Bermuda Beach Information Horseshoe Bay and Elbow Beaches

Beaches: Coloured Sands

Not all beaches are created equal. Bermuda boasts magical beaches of many colours, but the pink sands are unforgettable.

Bermuda has glistening white-sand beaches, some of the prettiest in the world. But they are not what usually come to mind when you think of the 75 miles of gorgeous coastline. That distinction goes to the country’s famous pink beaches — stretches of fine sand as rosy as the first blush of dawn, as ethereal as the pink of a French rosé in a crystal glass. The cool sand is a pale watercolour pink that, in fact, is often depicted in artists’ paintings and watercolours of Bermuda.

In reality, Bermuda’s pink beaches are magic. Imagine a long span of ebullient pink sand tucked between neon azure water and a verdant green backdrop of coconut palms and lush foliage. It’s so fantastically colourful it seems surreal — the stuff of office daydreams. The pink beaches are made even more perfect by all the pink on the island: the pink houses, the pink hibiscus and frangipani blossoms, and the deep rose of bougainvillea climbing stone walls.

The pink sand makes for a romantic setting, but the nature of its colour is neither romantic nor mysterious. It isn’t crushed coral as many people assume, although there are bits of coral in the sand. The pink crystals are actually the pink and red shells of microscopic insects, foraminifera, one of the most abundant single-cell organisms in the ocean. The foraminifera live on the underside of reefs and the sea floor. When they die, the currents offshore smash their shells and they tumble onto Bermuda’s beaches with each lapping wave.

But never mind the scientific explanation for the princess-pink sand. Just feel its coolness underneath your bare feet as you pop the cork of an appropriate bottle of rosé and enjoy life in the pink. You will find some of the most spectacular pink beaches on the south shore, with coral reefs an easy swim away, and the most picturesque rocky coves with turquoise water as calm and clear as a pool on the north shore.

Some of the beaches are crowded with locals and have cafés, restrooms, showers, snorkel and kayak rentals, and lifeguards in season. Other sandy coves may have no footprints but your own. But all of Bermuda’s beaches — pink or glittering white, lively or blissfully empty — are magic.

Beach Guide

Don’t forget to pack beach towels and refreshments in your scooter basket. Hotels will usually prepare a picnic lunch if you order a day ahead. Here are some of our favourite beaches in the West End (Sandys, Southampton and Warwick parishes), East End (Smith’s, Hamilton and St. George’s parishes) and centre of the islands (Pembroke, Devonshire and Paget parishes).

West End

Astwood Cove, Warwick Parish. A secluded curve of sand at the bottom of a steep trail down a cliff, the beach is worth the effort, especially for snorkellers. Look in the cliffs for nesting Bermuda longtails. Nearby is a seaside park with nature walks and picnic tables.

Black Bay, Sandys Parish. Shallow, crystal water laps a secluded beach as calm as a pond, but it usually disappears at high tide. On Ireland Island South, the little beach is opposite the Royal Naval Cemetery.

Chaplin Bay, Southampton Parish. This beach offers great swimming and snorkelling and easy walking paths to Horseshoe Bay. Surrounded by cliffs, this small cove next to Stonehole Bay makes a secluded afternoon respite.

Church Bay, Southampton Parish. Perhaps the best snorkelling spot on the island, this cove gives a glimpse of colourful fish and coral reefs. A concession stand rents snorkelling gear in the summer. The top of the cliff offers a great photo op and a place for a picnic.

Horseshoe Bay Beach, Southampton Parish. Rent a lounge chair and umbrella and prepare to spend the day at the country’s most popular pink beach. The lively spot is usually crowded with locals and visitors, particularly on weekends and when a cruise ship comes in. At times seems like a Spring Break party. A café offers burgers, pizza and ice cream. Reliable waves attract body surfers, but calm pools of water at the end of the beach are suitable for small children. Amenities include restrooms, outdoor showers and lifeguards in the summer.

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Jobson’s Cove, Warwick Parish.Tucked between limestone cliffs and a gin-clear pool of water, the pink beach makes a perfect afternoon, although it can get crowded when cruise ships come in. Excellent for snorkelling, as the water is just 6.5 feet (2 metres) deep offshore. No buildings encroach the feeling of seclusion.

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Mangrove Bay, Sandys Parish. Colourful wooden fishing boats and shady coconut palms give this beach a feeling of authentic Bermuda. Enjoy a quiet swim in this tranquil bay near Somerset, which has both public and private beaches.

Parson’s Bay, Sandys Parish. Families with children appreciate this small beach, off the beaten track near Royal Naval Dockyard.

Snorkel Park Beach, Sandys Parish. Royal Naval Dockyard’s Snorkel Park Beach may be the most fun beach in Bermuda because all of the exciting water sports and activities you want are in one fantastic beachfront location. Rent a Jet Ski for a guided island tour. Kayak or snorkel with a digital camera mask over stunning coral reefs just feet from the sheltered beach. Relax and enjoy spectacular views, sunsets, great food and refreshing drinks at Hammerheads Bar & Grill or Club SPB. Day into night, it all happens at Snorkel Park Beach. (234-6989, snorkelparkbeach.com)

Somerset Long Bay, Sandys Parish.With reefs just a few yards offshore, this beach, part of a park co-owned by the Bermuda National Trust and the Bermuda Audubon Society, is a great place for snorkelling and communing with nature. Off Long Bay Road, this vantage is well suited to beach-combing or long walks in seclusion, especially during sunset. The nature preserve offers great birdwatching and good spots for picnics.

Stonehole Bay, Warwick Parish. Next to Jobson’s Cove, the beach is rarely crowded. The sandy shoreline with large rocks disappears at high tide, but shallow waters beckon just offshore.

Warwick Long Bay, Warwick Parish. This scenic stretch of white sand spans a half-mile of coast. The beach is popular with swimmers, joggers and horseback riders, but is not as crowded as Horseshoe Bay Beach. Steep cliffs and shrubby hills provide privacy for sunbathers who may be avoiding families and crowds.

West Whale Bay, Southampton Parish. In March and April, beach-goers are treated to a parade of migrating humpback whales. The beach is secluded below Whale Bay Fort. Picnickers can spread out on the sand or take advantage of tables on a grassy field. When the tide is low, you can even wade out to the coral reefs. Public facilities are available.

Centre

Clarence Cove, Pembroke Parish. Inside Admiralty House Park, a national park, the two small beaches ring an exquisite lagoon. A dock that you can jump off and nature trails make this a popular place to spend an afternoon.

Elbow Beach, Paget Parish. This half-mile-long beach is popular with kitesurfers and windsurfers. Volleyball tournaments are often held on the soft sand. Home to three beachfront resorts, the beach is public, but accessible only from Tribe Road No. 4.

East End

Achilles Bay Beach, St. George’s Parish. Near Fort St. Catherine in St. George’s, this secluded spot is shaped like a heel, thus the name. Check out Blackbeard’s Hideout for a cocktail, lunch or dinner.

Bailey’s Bay, Hamilton Parish. Visit this sheltered harbour with a cluster of tiny beaches when the tide is low. At other times, they are fairly submerged.

Clearwater Beach, St. George’s Parish. With a kids’ playground and other recreational activities, the nearby airport does not seem to disturb visitors to this popular spot on St. David’s Island. Families appreciate the lifeguards in summer, as well as amenities like Gombey’s restaurant and bar serving local treats. Patches of turtle grass create a haven for turtles and fish.

John Smith’s Bay, Smith’s Parish. This beach is extra pretty in pink and lined with coconut palms — more popular with residents than visitors, who often don’t know about it. The bay was named for Capt. John Smith, who probably never visited Bermuda (historians are not sure), but nonetheless drew a map of the place in 1631. There are occasional rip currents, but a lifeguard is on duty during summer. The waters are shallow, and the fish are easy to spot.

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Shelly Bay Beach, Hamilton Parish. Kids can splash in shallow waters along this northern stretch of white-sand shore. Find snacks and equipment rental along with a playground, soccer fields and a cricket pitch. A tidal cove enclosed by mangroves draws a variety of nesting birds.

Tobacco Bay, St. George’s Parish. With more facilities than most beaches — sporting equipment for rent, shops offering hats and sunscreen, a place to eat and drink — this relaxing spot near the town of St. George is especially popular with families. Pursue your quest for the perfect tan, cool off with a refreshing swim, even snorkel around the rocks. The shallow water is safe for kids. Top off the day at Tobacco Bay Concession, with a deck to enjoy your favourite beer or wine, as well as lunch or dinner. (297-2756)

Turtle Bay, St. George’s Parish. Get away from it all at this remote beach next to Clearwater Beach, east of the airport, outside the former NASA station.

Beach Facts
When it comes to Bermuda’s beaches, there are a few things to keep in mind:

Many resort beaches are private, but only above the high-water mark. The water is public and accessible by boat or foot.
Public beaches are open from sunrise to sunset.
There is no camping or sleeping allowed on any beach.
Nude sunbathing is expressly forbidden on public beaches.

Know Before You Go
Many beaches behind large resorts are private. Still, Bermuda has plenty of shoreline to go around! Plus, even the private areas are off-limits only above the high-water mark, so the water itself is still public, accessible by boat or foot.

Amongst the colourful fauna is the occasional Portuguese man-of-war, a brilliant purple-blue jellyfish-like organism that propels across the ocean using gas bladders resembling the sails of Portuguese warships. They are not jellyfish. Infamous for their painful sting, their tendrils can extend 165 feet (50 metres). If stung, scrape off any remaining man-of-war tissue with something plastic like a credit card (not your fingers). Then rinse with seawater, followed by hot water. Do not use vinegar! And seek medical attention immediately.

Public beaches open from sunrise to sunset. There is no camping, sleeping, or nude sunbathing allowed. In season, the Bermuda Lifeguard Service watches the larger, more popular spots.

Getting there
It's easy to reach a beach in Bermuda. Hop on a bicycle or moped or take a taxi. Buses make beach stops as well. Pick up bus schedules at the central bus terminal on Washington Street in Hamilton or stop by your hotel concierge desk. To learn more, check out the Fast Facts and Transportation sections of our site.

Safe Swimming
The Bermuda Department of Parks provides lifeguards at Horseshoe Beach, John Smith's Bay, Clearwater Beach and Turtle Bay from May through October. They're on duty day seven days a week on specified dates from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. A white flag flying from the tower means that a guard is on duty; a red flag means that the beach is closed because of dangerous conditions; a yellow flag with a black slash indicates that surf is hazardous and only strong swimmers should enter the water.

Snorkel Park
Next to the National Museum of Bermuda, Royal Naval Dockyard
Tel: 234-6989 (beach) /234-2100 (watersports)
E-mail: info@snorkelparkbeach.com
Website: www.snorkelparkbeach.com

Dockyard’s Snorkel Park Beach may offer the most watersport excitement and fun beach activities in Bermuda. Rent a Jet Ski for guided island tours. Kayak on turquoise waters or snorkel with a digital camera mask over stunning coral reefs, just feet from a sheltered beach. Kids love the giant water slide, fun floats and paddleboats. Join a game of beach volleyball or just chill, island style, with a bite to eat and cool refreshment as you watch the Bermudaful day go by.