Boat Shopping: Florida To Bermuda Voyage

There are several ways to get to Bermuda by boat from Florida. You can sail from St. Augustine, as it is roughly 860 nautical miles to Bermuda. You can also sail from Miami, which is a little under 900 nautical miles. The months of October to March provide the calmest seas for the trip. It is important to note that Bermuda is an archipelago of 7 main islands and about 170 additional islets and rocks, so there are multiple possible destinations. The traditional port is the City of Hamilton, the capital, and the most commercial area on the island.

Cruise ships and yachts

Yachts and cruise ships are a popular way to travel from Florida to Bermuda. The journey from Florida to Bermuda takes around two days by cruise ship, and around five days on a 30-foot yacht.

Cruise Ships

Cruise ships typically depart from ports in New York, Baltimore, Boston, Jacksonville, Port Canaveral (Orlando), Fort Lauderdale, and Cape Liberty, New Jersey. The best time to visit Bermuda is considered to be from May to October, with the warmest and sunniest months being July and August. However, if you're looking to beat the crowds and enjoy slightly cooler weather, April and November are good alternatives.

A Bermuda cruise offers a mix of historical wonders and natural beauty. You can snorkel and dive to explore underwater shipwrecks and coral reefs, or relax on the famous pink sand beaches. The warm, clear waters and abundance of wrecks make Bermuda a top dive site that's ideal for novice divers. You can also explore historic sites like the National Museum of Bermuda, St. George's, and the Royal Naval Dockyard.

Yachts

If you're planning to sail to Bermuda on a yacht, it's advisable to have a boat that's at least 30 to 40 feet long to safely navigate the Atlantic Ocean. A boat of 35 feet or more, with four to five crew members, can provide a comfortable and safe voyage.

Before embarking, it's important to contact the Bermuda Maritime Operations Center and your country's Coast Guard to provide information about your vessel, crew, and equipment. This will help ensure a safe journey and facilitate tracking and guidance if needed.

The voyage from the US East Coast to Bermuda typically takes a little over five days on a 30-foot boat. It's important to be well-prepared for the journey, taking into account potential weather conditions and having sufficient food, water, and safety equipment.

Bermuda is a popular destination for yachts, with over 1,200 yachts leaving the northeastern US for the Caribbean during the fall, and many making Bermuda a stopover. The island also serves as a finishing point for international yacht races throughout the year.

Weather conditions and safety

When sailing from Florida to Bermuda, there are several factors to consider regarding weather conditions and safety. The journey of approximately 650 nautical miles can be influenced by the unpredictable weather of the Atlantic Ocean, including storms, high winds, and hurricanes.

Firstly, it is important to be aware of the hurricane season, which lasts from June to November, with most hurricanes occurring in August, September, and October. Sailing outside of the hurricane season is recommended to avoid the risks associated with these powerful storms. However, it is worth noting that even outside of hurricane season, large waves and storms can still pose a challenge.

The Gulf Stream, a powerful current that flows from the Gulf of Mexico through the Straits of Florida and up along the US East Coast, can provide a faster route to Bermuda due to its speed. Most sailors prefer to follow this route. However, it is crucial to respect the dominance of the Gulf Stream and carefully consider how to navigate it safely. Opposing winds and currents can create very dangerous high and steep waves, so it is advisable to avoid sailing in such conditions.

The summer months of May to September generally offer more favourable conditions, with prevailing easterly winds that can help propel your boat towards Bermuda. These winds can assist in reducing journey times, but it is still essential to monitor weather forecasts and stay updated with experienced sailors or meteorological services. Storms and adverse weather patterns can significantly impact both your journey time and safety.

Additionally, the size and experience of your crew are important considerations. A larger, more experienced crew can provide watch rotations and help maintain the freshness and alertness of everyone on board during the journey. It is also crucial to ensure that your boat is equipped with all the necessary safety equipment, including life jackets, flares, a first aid kit, and a reliable communication system.

In terms of vessel choice, a sailboat without an engine will rely solely on wind conditions and its performance under sail. On the other hand, a motorboat or a sailboat with an auxiliary engine offers the advantage of maintaining a consistent speed regardless of wind conditions. A larger vessel, such as a yacht or a cruise ship, can also provide a more stable and comfortable journey, especially when encountering rough seas.

Overall, when sailing from Florida to Bermuda, it is imperative to plan ahead, gather all necessary information, and prioritise safety. The weather conditions and sea state can vary significantly, and being prepared for a longer-than-expected passage is always advisable.

Private yachts and safety equipment

If you're planning to sail from Florida to Bermuda, there are a few things you need to keep in mind when it comes to choosing the right boat and ensuring you have the necessary safety equipment on board.

Firstly, the journey from Florida to Bermuda will take you out into the open ocean, so it's important to choose a boat that's suitable for offshore sailing. A yacht is a great option for this type of voyage, as it provides comfort and stability during the journey. When it comes to the size of the yacht, it's recommended to have a boat that's at least 30 to 40 feet long to handle the rough waves and winds you may encounter.

Now, let's talk about safety equipment. Whether you're taking a leisurely cruise or participating in a yacht race, safety should always be a top priority. Here are some essential items that you should have on board your private yacht:

• Lifejackets: Ensure you have enough lifejackets for everyone on board, including children and any pets.
• Fire safety equipment: This includes fire extinguishers, fire blankets, and firefighting gear.
• Bailing devices: Have a bucket with a metal handle and attached rope, as well as bailers and manual pumps.
• Flags: International code flags November and Charlie for distress signalling, and a Quarantine Flag ("Q" flag) for customs clearance.
• Radio: A portable radio will suffice, but you may also want a VHF marine radio for communication with other vessels and shore stations.
• Navigation tools: This includes nautical charts, a marine compass, plotter and dividers, an almanac, tide tables, and a logbook.
• Safety harnesses: For sailing yachts, ensure you have safety harnesses for going aloft.
• First aid kit: A well-stocked first aid kit is crucial for any voyage.
• Emergency equipment: This includes distress flares, a liferaft, grab bag, emergency tiller, and equipment to deal with water ingress.
• Anchor and cable/warp: A strong anchor and cable/warp are essential for securing your yacht.
• Spare parts and tools: Bring tools and spares for the engine, electrics, rig, and sails.
• Alternative propulsion: Have backup options such as oars or an outboard engine in case of engine failure.
• Lights and signals: Navigation lights, day shapes, and sound signalling equipment are important for collision avoidance.
• Knife: A knife is a versatile tool that can come in handy in various situations.

Remember to always check local regulations and requirements for safety equipment, as they may vary depending on your location and the size of your vessel. Additionally, it's crucial to regularly inspect and maintain your safety equipment to ensure it's in proper working condition.

By following these guidelines and equipping your private yacht with the necessary safety gear, you can confidently set sail from Florida to Bermuda, knowing that you're well-prepared for your journey.

Ferry services

Bermuda's Ferry Service is a great way to get around the island and enjoy the views. The service is popular with both locals and visitors as the trips are faster and more scenic than comparable journeys by bus, moped, or taxi. The Bermuda Ferry Service operates on four colour-coded routes: Pink, Blue, Green, and Orange. Ferries depart from the Ferry Terminal on Front Street Hamilton, with routes to the Royal Naval Dockyard, Paget, Warwick, and Southampton. The Dockyard to St. George's route operates from April to October.

The Blue Route (Hamilton – Royal Naval Dockyard) is the most popular ferry service and offers frequent services between Hamilton and Dockyard. On weekdays, ferries run from as early as 7:30 am until 10:30 pm, with more frequent services during peak hours. Weekend service starts at 8:00 am and continues until 8:30 pm. On Wednesdays during Hamilton Harbour Nights, there are additional night services.

The Green Route (Hamilton – Watford Bridge – Cavello Bay – Rockaway) primarily serves commuters and only runs on weekdays, offering morning and evening services.

The Orange Route (Royal Naval Dockyard – St George) is a seasonal service operating during the summer months from Monday to Thursday, with departures from the Dockyard at 9:30 am and 11:15 am, and returns from St George at 10:15 am and 4:00 pm. On Tuesdays and Fridays, there is a morning service from the Dockyard and an afternoon return from St George.

The Pink Route (Hamilton – Paget – Warwick) operates daily, with more frequent services on weekdays. On weekdays, the first ferry leaves Hamilton at 7:15 am, with services running approximately every hour until the last ferry at 6:20 pm. Weekend and public holiday schedules are slightly reduced, with the first ferry departing Hamilton at 10:00 am and the last at 5:00 pm.

Ferry fares are good value, especially considering Bermuda’s high cost of living. You can pay by cash, token, transport pass, or ticket. It is important to note that paying by cash is the most expensive way of travelling. You also need the exact fare in coins as notes are not accepted. Using tokens, tickets, or a transportation pass is cheaper. These can be purchased at Visitor Services Centres, Hamilton Ferry Terminal, and sub-post offices.

The Gulf Stream

When sailing from Florida to Bermuda, boats typically ride the Gulf Stream to the level of Cape Hatteras before turning east towards their destination. This allows them to take advantage of the current's northward flow, saving time and fuel. The Gulf Stream also offers favourable fishing opportunities, with an abundance of tuna, mahi-mahi, and other game fish species.

However, sailing in the Gulf Stream does come with its challenges. The current's strength can vary, and boats may need to adjust their speed and course to account for its impact. Additionally, the Gulf Stream's warm waters can create unsettled weather conditions, with southerly winds and light conditions for sailing. Nevertheless, with proper planning and the right weather conditions, the Gulf Stream can provide a swift and enjoyable passage to Bermuda.

Overall, the Gulf Stream is an important feature to consider when planning a voyage from Florida to Bermuda. By understanding its benefits and challenges, sailors can make the most of this natural highway and enjoy a swift and memorable journey to their island destination.

Frequently asked questions