Making the most of Saint George
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
You will dock at Ordinance Island, a few steps from King's Square.
Ships too large for town anchorage use Murray's Anchorage near Fort St. Catherine and tender to Penno's Wharf, a one hour trip.
A printable map is available to take with you.
The island's oldest and most historic settlement will likely fascinate architecture buffs most.
As a World Heritage Site, it has many fine old colonial streets and buildings to explore, including fancifully named streets and alleys such as 'Featherbed Alley', 'Old Maid's Lane' and 'Needle and Thread Alley'.
However, on arrival in town, the best thing is to head for main King's Square, St. George's original main square. Here you can see the Town Hall and Visitor's Service Bureau, with Ordinance Island directly south across a small bridge.
In tourist season (May-September), period-dressed actors add colour by serving as town criers or sentencing men and women to stockades, pillories or the dunking chair.
Getting around
Every location in and around Saint George is easily reached on foot.
For $2, use the year-round St. George's Mini-Bus, departing King's Square in St George. If unsure, the lady at the Visitor Information center will point it out.
Beyond the gift stand, the Visitor Info Booth sells unlimited bus & ferry Day Passes ($12 for 1 day or $20 for 2 days), with printed schedules and a mini Bermuda guide.
Nearby places
Tobacco Bay is by far the best beach, a protected bay for all levels of snorkeling, swimming and sunbathing. Take Duke of Kent Street north from town centre; the "Tobacco Bay" sign marks an easy uphill walk to the bay.
Food and shopping
Duty-free shopping means prices are at least 20 percent lower than in the U.S.
Money
The Bermuda dollar is legal tender and divides into 100 cents. BD$1 = US$1. Shops, restaurants and hotels normally take U.S. currency, but not currency from Britain, Canada or other foreign countries.
Staying connected
English is the principal language spoken.