Where to Find the Best Beaches in Bermuda

From much of the East Coast, getting to Bermuda, takes just a couple hours by air, making it an easy island getaway. Between the excellent rum and the beautiful pastel palette of the tropical British territory, many lump Bermuda in with the Caribbean, however it’s actually located off on its own in the North Atlantic Ocean.

Bermuda has all the ingredients you need for a rejuvenating break from reality: easygoing locals, plenty of sunshine, and some of the best beaches on Earth. With iconic pink sands and waters too blue to believe, Bermuda’s beaches come in a rainbow of hues, but all offer the same shortcut to deliverance from the worries of this world.

Of all the things to do in Bermuda, hitting the famous pink-sand beaches is obviously top of list. We’ve rounded up the best beaches in Bermuda for your seagoing pleasure, but it’s up to you to remember to pack a pair of Bermuda shorts.

The crown jewel of Bermudian beaches, Horseshoe Bay Beach sports the pink sand and mind-blowingly blue water that make the island famous. Located in Southampton, on the southern coast of the main island, Horseshoe Bay Beach — so named for its distinct horseshoe shape — is consistently ranked among the best beaches in the world. It’s a hotspot for tourists, but the striking natural beauty of the spot deserves every bit of its immense popularity.

Pictured above.

Tiny, tucked-away Jobson’s Cove is surrounded by limestone and hardened volcanic lava rocks, making for one of the best swimming holes in Bermuda (and a popular proposal spot). Its pink-sand beach is almost completely enclosed by the tall structures, forming a shallow lagoon that’s ideal for families and snorkelers who enjoy the serenity of a protected cove setting. Jobson’s Cove is a short walk away from the beach at Warwick Long Bay.

Warwick Long Bay is one of the longest beaches in Bermuda, and with half-sunken rocks and a semi-submerged coral reef located just offshore, it’s a snorkeler’s paradise. Plus, the facilities at nearby South Shore Park make for a seamless day at the beach — there’s restrooms, a playground, and even a concession cart with snacks and snorkel gear rentals available during the summer months.

Head to West Whale Bay Beach in late winter or early spring and you may get lucky enough to spot a humpback whale on its annual migration past the island. If the live offshore entertainment isn’t enough to keep you transfixed at this smaller, more secluded beach spot, shore fishing in the shallow cyan waters while surrounded by scenic cliffs ought to do the trick.

Another of the famous pink-sand beaches of Bermuda, Elbow Beach — located just a few miles from Hamilton, Bermuda’s candy-colored capital city — has a gentle curve that extends for nearly a mile. While part of the beach serves as the backyard of the iconic Elbow Beach Bermuda Resort & Spa, much of it is public. Offshore reefs form a protective barrier around Elbow Beach, resulting in consistently calm waters that beachgoers and swimmers adore.

Snorkeling Church Bay is a bit like snorkeling inside a fish tank, making this spot arguably the best place to snorkel in Bermuda (though some would say it’s tied with Tobacco Bay Beach). Just off the shoreline, the reefs of Church Bay teem with colorful sea life, and the waters of the bay stay calm, providing great underwater visibility. The beach is located within Church Bay Park, which offers access to amenities including restrooms, picnic areas, and a stand where you can rent snorkeling equipment and buy food.

The unique layout of Tobacco Bay Beach resembles a pool fashioned by Mother Nature herself. Encircled by rocky limestone outcroppings, the protected bay is the ideal place to spend the beach day of your daydreams; not only are the water conditions perfect for snorkeling, the onsite beach bar will keep you satiated with rum drinks and fresh island cuisine all day long. Once the sun sets, Tobacco Bay Beach transforms into a nightlife hotspot with beach bonfires and live music.

Located on a remote and somewhat hard-to-reach stretch of the southern shore of Bermuda, Astwood Cove Beach is worth every wind in the steep trail that leads down to it: Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted with undisturbed beauty in the form of a private beach cove that you just may have all to yourself for the day. The area is connected to Astwood Park, where you can use the beach facilities, but Astwood Cove itself is hidden at the base of cliffs that make for a dramatic backdrop to a particularly eye-catching stretch of sand.

One of the perks of Shelly Bay Beach is that it’s backed by a line of trees, which can provide the welcome reprieve of shade when the unrelenting sunshine of the tropics gets to be too much. In addition, Shelly Bay is a hit with families because the waters remain shallow even at high tide, creating a safe place for kids to splash in the water. There’s also a playground steps from the sand.

Like a bit of history to go with your beach reading? Located in St. George’s Parish, the northernmost tip of Bermuda is capped by a historic stone fort that dates back to the early 1600s. In the shadow of Fort St. Catherine, which now houses a museum dedicated to the history of Bermuda, you’ll find a stretch of beach known as St. Catherine’s Beach. If you grow tired of staring at the beach’s swaying palms and cerulean waters, you can cross a wooden drawbridge and explore the fort’s many tunnels and towers.