Bermuda in the fall is the perfect respite from the cold

Tues., Oct. 16, 2018

It’s officially fall, and the seemingly sudden onset of cool days, grey skies and rain have left many of us missing all of the sunshine, warm weather and outdoor fun.

If you’re among those wondering how Halloween snuck up on us and find yourself longing for a way to roll back the calendar so you can squeeze in just a few more memories of summer, taking vacation time in a place like Bermuda ahead of the winter rush could be the perfect plan.

With more than 50 square kilometres to explore, Bermuda is a destination for outdoor enthusiasts. (CONTRIBUTED)

Warm conditions linger through the fall in Bermuda, whose temperate climate is moderated by the Gulf Stream ocean current, making the island territory a summer-like getaway for adventure and unwinding. With more than 50 square kilometres to explore, Bermuda is a destination that can fulfill almost any outdoor enthusiast’s recreation under perpetually blue skies.

Scuba diving and snorkelling are obvious adventures for anyone who sets their eyes on Bermuda’s clear, turquoise waters, listed by National Geographic as a diving destination that is not to be missed. With over 300 shipwrecks — more sunken vessels per square kilometre than anywhere else in the world — there is no shortage of dive sites, where wrecks spanning three centuries now rest. They include the Constellation, a 192-foot, four-masted American schooner that sank during the Second World War en route to Venezuela with a cargo of morphine and whiskey, which inspired Jaws author Peter Benchley’s novel, The Deep.

For a more action-oriented experience, windsurfing, kiteboarding, high-tech flyboarding, jet-skiing and classic surfing are all options, along with stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking. Bermuda’s weather and persistent ocean breezes make it the ideal place to experience wind-driven sports like windsurfing and kiteboarding. Both are accessible to experts and newcomers alike, with lessons and rentals available. Kiteboarding novices should be aware that it can be extremely technically challenging and should only be pursued with proper instruction.

Fans of powered ocean sports can experience Bermuda’s islands on a Jet-Ski, discovering the secluded beaches, hidden coves and sunken ships from a unique perspective that only a personal watercraft can offer. You can take a tour of the natural beauty of reefs, caves and diverse wildlife throughout the territory, Millionaire’s Row of luxury homes, and the yachts and sailboats in Hamilton Harbour or the Straits of Paradise.

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For a more relaxed tour of Bermuda’s crystal waters, a traditional or clear-bottomed kayak affords a calmer way to traverse the islands and see the marine wildlife, while stand-up paddleboarding grants you a similar approach — and a unique surface on which to do yoga, for a workout in an unforgettable setting.

If you want recreation off the water, hiking or biking the Bermuda Railway Trail, which follows an abandoned railbed through 29 kilometres of breathtakingly peaceful landscapes, rocky coastlines and island history makes a memorable, relaxing day.

Bermuda’s abundance of award-winning golf courses are worth playing. The island features more courses per capita than anywhere in the world. They include the 18-hole Turtle Hill Golf Club, winner of Golf Digest’s Best Places to Play Golf honour, and ranked by Gold Magazine as one of the world’s Top 5 par 3 courses with fairway ocean views.

And for the ultimate in relaxation, a trip to a spa for the likes of a candlelight, hot stone massage by shimmering pools in an ancient cave at Grotto Bay Beach Resort’s Natura Spa, or a day being pampered at Coral Beach along with a spa lunch. Bermuda has something for everyone.

Start exploring at gotobermuda.com, on Instagram and Twitter or search @bermudatourism in Facebook.