to Bermuda
Bermuda Currency
What currency does Bermuda use?
Bermuda’s official currency is the Bermuda Dollar (BMD).
The Bermuda Dollar is on par with the US Dollar. You can use both currencies interchangeably on the island. This was super convenient because I did not have to worry about pesky exchange rate fees or currency devaluations. You cannot use the British Pound, Canadian Dollar or Euro in Bermuda.
$1 BMD = $1 USD
Unless you want to keep your Bermuda Dollars as souvenirs, exchange your Bermuda Dollars for US Dollars before you leave.
Read Next: Things To Know About Money Before Traveling To Cuba
Credit Cards in Bermuda
You can use all major credit cards in Bermuda including Visa, MasterCard, and American Express.
If your bank or credit card company requires a travel notification, set your travel dates in advance so you don’t run into financial troubles abroad.
ATMs in Bermuda
There are plenty of 24-hour ATMs in Bermuda. ATMs will give you Bermuda Dollars, so avoid over withdrawing funds and having to exchange them later. For more helpful money tips, check some more important financial things to know about Bermuda.
3 Day Bermuda Vacation Cost
Round-trip Flights from New York City: Free
I booked my flight with American Airlines two months before departure. I redeemed 21,246 points ($212.46 USD) with my Chase Sapphire Preferred credit card. This meant that I spent $0 USD out of pocket on my flights – cheers to more savings on my Bermuda budget!
You can also book flights to Bermuda with JetBlue from New York City and WestJet from cities in Canada. Booking an inexpensive flight is one of the best ways to save on your Bermuda vacation.
Bermuda Vacation Tips
Bermuda has a new online Visitor Arrival Card which you can complete before you arrive in Bermuda to expedite your Bermuda arrival. It’s easy, all you have to do is fill it out, print it and show it to the immigration officers along with your passport. Pink paper arrival forms are also available on board your flight.
Why travel to Bermuda during the off-season?
October to March is considered off-season in Bermuda. This is a great time to find the best flight deals and cheaper lodging. Also, the weather ranges from 60°F to about 70°F. Not too bad for Fall right?
Hotels in Bermuda: $232 – $502 USD per night
Grotto Bay Beach Resort is the only all-inclusive (optional) beach resort in Bermuda. The all-inclusive supplement gets added to your room charge and it includes daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It also includes unlimited drinks, non-motorized water sports, and an unlimited public transportation pass.
The all-inclusive supplement costs $109 USD a day with gratuity for adults and $79 USD a day for children.
I decided to skip the all-inclusive supplement because I didn’t think that I would spend $109 USD a day in Bermuda. Instead, I paid for everything out-of-pocket. I paid for the daily breakfast buffet, dinner and an hour kayak rental which totaled $276 USD for my 3-day trip.
Surprisingly this was only $51 USD cheaper than the all-inclusive supplement offered by the resort. If I had to do it again, I would probably pay the extra $51 USD for all the added perks.
Read my review of Grotto Bay Beach Resort here.
Booking.comTransportation to/from New York City Airport: $73.82 USD
One-way Uber ride to JFK: $55.82 USD (split the bill ~$27.91 per person)
One-way NYC Airport Shuttle: $18 USD
Average Taxi to/from Bermuda Airport: $15 USD
Taxis are convenient but expensive in Bermuda.
A short 10-minute taxi ride (literally just crossing “the causeway”) to Grotto Bay Beach Resort & Spa cost ~$15 USD. Ouch, that’s $1.50 USD per minute!
With taxis being so expensive and buses infrequent, I decided to spend less time in transit and more time exploring the resort and its nearby surroundings.
I walked to Swizzle Inn (~5-minute walk) and hiked at the Blue Hole Park (~40-minute walk). With limited time on the island, I don’t regret walking, but I would consider renting a moped next time I’m in town.
During my second trip to Bermuda, I rented pedal bikes. This was a great way to see more of the island and explore the Bermuda Railway Trail.
Average Daily Food Cost: $51 USD
I ate most of my meals at Grotto Bay Beach Resort’s Hibiscus Room Restaurant and the Palm Court Restaurant. I had a full breakfast buffet at the Hibiscus Restaurant for ~$27 USD per person. The buffet included unlimited fruits, oatmeal, juice, cereal, eggs, pancakes, french toast, and coffee service.
Having a hearty breakfast meant that I could skip lunch. At lunch, I enjoyed complimentary tea time at Palm Court Restaurant from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. I munched on lots of sugar cookies and scones, and I drank tea and coffee, all for free.
For dinner, I made reservations at the Palm Court Restaurant and I enjoyed Bermudian style bistro and wine.
Day 1 Food Total: $48.24 USD
- Lunch at Swizzle Inn: $22 USD
- Dinner at the Palm Court Restaurant: $26.24 USD (including 17% gratuity)
Swizzle In Sample Menu Prices:
10′ Cheese Pizza: $11 USD
Rum Swizzle glass: $8 USD
Rum Swizzle half jug: $17.50 (~4 glasses)
Cajun Calamari: $13.75 USD
The Swizzle Burger: $16 USD
Palm Court Sample Menu Prices:
Traditional Fish: $22.50 USD
Soup de Jour (Soup of the Day): $7.95 USD
Linguini Vongole: $17.95 USD
Fish & Chips: $18.95 USD
Tuna Wrap: $13.50 USD
A glass of Chardonnay: $8 USD
Day 2 Food Total: $48.08 USD
- Breakfast buffet: $26.33 USD (including 17% gratuity)
- Dinner at the Palm Court: $21.75 USD (including 17% gratuity)
Day 3 Food Total: $56.32 USD
- Breakfast buffet: $26.33 USD (including 17% gratuity)
- Dinner at the Palm Court: $29.99 USD (including 17% gratuity)
How much to tip in Bermuda?
Hotels and restaurants usually charge a 15% service charge. Grotto Bay Beach Resort charged 17%. You can tip more if you like, but it’s not required. If a surcharge wasn’t added to your bill, you can leave the standard 15%-20% tip.
Things to Do in Bermuda: $20 USD
Bermuda Activity Details:
- 1-hour kayak rental from Blue Hole Water Sports: $20 USD
- Hiking: Free
- Swimming in Cathedral Cave: Free
I kept my activity costs low by enjoying many of Grotto Bay Beach Resort’s amenities. I swam in a crystal cave, read by the pool and spent lots of time on the property’s exclusive white sand beach. The only activity that I paid for was the one-hour kayak rental.
Average Daily Alcohol Cost: $8 USD
Alcohol Details:
- $8 USD for a glass of Chardonnay at Palm Court Restaurant
- $8 USD for a swizzle drink at Swizzle Inn
Is Bermuda Expensive?
When I added up all of my expenses, I spent ~$1,100 during my 3-day trip to Bermuda. This short trip was a bit of a splurge, but it was worth every sun shining and rum sipping minute. Since lodging was the most expensive part of my budget, if you want to spend less on your trip, I recommend finding a cheaper place to stay. Would I go back to Bermuda? Yes, you bet. I’ll be back next summer so stay tuned for more Bermuda budget developments and money-saving tips!
Read Next:
Heading to Bermuda? Where will YOU save and splurge?
Danielle Desir Corbett paid off $63,000 of student loan debt in 4 years, bought a house at 27, and has traveled to 27 countries, including her favorites, Iceland, China, and Bermuda. Go here to learn Danielle’s incredible story, from struggling financially and in debt to finding creative ways to earn more and live on her terms. Listen to The Thought Card Podcast, where Danielle shares how you can creatively travel more and build wealth regardless of your current financial situation. Reach out to Danielle by contacting: thethoughtcard (at) gmail (dot) com.
Great Review – and very detailed and very accurate… I live in Bermuda and would recommend you come for the Carnival in 2018, Cup Match festival or the LIV Bermuda weekend (Google it) be sure to make it and extended trip so that you have some time to chill because it is wild parties!
This was a wonderful post – so detailed! The best post I’ve read about Bermuda. Thank you!
Thank you Ashley – that means so much!
I think the flight seems like a great deal and so does the all-inclusive. I eat and drink about the same amount you do, so I imagine the costs would be similar. And I love the sound of the afternoon tea! Maybe I will think about Bermuda for my next February break.
Wow I love the complete breakdown of how much everything cost you! I didn’t realize hotels there were so expensive so I’ll definitely have to plan for that. That’s awesome you used points for your flights. I’ll try to do that too.
I also ended up going to Bermuda due to a flight deal that I just couldn’t pass up! I couldn’t believe how expensive everything was! But it was definitely worth it. Can’t wait to read more about your summer adventures in Bermuda. We went during low season in March and have wondered how different the island will be once it is busy.
It doesn’t look that expensive at 1100$ as the places look too gorgeous and worth it! Great tips for saving some money here for the Bermuda trip. Also good that you were able to save on your flights, which is a major deal.
I’m heading back again this summer! Looking forward to discovering even more ways to save.
I’ve always wondered how much it would cost to go to Bermuda. Bermuda looks amazing and I love the photo of your mom. She looks super happy :) I also love my Chase Sapphire card since it’s so easy to transfer points for airline miles, I do it all the time!