Newbie Goin' to Bermuda

[richNJ]

Hi Everyone,

I am new to this forum and to MDing. All your posts really inspired me, and I got my first Metal detector, a Garrett ACE 250, for Fathers Day. I am really enjoying my new hobby! It's catching, my whole family is getting into it now. Thanks for all the great advice.

I will be cruising to Bermuda soon and I would love to MD on the beaches there. Are there any restrictions, Permits required etc?

I think the Ace 250 is not a great beach detector, but I am hoping it will work in the dry sand and maybe wet sand too. Eventually, I'll probably get another detector desgned for beach/water hunting.

Thanks for the help,

Rich

 

[PaPa-Joe-Fla.]

n/t

 

[bdahunter]

Hello Rich:

Detecting is allowed in Bermuda at least for now. Technically speaking you need a license to detect, which is free but as a tourist you won't have a problem without a license.
Your ACE250 will not like the wetsand in Bermuda; very high salt content in this part of the Atlantic which drives most nonwater detectors nuts. This is high season for tourism so you've picked a good time to hunt the towel line and volley ball areas.
Detecting on public beaches needs to be done in the morning prior to 10 am or the evening after 6pm so as not to disturb the sun whorshippers, lifeguards will ask you to stop at other times. I do not recommend detecting on the beaches at night as most are very isolated and you can find yourself in trouble quickly.
Elbow beach is cental and safe after dark as there is a restaurant on the beach and it is well lit. John Smiths Bay and Clearwater are possibles for the east end of the island and I could arrange for you to hunt my private beach in the west end.
Let me know by PM, where you'll be docking and on what dates and I'll do my best to help you out.

Cheers,

BDA

 

[richNJ]

Thanks for the info!

I'm a bit frustrated. My wife decided on the Bermuda/Caribbean cruise. One day at each port, many days at sea. No Mding allowed on the Lido Deck. It looks like I am limited to a day each St. Maarten, St. Thomas and Bermuda. For this cruise were going to dock at Kings Wharf on Sunday from 8am to 5pm.

She likes Jobson's cove because it seems calmer, and maybe less crowded, better for our youngest to enjoy. From my wife's reaction, I think I might be sleeping with the fishes if I went off on my own to go MDing.

If I am unable to MD, I'm sure that I can find something to do. I may have to settle for snorkling.

Thanks,

- Rich

 

[bdahunter]

Jobson's Cove is beside Chaplin Bay where I found the mortar round and is very small, basically a swimming hole beside Warwick Long Bay which can be treacherous. Tobacco Bay or Shelly Bay would be a better bet and save you the $50 cab fare to Jobson's, each way. Lots of dry sanding possible at Tobacco Bay or Shelly Bay for that matter, both calm areas for the kiddies to swim, about $15 by cab, each way. Get there early so you can detect without being disturbed by the kiddies.
*Note - Shelly Bay also has a playground for the kids as well as a cricket pitch with lots of areas worth detecting.

Cheers,

BDA