Unbeatable Beaches

Bermuda’s beaches are world-renowned for their pristine, coral-tinged beauty, and there are hundreds of them around the island. Whether you’re staying at a dedicated beach resort, or at an inland guesthouse, you are never far away from the shoreline (Bermuda is less than a couple of miles wide at its widest point). Although some are officially private, belonging to resorts or restricted neighborhoods, all of Bermuda’s beaches are open to the public sunrise to sunset from the water’s edge to the high-tide mark.

You can swim all year round (though Bermudians don’t). Water temperatures in summer can reach a balmy 85 degrees; winter dips to an average 65. The first official beach day is May 24, when boaters take to the water to kick off the season, but most locals wait until June to make their first beach foray. Mid-summer’s Cup Match holiday is the ultimate beach extravaganza, with practically every inch of shoreline occupied by family outings and elaborate seaside camping parties. Fancy Christmas Day at the water’s edge? Hardy expatriate residents have long celebrated the morning of December 25 with a dip and champagne toast at Elbow Beach; some don Santa hats and bring mini trees, complete with ornaments, for the festive occasion.

Concessions—for boogie boards, noodles, masks and snorkels, hair-braiding, umbrellas, and refreshments—can be found at many major beaches, particularly those along the South Shore. Hard-core surfing is rare, because Bermuda’s rollers are usually not large enough, hurricane season excepted. There are no nude or topless beaches, and baring all on this conservative island will only land you in trouble with the law.

Government lifeguards are posted on just a handful of the most popular strands, identifiable by their white huts with posted flag. Be careful of riptides and undertow on the South Shore, especially during hurricane season when swells surge the coast propelled by approaching storms.

Beach Regions

South Shore

The South Shore has some of Bermuda’s best-known beaches: Horseshoe Bay, Warwick Long Bay, and Elbow Beach, all stunningly panoramic, with long stretches of clean, soft sand, turquoise breakers, and boiler reefs for snorkeling just a few yards from the surf. There are also tiny gems like Jobson’s Cove — sheltered swimming holes perfect for children, novices, or romantics seeking some solitude.

North Shore

The North Shore lacks surf — and often, sand — inviting swimmers to immerse themselves instead in the cerulean depths of shallow bays or by taking off-the-rocks dips. Clarence Cove, Robinson’s Bay, and Gibbet’s Island are all soothing escapes.

West End

In the West End, West Whale Bay and Somerset Long Bay are worth visiting. The 9 Beaches Resort in Sandys offers water sports like kiteboarding at its multiple strands, and the Snorkel Park at Dockyard has a rare on-the-beach restaurant plus bar. Private dinners actually served on the beach — at resorts like The Reefs and Cambridge Beaches — can also be arranged.

East End

At the East End, Clearwater Beach, Tobacco Bay, and St. Catherine’s Beach are all popular among East Enders. Lesser-known swimming spots such as Devonshire Bay and the Harrington Sound public dock offer varied swimming options. If you rent a sailboat, kayak, or motorboat and explore Bermuda from the water, you will find many more tiny coves and beaches on the inner islands around Hamilton Harbour and St. George’s Harbour.

Best Beaches

Most Beautiful Beaches

Horseshoe Bay (South Shore — Southampton): A sweeping pink stretch hemmed by emerald foliage and sparkling turquoise. . . plus showers, washrooms, a café, and beach gear rentals.

Warwick Long Bay (South Shore — Warwick): A serene antidote to neighboring beach crowds, with deep white sand and crashing surf.

Elbow Beach (South Shore — Paget): Offers pillow-soft sand and frolicking parrotfish, along with volleyball and kitesurfing.

John Smith’s Bay (South Shore — Smith’s): Framed by coconut palms, this picturesque bay has shady caves, a lifeguard, and nearby reefs for snorkeling.

Whale Bay (East End — Ferry Reach, St. George’s): A beachcomber’s treasure within a quiet nature reserve, thanks to its littering of washed-up beach glass.

Most Secluded Beaches

Astwood Cove (South Shore — Warwick): Hard to access, except by a steep cliff-side path, but the privacy and crystal-clear water are worth the trouble.

Jobson’s Cove (South Shore — Warwick): A favorite of romantics and families with children due to its cliff-sheltered swimming hole.

West Whale Bay (West End — Southampton): Hidden below Whale Bay Fort with a string of coves and caves connected by pristine sand at low tide.

Turtle Bay (East End — Southside, St. David’s): Situated on the former U.S. baselands, now called Southside, this small beach is tucked next to nature reserves and bird sanctuaries.

Best Snorkeling Beaches

Church Bay (South Shore — Southampton): Easy-reach boiler reefs make it a perennial top pick among devoted snorkelers.

Gibbet Island (North Shore — Smith’s): A tranquil collection of shallow bays popular with boaters, snorkelers, and children.

Dockyard Snorkel Park (West End — Royal Naval Dockyard): At the foot of towering ramparts, shallow waters and reef-speckled coastline prove a hit with locals and visitors alike.

Tobacco Bay (East End): A snorkeler’s heaven (when not crowded with cruise ship passengers), thanks to its natural underwater columns and reeflife.

Most Bermudian Beaches

Horseshoe Bay (South Shore — Southampton): Local teens and twentysomethings lend a beach party atmosphere to summer weekend afternoons here.

Clarence Cove (North Shore — Pembroke): A magnet for Admiralty Park neighborhood families and kids.

Robinson’s Bay (North Shore — Devonshire): Deep coves, a low-tide beach, and rock ledges attract families and fishermen.

Somerset Long Bay (West End — Somerset Island): Turtles can be seen grazing in the shallows, alongside a public park and nature reserve.

Clearwater Beach (East End — Southside, St. David’s): With its accessible water and nearby playground, parkland, and fast-food restaurants, this aptly-named swimming venue is a summer hotspot.

St. Catherine’s Beach (East End): A sandy arc on the island’s easternmost tip where shipwrecked English colonists struggled ashore.