Beaches: In the Pink

Bermuda's beaches aren't for the birds, but they were created by birds, at least in part. That, says geologist Bruce Rueger, explains why 10 percent of Bermuda sand is composed of crystalline quartz — a mineral otherwise not found in the archipelago.

Scientists classify Bermuda's sand as "carbonate," made up primarily of crushed coral and shells. The sand gets its signature pink hue from a single-celled, scarlet protozoan in the order Foraminifera that clings to the underside of reefs.

The volcanic rocks that underlie Bermuda don't contain enough silica to form quartz crystals. How then did crystalline quartz find its way into the deposits Rueger dug from the bottom of Lover's Lake?

"I started thinking, 'This isn't right,'" Rueger recalls. Then it came to him: Birds!

Birds tend to aid digestion by ingesting pebbles, excreted when no longer needed. Bermuda, it seems, is smack in the middle of a major migratory route. For eons, Rueger surmises, southbound birds have dropped billions of quartz crystals on the islands' shores.

You aren't likely to hit the beaches here to analyse sand samples. You have come to have fun in the sun, and you will.

Bermuda boasts a beach to please every sort of shore lover. Family-friendly hideaways snuggle against gentle, shallow bays. Out-of-the-way coves seem to have been made for hand-in-hand strolls, and myriad other beaches serve up a range of activities for kids and grownups alike. You can paddle a kayak, snorkel to your heart's delight, mount a horse and canter through the gentle surf, or simply let your worries go under the sun's warming rays.

Shallow waters and pristine ecosystems characterise many beaches along the north shore. Beaches on the south shore are amongst the most photographed in the world, perfect for swimming, snorkelling and surfing.

Ready for a dip? Grab a towel and a tube of sunscreen and make a day of it. Here are just some of the Bermuda beaches waiting to welcome you.

Achilles Bay Beach. Near Fort St. Catherine in St. George's, this secluded spot is shaped like a heel, thus its name, which evokes the myths of ancient Greece.

Astwood Cove. Snorkellers favour this rocky shoreline in Warwick Parish. So do couples in search of a scenic wedding backdrop. Nearby is a park for nature walks and picnic lunches.

Bay Island. Visit this cluster of tiny beaches off Bailey's Bay when the tide is low. Otherwise, they are all but submerged.

Black Bay. Off Ireland Island's Malabar Road are three tiny beaches, unprotected but pleasantly private.

Chaplin Bay. Divided by a coral wall and 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 reefs lure snorkellers and other lovers of water sports to this scenic beach in Southampton Parish.

Clarence Cove. Two small beaches ring an exquisite lagoon on the north shore in Pembroke Parish. A trail to the beach winds down from the hillside. The beach is at Admiralty House Park along Spanish Point Road.

Clearwater Beach. With a playground for kids and other recreational activities, this is a popular spot off St. David's Island. The nearby airport does not seem to disturb beachgoers. Families appreciate the lifeguard in summer as well as amenities such as Gombey's restaurant and bar, serving local treats. Off shore, stretches of turtle grass create a haven for turtles and fish.

Elbow Beach. Despite its name, this beach is not shaped like an elbow. It sits between Elbow Beach Bermuda Resort and Coral Beach Club, and attracts swimmers, windsurfers, snorkellers and kite enthusiasts. Only a portion of the beach is public. You can reach it from Tribe Road #4.

Grape Bay Beach. This beach is near Hamilton, but you must venture a way to reach it. Greeted by soft sands, blue water, and blessed peace and quiet, you will not regret having made the effort.

Horseshoe Bay Beach and Park. Bring your camera! The horseshoe-shaped shoreline is surrounded on either side by limestone cliffs and has been rated by USA Today as a favourite beach for lovers. Waters can be rough at times, but there is a lifeguard on duty during the summer. You can play volleyball, go for a beach run or catch some rays on the soft sand. You will find a restaurant, showers and other beach amenities.

Jobson's Cove. Another great photo opportunity: Next to Warwick Long Bay, the sheltered beach is good for snorkelling. You can spot fish even without gear.

John Smith's Bay. This beach is pretty in pink. The bay was named for Capt. John Smith, who never visited Bermuda but nonetheless drew a map of the place in 1631. There are periodic riptides, but a lifeguard is on duty during the summer, when locals tend to come. The waters are fairly shallow, and it is very easy to see fish along the reef.

Mangrove Bay. This tranquil bay rests near Somerset Village and has both public and private beaches. The public beach, popular with families, is lined with mangroves along the curving shore.

Parson's Bay. Families with children appreciate this small beach off the beaten track.

Peel Bay. Get in touch with your inner self at this small, tranquil South Shore spot near Horseshoe Bay.

Shelly Bay Beach. Don't worry about the kids as they splash in the shallow water along this seemingly endless stretch of shore. Children also enjoy a fairly large playground, and you will find a snack stand and equipment-rental station. A tidal cove enclosed by mangroves draws a variety of nesting birds. Nearby is the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum & Zoo, in Flatts Village.

Snorkel Park. Hailed as one of Bermuda's most exciting venues, it is in the northeast corner of Royal Naval Dockyard. Visitors pass through a limestone tunnel to get to the tropical beachlike setting. It features palm trees, an array of beach equipment and an unbeatable view of the ocean. A large gazebo houses Hammerheads Bar and Grill, which serves cocktails and snacks. At night the beach comes alive with music and other entertainment.

Somerset Long Bay. Off Long Bay Road, this beach features tranquil, shallow waters perfect for frolicking kids. A nearby park offers opportunities for picnics and family fun.

Stonehole Bay. A sandy shoreline scattered with large rocks disappears at high tide, but shallow waters beckon just off the beach.

Tobacco Bay. Turtles and colourful fish are among the inhabitants of the coral and rock formations just off the shore of the east-side beach near St. George's. Onsite facilities enable you to rent sporting equipment, pick up sundries and enjoy a bite to eat.

Turtle Bay. You can get away from it all at this beach that sits just outside the now-closed NASA station.

Warwick Long Bay. There is much to do on this scenic stretch, popular with swimmers, joggers and horseback riders. Steep cliffs and shrub-covered hills give privacy to sunbathers. Bird watchers like to scour the flock-filled bay-grape and cedar trees. From May to October, rent snorkels, masks and fins.

West Whale Bay. In March and April, beachgoers are treated to a parade of migrating humpback whales. Picnickers feast on the sand or at tables in a nearby grassy field. Public facilities are available, and when the tide is low, you can wade out to the coral reefs.

Know Before You Go
Many of Bermuda's beaches hug hotels and resorts and are open only to paying guests. But there are plenty of public beaches to enjoy, too. Public beaches are closed from sunset to sunrise. They offer toilets but no changing rooms or showers except at Horseshoe Bay.

Water temperature can reach 29° C in August but dip to below 17° C in winter. Most locals wait until at least the end of May before heading to their favourite spots and usually stop swimming by Labour Day.

Be advised that nude or semi-nude sunbathing is not permitted in Bermuda, and appropriate dress must be worn while en route to the beaches. Walking around town in swimwear is considered a no-no.

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.

Gombeys Restaurant & Bar
Clearwater Beach, Southside St. David's
Tel: 293-5092

Have a great dining experience in a spacious, open environment at one of Bermuda's largest beaches and best establishments: Clearwater Beach and Gombey's Restaurant & Bar. Gombey's has a variety of island foods, cocktails and music, with warm, friendly staff and the rental of snorkel equipment, paddleboats, bikes, umbrellas and chairs. Plan a game of volleyball. Enjoy a walk in the nearby nature reserve. Visit Turtle Beach, just yards away. Gombey's awaits seven to 10 minutes from the cruise-ship port and the town of St. George, a short drive by bus, minivan or taxi. Gombey's opens Tuesday to Sunday 10 a.m. until late. Catering for special celebrations is available to large and small parties.

Snorkel Park
Royal Naval Dockyard
Tel: 234-6989

Discover all of the exciting features of Snorkel Park. Just minutes from bus and ferry stops, it surprises visitors as they emerge through a limestone tunnel to find a tropical beach setting complete with an array of beach equipment and amenities.

Whether you're looking to kick back and relax or to have some fun, Snorkel Park is the place not to be missed. From snorkel gear, paddleboats and kayaks to inflatable toys and water slides for kids, Snorkel Park offers something for everyone.

Adventurous visitors may try the fun, new underwater scooters, take a Snuba tour, or hop aboard the banana boat for a wet and wild ride over open water. Beneath the waves, you can explore the wonders of a natural coral reef showcasing beautiful tropical fish and a sunken sloop, appropriately named Seahorse.

Back on shore, join us at Hammerheads Bar, Bermuda's hot spot for day and night enjoyment. Sample local rum potions as you gaze over the turquoise sea. Feeling hungry? Pop downstairs to the grill for a variety of tasty dishes and snacks.

Snorkel Park is open daily from 9 a.m. Admission is free, and friendly staff members will do their best to make your visit memorable. They look forward to seeing you soon!

Tobacco Bay Concession
Tobacco Bay, St. George's
Tel: 297-2756

Tobacco Bay is a beautiful, sheltered, secluded beach — a favourite of visitors and locals alike and especially popular with families. If you are looking for the perfect tan, a refreshing swim or a snorkelling adventure around the rocks, Tobacco Bay is the place to visit. The clear, shallow water ensures safety for kids.

Tobacco Bay's facilities include a deck dining area that specialises in local cuisine, a beer-and-wine bar, a gift shop and braiding services. Tobacco Bay also rents snorkel gear, umbrellas and loungers to make your day comfortable and fun. Tobacco Bay is the family fun place in St. George's!

DID YOU KNOW? The quaint custom of Easter kite flying is said to have begun sometime after World War II, when a Bermuda Sunday school teacher launched a kite to illustrate the concept of Christ's ascension to Heaven.

DID YOU KNOW? Pink-sand beaches are found only in Bermuda, the Bahamas and a few places in Scotland.

DID YOU KNOW? There are 1.8 billion grains of sand in a cubic foot of beach. Each grain weighs 0.0000001 kg.

DID YOU KNOW? Over the years, pounding waves erode the bright red skeletons of protozoan foraminifers and the remains mix with other ocean debris, such as coral, white clam and sea urchins. Eventually, the mixture becomes the rose-coloured sand that has made Bermuda beaches famous.

DID YOU KNOW? May 24 is the traditional "first swim of the year" in Bermuda.

DID YOU KNOW? Bermuda's waters seem to be much bluer than those of other places because of low levels of phytoplankton.

Find the beach locations on the map here, or find a great place to stay and make your reservations for air and hotel online today!

Make your Bermuda trip even more memorable with dolphins! Dolphin Quest offers fun, interactive dolphin encounter programs for all. Book your adventure today!

Have a fun-filled vacation with a cycle from Oleander. If you can ride a bicycle, you can easily ride an Oleander scooter. See all of Bermuda...reserve one today!

Getting Around Bermuda Relax, enjoy, save and see Bermuda by bus. A blue or pink pole indicates bus stops. If the pole is topped with blue, the bus travels from Hamilton; if the pole is topped pink, the route is toward Hamilton.