Bermuda Beach Information Horseshoe Bay and Elbow Beaches

Beaches: La Vie en Rose

Life is always rosy on a Bermuda beach, where pink sands play with turquoise waters.

Vacation destinations make big claims about the purity of their beaches — sugary, pearly, alabaster — and some really are. But few can claim pink, and only Bermuda can offer a blend of powdery rose-colored sands and radiant turquoise shallows with deep ocean blues in the distance, all under a golden sun. How did these beaches get to be so pink? Besides the pulverised remains of calcium-carbonate shells and coral skeletons — found in beach sand anywhere — the beaches here contain two secret ingredients to give them their sparkle and hue.

They get their signature pink cast from tiny scarlet protozoans of the order Foraminifera, which cling to the reefs while alive, then colour the sands when dead. The beaches get their sparkling personalities from crystalline quartz, a mineral not native to these volcanic isles but transported here in the guts of migrating birds.

A simple walk on any Bermudian beach is a glorious event. Find dozens of favourite spots for sunbathing, swimming, beach-combing or games. Water temperature can reach 85 degrees F (29 degrees C) in August, but dip below 64 degrees F (18 degrees C) in winter — a bit nippy for locals but quite enjoyable for Canadians, Europeans and penguins.

Bermuda has a beach to please everyone. Kid-friendly hideaways snuggle on shallow bays. Secluded coves host romantic strolls. Paddle a kayak, snorkel through a reef or simply bask in the Atlantic sun.

Beaches along the south shore — among the most photographed in the world — are popular for watersports, as they whip up waves perfect for swimming, surfing and more. On the coral bluffs high above the rosy sands blossom fragrant summer flowers.

Along the north shore, meanwhile, shallow waters and pristine parks characterise the beaches.

On Good Friday, Bermudians across the islands hoist colourful handmade kites at the shores. During Cup Match each summer, cricket parties connected to the games via radio spill onto the public beaches.

Below find several of our favourites in the West End (Sandy’s, 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. Snorkellers favour this rocky shoreline located at the bottom of a steep, winding road in Warwick Parish. So do singles and couples escaping the more family-oriented beaches. Look in the cliffs for nesting Bermuda longtails. Nearby is a park for nature walks and picnic lunches.

Black Bay. Off Ireland Island’s Malabar Road near Royal Naval Dockyard are three tiny beaches unprotected, but pleasantly secluded.

Chaplin Bay. In Southampton surrounded by cliffs, this small shore between Stonehole Bay and Horseshoe Bay makes for a great place to read a good book or just work on your tan.

Church Bay. Colourful fish and coral reefs lure swimmers and snorkellers to this scenic beach in Southampton Parish.

Daniel’s Head Beach. Don’t like schedules? Ease into island life at your own pace. Check out Fantasea beachfront watersports centre at the ultra-casual 9 Beaches Resort. With over 20 years of experience, the largest selection of top-of-the-line equipment and the friendliest staff around, they have the resources to make your Bermuda vacation truly memorable. (236-1300)

Horseshoe Bay Beach. Bring the camera. This Southampton shoreline is surrounded by limestone cliffs, sheltered by offshore reefs, and rated by USA Today as a favourite beach for lovers. Waters can get rough, but lifeguards watch during summer. Play volleyball, go for a beach run or catch some rays on the soft sand. Look for the café, showers and other beach amenities.

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Jobson’s Cove. This Warwick Parish beach has the feel of a secret hideaway, only 30 feet (9 metres) wide in places. Excellent for snorkelling, the water is just 6.5 feet (2 metres) deep offshore. No buildings encroach the feeling of seclusion.

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Mangrove Bay. This tranquil bay near Somerset has both public and private beaches. The public beach, popular with families, is lined by mangroves and a curving shoreline.

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

Snorkel Park Beach. One of Bermuda’s most fun spots, at the far tip of Royal Naval Dockyard. Visitors enjoy not only the sands and palms but also the beach equipment and unbeatable view of the open ocean. The popular Hammerheads Bar and Grill, which serves cocktails and snacks, occupies a large gazebo. At night, this beach comes alive with music and entertainment. Snorkel Park Beach is open daily from 9 a.m. till 3 a.m. Admission is free, and friendly staff members will do their best to make your visit memorable.

Somerset Long Bay. Off Long Bay Road, this vantage is well suited to beach-combing or long walks in seclusion, especially during sunset. The nearby Bermuda Audubon Society nature reserve offers good spots for picnics and family fun.

Stonehole Bay. Rarely crowded, the sandy shoreline with large rocks disappears at high tide, but shallow waters beckon just offshore.

Warwick Long Bay. This scenic stretch popular with swimmers, joggers and horseback riders offers much to do. Steep cliffs and shrubby hills provide privacy for sunbathers who may be avoiding families and crowds. A long strand of sand provides plenty of space to stretch out. Birdwatchers like to inspect the abundant bay grape and cedar trees.

West Whale Bay. In March and April, beach-goers are treated to a parade of migrating humpback whales. 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. Two small beaches ring an exquisite lagoon on the north shore of Pembroke Parish. A trail to the beach, at Admiralty House Park along Spanish Point Road, winds down a hillside.

Elbow Beach. Taking its name from the Elbow Beach Bermuda resort, this beach attracts windsurfers, snorkellers and kite enthusiasts in addition to swimmers. Only a portion of the beach is public, accessible from Tribe Road No. 4.

Grape Bay Beach. Not far from Hamilton and well worth the trip, you’ll be greeted by soft sands, blue water, and blessed peace and quiet.

Jobson’s Cove Bay. Full of great photo opportunities, this sheltered beach in Warwick Parish is especially good for snorkelling. You can spot fish even without gear.

East End

Achilles Bay Beach. 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.

Bay Island. Visit this cluster of tiny beaches off Bailey’s Bay when the tide is low. At other times, they are fairly submerged.

Clearwater Beach. 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 lifeguard 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. This beach is extra pretty in pink — 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. Kids can splash in shallow waters along this northern stretch of shore in Hamilton Parish. Find snacks and equipment rental. A tidal cove enclosed by mangroves draws a variety of nesting birds. Nearby in Flatts Village is the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum & Zoo.

Tobacco Bay. With more facilities than most beaches — sporting equipment for rent, shop to find sundries, 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.

Turtle Bay. Get away from it all at this remote beach east of the airport, outside the former NASA station.

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.