Bermuda has a 400 year tradition of protecting our environment. In fact, the first conservation laws in the New World were issued here to protect marine life. Bermuda is now known as one of the premier snorkelling and diving destination in the world. Rock walls, cathedral-like caves, famous shipwrecks, and underwater gardens are waiting to be discovered. Some of the colourful fish species seen here include the blue, queen, and Townsend angelfish, clown wrasse, rainbow parrotfish, rock beauty, blue chromis, foureye butterfly fish, spotted puffer, triggerfish, and hundreds more swimming among the gigantic purple sea fans to the brain coral and sea anemones.

For those wanting to take a glimpse at the vast subtropical vegetation, there are numerous parks and reserves all over the islands. Notable ones are:

Blue Hole Park is one of the newer parks with an abundance of wildlife. There are small, natural pond and caves close by for you to explore.

Gilbert Nature Reserve is comprised of 5 acres of unspoiled woodland with paths that connect to the Railway Trail. Mature cedars still grow here and the area is also an excellent spot for bird watching.

Gladys Morrell Nature Reserve, located by Mangrove Bay village is a hidden gem. Many endemic trees flourish here, including olivewood bark and cedar. The Bermuda bluebirds prosper here as well.

Hog Bay Park has wonderful shaded paths that lead through agricultural fields, woodlands, ruined lime kiln and abandoned cottages.

Paget Marsh and Boardwalk has 25 acres of lush and leafy land. The peat marsh has remained unchanged and is covered with cedar and palmetto forest. The pond and marsh are home to an array of wildlife, including many species of resident and migratory birds.

Spittal Pond and Nature Reserve is a 64 acre reserve that provides habitat for an incredible variety of birds. In fact it is Bermuda's largest bird sanctuary and the Spanish rock found here is the oldest evidence of humans on the island.

Warwick Pond is the second largest freshwater pond in Bermuda and is a sanctuary for residents and migratory waterfowl. Allspice trees and a number of surviving endemic Bermuda cedars can be seen here.

Out of the hundreds of the island, only 20 or so of them are actually populated. Great Bermuda is the largest, measuring close to 23 km long. It is also home to the capital, Hamilton, and is located on the northwest side of Bermuda. St George, situated on St. George's Island, is on the northeast tip. The other principal islands are Ireland Island, Boaz Island, Somerset and St. David's.

Three years after the first settlers arrived, St George was founded in 1612 and it remains to this day the oldest continuously inhabited English-speaking settlement of the New World. It was Bermuda's first Capital and then passed the torch to Hamilton some 200 years later. St George also influenced the history of the United States by smuggling gunpowder to George Washington during the War of Independence. The city also played a role during the American Civil War by shipping supplies and munitions to the Confederates.

Hamilton was founded in 1790 when the parliament set aside a good chunk of land for the future seat of government. The city was officially incorporated in 1793 and became the capital in 1815. The city is named after Bermuda's first governor Sir Henry Hamilton.

The Bermuda Triangle is considered one the creepiest place on earth. The island was already considered enchanted by the first sailors as they questioned the eerie noises coming from the island. In fact what they heard was the calls of cahow birds and the squeals of wild pigs. Many early vessels ended their long voyages here on the coral reefs. About 50 recorded ships and 20 aircraft have vanished here without a trace. The most logical explanation would be extreme weather conditions and some scientists have suggested large deposits of methane gas present here could suck a ship underwater. Don't let the local lore stop you from exploring the wonderful waters.

Bermuda shorts actually originated in Britain to help military officers deal with the heat of warmer colonies. Bermudian soon copied the idea. When the American tourists arrived in the 1950s the fashion spread.

What Bermuda is most famous for is golf. With 8 18-hole golf courses and one 9-hole course, golfers from all over world flock here to practice their favourite sport and numerous tournaments take place every year.. You must book your tee time in advance. Hotels and guesthouses can make the arrangements for you. The Bermuda Tourism Bureau offers the Advanced Tee Time System where you can book up to 60 days in advance. The courses are:

Belmont Hills Golf Club
Fairmont Southampton Golf Club
Mid Ocean Club
Ocean View Golf Course
Port Royal Golf Course
Riddell's Bay Golf & Country Club
St. George's Golf Course
Tucker's Point Golf Club
Bermuda Golf Academy

Beach resorts and public beaches with facilities offer swimming, snorkelling, sailing, fishing, surfing, body surfing, kayaking or any other water activity imaginable. Scuba diving and snorkelling is extremely popular since Bermuda is the world's top wreck diving destination.

Deep sea fishing expeditions can be booked. Catches include wahoo, tuna and blue marlin.

Land activities abound as well, such as horseback riding, tennis, hiking, cycling or soccer.

There are so many attractions and museums in Bermuda, it is practically impossible to see them all in one trip. Consider buying the Heritage Passport at the visitor's bureau. It gets you into several attractions over a four-day period for one price. Listed below is a highlight of the most visited and interesting points of interest:

Hamilton, the capital, houses the government, the oldest of the Commonwealth. It is Bermuda's biggest city with a harbour and many shops on Front Street. The Fort Hamilton is a huge Victorian fort shaped like a polygon. Many museums and sites can be visited here, like the Bermuda Historical Museum, the Perot Post Office and the Bermuda National Gallery. The capital counts some wonderful churches, such as the Neo-Gothic Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity, St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church and St. Theresa's Cathedral. Delightful parks to stroll in include Albuoy's Point, Barr's Bay Park and Victoria Park. Not far outside of Hamilton are a few must see for nature lovers: the Botanical Gardens and the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute.

If you're heading west you'll find the Scaur Hill Fort and Park, the Somerset village and the old Royal Naval Dockyard. Today the dockyard houses the Bermuda Maritime Museum and a crafts market. In Southampton Parish you will find Gibbs Hill Lighthouse, the oldest cast-iron lighthouse in the world.

In the east lies many fascinating sites as well; Verdmont is an 18th century mansion that can be visited in Smith's Parish; the Bermuda Aquarium, Natural History Museum & Zoo is just across Flatts Bridge in Hamilton Parish; the spectacular Crystal Caves with its stalactites and stalagmites; the Blue Hole Park and the Devil's Hole; and the St David's Lighthouse.

At the very northern tip is the historic town of St. George, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Fort St. Catherine is striking and dates back to 1614. This town was the first capital as testified by the State House going back to 1620. Many museums are located here as well, like the Bermuda National Trust Museum, the Bermudian Heritage Museum, the St-George Historical Society Museum and the Tucker House Museum. St Peter's Church is the oldest and most continuously used Anglican Church of the New World. Take a walk in Somer's Garden, a tribute to Bermuda's discoverer. On Ordnance Island you can witness an unusual site: the Ducking Stool that was used to punish excessive naggers and gossipers.

Spend the day exploring the Bermuda Railway Trail. This old 34km railroad way was Bermuda's transportation system until 1948. Today most of the original railroad is a recreational trail that can be explored on horseback, bicycle or foot. Make sure to get a copy of the Bermuda Railway Trail Guide, to make the most out of your day.

You will come across many parks and green spaces, like the Gilbert Nature Reserve, filled with poinsettias, oleanders, hibiscus and the rare Bermuda cedar. Some of the island's best great attractions are along or close to the trail, such as the Scaur Hill Fort, the Somerset Bridge (the smallest drawbridge in the world), the Gibb's Hill Lighthouse, the Botanical Gardens, the aquarium and zoo, the Crystal Caves and the historical town of St George.

Several tour companies offer sailboat, catamaran and boating excursions. Some smaller tours include the Glass Bottom Boat tour will show you Bermuda's famous reefs and shipwrecks without getting wet. Other half or full day tours will take you around the islands and stop for great snorkelling or diving.

Bermuda has more of a cultural reputation. The nightlife is a bit more subdued but there are few great places to try out. The music scene is dominated by local acts and bands. Enjoy live Jazz, or contemporary bands playing everything from reggae to rock'n roll. Try out the Blue Juice Disco Bar, Hilly's Jazz Club, Hubie's and the Ozone Nightclub, Rock Room and Lucky Strike.

Concerts, performances, and dramatic presentations by the Bermuda Philharmonic, Bermuda Musical & Dramatic Society, Bermuda Civic Ballet, Gilbert & Sullivan Society, Menuhin Foundation, and other local and visiting troupes, ensembles, and soloists make for cultural events as lively as the Island is colourful.

The Don't Stop the Carnival evening cruise and The Island Party Cruise offer a barbecue dinner, music and an open bar

Bermuda counts close to 3,400 available rooms. A wide range of accommodations are offered to suit every need or budget. The most popular ones are the large all inclusive resorts since most have their own beach and every imaginable amenities. Other possibilities include beds and breakfasts, inns, cottages, apartments and small hotels.

Head to the Bermuda Craft Market at the Royal Naval Dockyard for you local art and craft purchase. Look for paintings, pottery, Bermuda cedar crafts, blown glass, dolls and miniature furniture.

Front Street in Hamilton is lined with fanciful shops filled with local souvenirs, regional edible treats and lavish imports like Irish linen, crystal and antiques. Some high end designer stores can be found here as well. Bermuda is a great place to by summer and beach clothes.

Bermuda counts about 150 restaurants so you are sure to find something to suit your taste and budget. Everything from very simple fare to gastronomical meals can be enjoyed. Great local places include Barracuda Grill, Freeport, Black Horse Tavern, Monty's and The Pickled Onion.

Fish is the main staple of the Bermudian cuisine and is prepared in a multitude of ways. One of the favourite ways to prepare it is panfried with almonds and banana slices. Seafood is also excellent when in season, such as lobster, conch, scallops, mussels and mullet roe. Meat lovers will appreciate the cassava pie, which resembles our meat pies but made with pork or chicken and cassava (a starchy vegetable similar to potatoes).

Bananas baked in rum and brown sugar and banana crumble are best to satisfy a sweet tooth. Strawberries, cherries and the popular loquats are served when in season.