Quick Facts

Location: Not in the Caribbean! Bermuda is 650 miles east of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina and is made up of more than 130 islands, many linked by bridges and causeways. See geography.

Climate: Semi-tropical. August can be humid, the winter months are similar to a warm British summer. Water temperature varies from 18*C in December to 30­C in August. Visibility is less good in winter due to plankton.

Health: No vaccinations necessary, excellent medical facilities, insurance essential. The only marine creature to avoid is the Portuguese man of war.

What to wear: Shorts of course! Outside the summer months it can get cool in the evenings.

Language: English Currency: Bermudian dollar, but US dollars are on a par and acceptable everywhere. All major credit cards widely accepted.

Electricity: 110V AC

Flights: BA flies three times a week from Gatwick - early booking is essential. American Airlines flies from several cities in the UK via New York and Boston for Bermuda without an overnight stop.

Accommodation: Bermuda has a reputation for being expensive but its smaller cottage-type hotels offer a cheap alternative. See accommodation

Food and drink: Restaurants can be pricey, but most have buffet nights that can be excellent value for money. A champagne Sunday brunch at around $28 should be compulsory for every visitor.

Getting around: No car rental, hire a moped (speed limit 23 mph!). It is possible to carry dive gear around safely on one. Taxis are expensive and drivers dislike wet dive gear.

Diving: A two-tank dive costs around $60. Dive/hotel packages are available through all dive centres. See diving. For information on Wreck Week and general diving contact Bermuda Tourism, tel. 0171 771 7000 or check web site bermuda-watersports.com.