Pink Sand Beaches
Bermuda offers an array of exquisite
beaches of pink sand and turquoise water. The sand contains
pink flecks that are the remains of a tiny organism known as red
foam. This combined with tiny particles of broken shells and bits
of coral create the pink hue of Bermuda's beautiful beaches.
Lifeguards are stationed on some of
the beaches during the summer; however, many are not and being
aware of the undercurrents and never swimming alone are two good
tips. There are some water activities with fabulous snorkeling and
diving offered on the reefs off South Shore at the larger
beaches.
A private picnic lunch or dinner at
the beach is a popular option. The less private beaches often offer
food and alcohol concessions.
Bermuda's top ten
beaches By James Whittaker
10 - John Smith's
Bay: Off the beaten track in Smith's parish, this popular
locals' beach is a little less crowded than the South Shore
destinations but still boasts soft sand and great swimming and
snorkelling. The
Harrington Hundreds grocery store is just a few
minutes away by moped if you want to make your own picnic. L,
B
9 - Cooper's Island Nature
Reserve: A tiny peninsula on the eastern edge of the
island, only recently opened to the public, Cooper's Island is
actually a series of small coves connected by almost a mile of
walking trails. The larger, but less picturesque (it's all
relative) Clearwater Beach is right next door. B
8 - West Whale Bay:
Named for the humpback whales that migrate past Bermuda in April
and May each year, this is as good a place for whale watching as
anywhere on the island. The grassy cliff-top that borders this
Southampton beach is a great spot for a picnic.
7 - Snorkel Park: A
great beach for families, out west in vibrant Dockyard. There are
inflatables for the kids to rent, great snorkelling for dad and
beach loungers for mum. L, B, C, R
6 - Warwick Long Bay:
To truly grasp the beauty of Bermuda's South Shore, walk the length
of Warwick Long Bay and clamber across the rocks, or take a detour
over the sand dunes to Jobson Cove and Chaplin Bay. On a quiet day
you will see more Longtails than fellow tourists. B, R
(seasonal)
5 - Shelly Bay: A
parents' dream beach, Shelly Bay boasts warm, shallow water, a soft
sandy bottom and backs on to a playground and sports field. A
favourite for kids and novice swimmers - and close to the bus
stop. C, B
4 - Church Bay: Swim
with shoals of brightly coloured parrot fish among the pristine
coral reef that pierces the water just yards from shore at this
small South Shore bay, widely revered as Bermuda's best beach for
snorkellers. R, B
3 - Elbow Beach: A
half-mile of white sand boasting stunning views of the Atlantic,
Elbow Beach, in Warwick, is a playground for joggers, kiteboarders,
beach volleyball players and SCUBA divers. There's even a shipwreck
within swimming distance of shore. You can join in the fun or just
hire a deckchair and sit back and watch. C, B, R.
2 - Tobacco Bay:
Famous for its stunning volcanic rock formations - natural
sculptures that emerge from the glassy water, this picturesque,
sheltered cove is also a snorkellers' dream. The short walk from
the old town of St. George is well worth it. C, B, R.
1 - Horseshoe
Bay: A crescent of soft, pink sand, lapped by clear blue
water, fringed by sand dunes and bordered with sandstone cliffs,
garnished with swaying palms - Horseshoe, in Southampton Parish, is
the Mecca of the island's beaches and a must for every Bermuda
visitor. C, B, R, L
KEY
B -
Bathrooms R - Rentals
C - Café L-Lifeguard
