It is often said that the best way to see the island of Bermuda is from the sea. A true Bermudian experience involves a day spent in a boat. Boat tours and excursions are a great and safe way to explore. These tours can be customized to suit your needs. You can choose the time of day, the length of the tour, and even the type of information supplied by your local guide. These tours can explain, in great detail, the history of the people, culture, landmarks, even the famous shipwrecks. They cruise you along the coastline and coral reefs with its spectacular marine life.
A true Bermudian experience involves a day spent in a boat
For those more adventurous types, like myself, renting your own boat is the best way to go. When friends visit, renting a boat for a day or half day is an unforgettable experience. When you rent your own boat you are your own captain and can dictate your own schedule. It also gives you a chance to explore some areas that a chartered tour might not necessarily take you to. As with most things in life, renting a boat does come with some rules - so here are my top dos and don’ts of renting a boat in Bermuda.
When you rent your own boat you are your own captain and can dictate your own schedule. It also gives you a chance to explore some areas that a chartered tour might not necessarily take you to.
DO – Obey the speed limit
When filling out the paperwork associated with renting a boat from any licensed boat company on the island, you may notice that there is a specific clause that stipulates that you will obey all laws pertaining to speed while renting that boat. The one speeding law in particular which is most important pertains to the ‘no wake zone’. All harbors and piers in Bermuda typically have a ‘no wake zone’ where it is illegal to drive at a speed which will leave a wake (A wake is the ‘wave’ in the water left behind boats moving at high speeds). This ‘no wake zone’ speed limit is 5 knots (1 knot = 1 nautical mile). This law is strictly enforced for all watercraft, even jet-skis. Frequently, you will see the Marine and Water Police driving about patrolling the waters. They will be looking out for people who are breaking the speeding laws, so don’t.
DON’T – Drink and drive
It might sound obvious but impaired driving is just as, if not more, dangerous on water than on land.
DO – Your research
There is only a handful of registered, licensed boat rental companies on the island. Make sure you are renting from a reputable company. The Department of Tourism in Bermuda has a great and comprehensive list on their website. Follow the link: http://www.gotobermuda.com/activities-explorer/exploreactivities/CategoryWaterSports/SelfDriveBoatRentals/
DON’T – Be overconfident in your boat driving abilities
All licensed boat rental companies give a 20-40 minute introduction to the boat and its equipment as well as general driving instructions. If for any reason you have any doubt that you won’t be able to drive the rental, tell them! Being overly confident could have serious consequences for you and your guests. Local captains are available for hire. They are experienced and will bequeath you with the knowledge of Bermuda that can only be obtained by being on the waters of Bermuda for many years.
Tour guides can explain, in great detail, the history of the people, culture, landmarks, even the famous shipwrecks.
DO – Check your safety equipment
Make sure your boat comes equipped with all necessary safety equipment. Make yourself familiar with the locations of the following items:
- first aid kit
- life jackets
- emergency cell phone
- local marina police phone numbers
Make sure your boat comes equipped with all necessary safety equipment
DO – Follow the company you’re renting from on social networking sites
Most companies run specials and deals only through their social networking pages so staying current and up to date could save you money.
DO – Familiarize yourself with common seafaring terms and the rules of the waters
Port – the left side of the boat when facing forward.
Starboard – the right side of the boat when facing forward.
Bow – the front “nose” part of the boat.
Stern – the back or “aft” part of the boat.
Buoys come in many different colors with various meanings but for a simple day or half-day rental, the only colors to familiarize yourself with are red and green. When passing these buoys, you should always pass between them, as these buoys mark the two sides of the channel. Passing around the outside of the buoys just might leave your boat stuck on top of a reef. Also, keep in mind that when heading toward open waters, the green buoy will be on your left and the red buoy will be on your right and likewise, when heading towards land, the red buoy will be on your left and the green buoy will be on your right.
When heading toward open waters, the green buoy will be on your left and the red buoy will be on your right and likewise, when heading toward land, the red buoy will be on your left and the green buoy will be on your right.
Lastly and most importantly...
DO – Have fun
Grab a bunch of friends, bring your tunes, and head out on the open seas. Remember your sunscreen, camera, and enjoy.
It is often said that the best way to see the island of Bermuda is from the sea
Lindsey Lehman is the Bermuda Editor for Wandering Educators
All photos courtesy and copyright Lindsey Lehman