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Bermuda: Unspoiled Gem in the Atlantic!

Bermuda is an isolated archipelago of more than 150 islands and islets of varying sizes located about 450 miles east of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, in the western Atlantic Ocean. The islands are surrounded by a ring of coral reefs that have taken their toll on sea going vessels throughout the centuries. The frightening stories by sailors regarding the area earned the region the nickname "The Isle of Devils". Today, the only thing evil about the Bermuda Islands is how little time you get to spend in them on a typical vacation. Those reefs that claimed ships in droves now bring scuba divers and snorkelers by the boatload. The beautiful pink sand beaches are perfect for some prime tanning time. Outdoor enthusiasts and history buffs alike will find plenty to keep them busy in Bermuda.

As a British Colony, Bermuda is the longest inhabited British protectorate outside of the British Islands. History buffs will find the islands as rich as those who come for the sand and surf. The British Maritime Museum is set with the Keep, a six-acre fortress at the edge of the Royal Naval Dockyard at Bermuda's West End. The museum is filled with artifacts reflecting Bermuda's history with both England and the sea. The views from the ramparts are worth the visit themselves! St. George's Historical Society Museum, on St. George's Island, houses artifacts and documents pertaining to the Island's earliest days. The collection includes period furniture, official documents and letters, pewter and china ware, and rare books.

People marvel at the pinkish hue on Bermuda's beaches. The color is generated by the blending of shell particles, calcium carbonate, and bits of crushed coral mixed with sand. Elbow Beach in Paget Parish is a long stretch of sand that is bordered by a protective reef, making it a great spot for an afternoon swim. Horseshoe Bay Beach in Southampton is the most famous beach in the islands. It is full of all the amenities one would expect from a bustling resort area. Sea kayaks, canoes, jet skis, and other equipment can be rented. If you want to leave the crowds behind, set your compass for Astwood Cove in Warwick Parrish. The beach is surrounded by a steep cliff, and is rarely crowded.

Bermuda has more golf courses per square mile than any other destination on earth. This simple fact explains why Bermuda is an immensely popular golfing area. There are courses that will challenge every skill level. The layouts are all different, but they share beautiful ocean views one would expect from courses skirting the Atlantic. Port Royal is a fiendishly clever loop designed by Robert Trent Jones. The course has twisting fairways and hidden bunkers that make for a strenuous test of skill. Jack Nicklaus called this course one of the best public courses in the world. St. George's Golf Course is exposed to more wind than any other course in the islands. Proper club selection is paramount, and knock-down shots are key to a successful round.

The surrounding waters are teeming with enough fish to make sports fishermen giddy. Many of the International Game Fishing Association's World Record catches were hauled in here. Land lubbers as well as experienced sea farers can take advantage of the wealthy seas. Shore anglers can haul in bonefish, pompano, gray snapper, and even great barracuda. The deep water is a haven for the nimble wahoo, as well as amberjack, white marlin, black marlin, blackfin, yellowfin, and skipjack tuna. Charters are available for half-day, whole-day, and overnight excursions.

With more than five centuries of nautical history, Bermuda has more shipwrecks than anywhere in the Western Hemisphere. This is the cream of the crop of scuba diving and snorkeling destinations. Bermuda has some of the best visibility of all the dive sites in the Atlantic, and because most of the dives are in less than 50 feet of water, this is a great place for novice and intermediate divers. Popular wrecks include the twin dives of the North Carolina and the Blanche King. The schooners lie in 35 feet of water. The Pelinaion, a Greek cargo steamer, is another popular dive. She rests in 55 feet, and her twin boilers are an awesome sight!

A trip to Bermuda can be filled with all the wonder Mother Nature has to offer. The dive sites, beaches, reefs, and coves provide ample opportunity for exploration. The many forts give a glimpse into a time when this was one of Britain's strongest outposts. Botanical gardens show off the island's treasure chest of orchids and bromeliads. Shoppers will find an abundance of antiques, locally crafted carvings, and hand-rolled cigars. Bermuda is a feast for the senses. How big is your appetite?