15 Best Beaches in Bermuda

Written by Jan Meeuwesen
Updated on
Our travel recommendations are based on our personal experiences and research, written by locals and travel experts with deep familiarity with the destination. When you book a hotel or tour that we link to, we may earn a commission.

Bermuda is a British territory in the western North Atlantic Ocean which is made up of seven distinctive islands and approximately 170 additional isles.

Best known for its pink sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters and coral reefs lying close to the shoreline, there is a lot of history to discover in Bermuda – it was involved in many historical events, dating back to the English civil war in the mid-1600’s.

Although Bermuda has a subtropical climate year-round, it is best enjoyed in September and October, when the humidity drops but the water temperature is still pleasant.

Since Bermuda is known for its picturesque beaches, let’s take a look at the best 15 beaches in Bermuda to make life easier for you when you arrive.

1. Horseshoe Bay Beach

Horseshoe Bay Beach, BermudaSource: Alexander Sviridov / shutterstock
Horseshoe Bay Beach

Sometimes it’s good to visit the most anticipated beach on the island first – in Bermuda’s case, it’s Horseshoe Bay Beach, also known as one of the top 20 beaches in the world by ‘Conde Nast Traveler.’ Horseshoe Bay Beach in Southampton Bermuda is formed in the shape of a horseshoe, with pale-pink sand.

The crystal-clear water makes this beach the perfect spot to snorkel, especially if you go offshore near the rocks.

You can expect to see snapper, angelfish, and many other colorful creatures.

If you are up for a small walk, there are many secluded coves in the area.

The locals recommend ‘Port Royal Cove.’ This cove area is the best place for children to swim and feed parrot and angelfish right out of their hands.

Horseshoe Bay Beach Café is a great place to have lunch and take in the views of the Atlantic.

This is a must-see beach while visiting Bermuda, especially for photographers.

2. Tobacco Bay Beach

Tobacco Bay Beach, BermudaSource: Andrew F. Kazmierski / shutterstock
Tobacco Bay Beach

Tobacco Bay Beach was explored by a group of castaways in the early 1600’s.

After exploring the island of Bermuda, they came across something rather abnormal and uncommon, which was tobacco growing in the wild.

In honor of their encounter, they named the region Tobacco Bay Beach.

Since the water is rather shallow, crystal clear, and surrounded by limestone rocks, it is one of the best snorkeling spots in Bermuda.

The fun doesn’t stop there; there is a family-friendly restaurant located on the beach where you can enjoy some tasty beverages and wahoo nuggets (a local favorite). You don’t have to leave when the sun goes down.

In fact, you will enjoy yourself more if you stay.

After the sun sets there are bonfires, live music, and happy hour specials.

You might even have more fun at Tobacco Bay Beach at night than during the day.

3. Long Beach (Coopers Island Natural Reserve)

Long Beach, BermudaSource: Daniel Cassidy / shutterstock
Long Beach, Bermuda

You will find Coopers Island Natural Reserve or Long Beach located at the southeastern tip of Bermuda.

This is not your typical beach – there are so many activities on offer.

From views of Castle Harbor to a broad range of walking trails, snorkeling, turtle spotting, bird watching, picnic areas, and many additional natural attractions, this will be a day for the books.

If you take a wander at some point throughout the day to the Wildlife Observation Tower – located at the end of the peninsula – you’ll have incredible views of the Bermuda seaboard – it’s a great location to spot whales.

It wasn’t until 1995 that this Natural Reserve became unrestricted, due to the US military using this reserve as a NASA space tracking system.

With the abundance of wildlife activities and history on offer, you’ll want to add it to your beach bucket list.

4. Elbow Beach

Elbow Beach, BermudaSource: Stephen Bonk / shutterstock
Elbow Beach

Elbow Beach is situated between Elbow Beach Resort and Coral Beach Tennis Club.

The gentle curve in the beach, which resembles an elbow, is how the beach received its name.

Since the beach stretches to Elbow Beach Resort, part of the shore is privately owned, but a good stretch of it is public.

No resort is going to build on a beach that is not physically appealing, so you know this striking pink-shore beach is worth your time.

The water at Elbow Beach is calm, thanks to the coral reef that sticks close to the shoreline.

This makes it an ideal spot to snorkel, paddleboard and kayak.

You can rent paddleboards and kayaks, along with other water sports equipment, at ‘Bluewater Divers’ on the beach.

With little shade on Elbow Beach, it’s recommended you bring an umbrella or hat for protection.

You don’t want to risk getting sunstroke with all the beaches you still have to explore in Bermuda.

5. Jobson’s Cove Beach

Jobson’s Cove BeachSource: Aarika Sandlin / shutterstock
Jobson’s Cove Beach

A small beach encircled by cliffs and disjointed from the sea, Jobson’s Cove Beach is adjacent to Warwick Long Bay and is located in Bermuda’s Warwick parish.

An early settler in the 17th century – who went by the name of William Jobson – owned and operated this beach and decided to name the beach after himself.

This is an ideal place to relax with friends and family or even take some time out for yourself.

It’s a local favorite because of the pink sand, mild waves and the true chilled-out feels.

The limestone rocks and hardened volcanic lava do a great job of blocking the wind.

The cove is no more than 2-meters deep.

Restroom facilities are a short walk from Jobson’s Cove.

This place is a child’s dream.

6. Warwick Long Bay Beach

Warwick Long Bay BeachSource: ARENA Creative / shutterstock
Warwick Long Bay Beach

Warwick Long Bay Beach is best described as a half-mile stretch of unspoiled pink sand, with a setting of cedar trees and crystal-clear turquoise water.

It’s by far one of the most scenic and pleasant beaches in Bermuda.

Have you dreamed about sunbathing on pink sand with a view that would take your breath away? Warwick Long Bay Beach is that exact place and will not disappoint.

Fragments of shells and corals are what lend the pink hues to the sand.

There is no better place for solitude.

Only 20 minutes from Hamilton by bus, this beach is easily accessible and convenient for a day of enjoyment.

7. Astwood Cove Beach

Astwood Cove BeachSource: kansasphoto / Flickr
Astwood Cove Beach

By now you have probably realized that every beach in Bermuda has crystal-clear water and perfect conditions for snorkeling.

But there are certain aspects of each beach that make it unique and perfect in its own way.

Astwood Cove is a secluded beach surrounded by cliffs.

You will need to hike a bit in order to reach the beach.

The steep cliffs make it a bit of a climb, but definitely worth doing.

This beach might be one of the most romantic spots in Bermuda because of the secluded-ness.

Many tropical birds live within the cliffs, so the only thing that could disrupt the romantic vibe would be the birds and other travelers that hike down.

8. West Whale Beach

The key word for this beach is ‘whale.’ Back in the 18th Century, this beach received its name because it was near Bermuda’s whaling grounds, which no longer exist in this day and age.

However, the whales do frequent Bermuda each year in the spring and you may spot a humpback whale if you’re lucky.

West Whale Beach is located at the western end of Southampton Parish.

The low tide and shallow waters make West Whale Beach a family friendly area.

Bring a rod along, because West Whale Beach is a good spot for fishing.

Whale Bay Fort – a fortress that was built in the 1700’s – is a great spot overlooking the shore.

If you are feeling adventurous, it’s worth the view.

9. Church Bay Beach

Church Bay BeachSource: V J Matthew / shutterstock
Church Bay Beach

Jump on bus #7 to reach Church Bay Beach for a beach day that will rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul.

Church Bay Beach is unique; it differs from the other beaches in that it is quite a bit smaller and very rocky, but it still has the famous pink sand.

There is a rock out in the water that resembles a poodle, which is locally known as the poodle rock.

The water gets deep quite fast, so make sure you keep an eye on your children if it’s a family day out.

Other than that, it’s a great beach to snap a few pics, go for a dip, see a few fish, relax and call it a day.

10. Black Bay Beach and Park

Three tiny coves with corresponding beaches make up Black Bay Beach and Park, but with high tide, some of the beaches come and go.

Just down from the Royal Naval Dockyard, located on the west end of Bermuda, this little piece of paradise is known for discovering colorful sea glass dispersed amid the sand.

Bring a lunch, relax around the picnic tables, and take in all the serene sights.

It’s fun, it’s free – what more could you want?

11. Somerset Long Beach Bay

Somerset Long Beach Bay is more of a local’s paradise since it’s off the beaten path.

The shallow water makes this beach one of the better ones for snorkeling.

The park next to it is great for picnics, to use the restrooms, and for children to play on the playground.

This beach is located in Sandys Parish; it’s close to the cruise ship terminal and dockyard.

If picnics are something you fancy, you can buy food and drinks at the supermarket in Somerset village.

12. Clarence Cove

Clarence Cove, BermudaSource: strobie42 / Flickr
Clarence Cove, Bermuda

Northwest of the city of Hamilton, you will find a small, quaint beach, which is Clarence Cove.

The north of Bermuda is not as widely known for its beaches as the south, but this one is an exception.

You will notice a stairway at the end of the beach that goes directly into the water.

There are two other beaches in nearby proximity – Spanish Point Park and Deep Bay.

Both places are great for snorkeling.

If you have never seen an underwater cave, you don’t know what you’ve been missing out on; head to Clarence Cove to find out.

Bring your underwater camera too, if you have one.

13. Shelly Bay Beach

Shelly BaySource: BermudaMike / Flickr
Shelly Bay

Rated number one for children and families because of the shallow waters, Shelly Bay Beach is an ideal shoreline to take a dip and spend the afternoon getting out on the water.

Many people enjoy windsurfing and renting snorkeling gear.

This beach is located in Hamilton Parish.

It was named after Henry Shelly, who was one of the crew members of the wrecked vessel ‘Sea Venture.

’ You can explore a scenic reserve by following the wooden boardwalk on the western edge of the beach.

The boardwalk boasts stunning views of the crystal-clear water and the different rock formations.

The only downfall is the proximity to the road – it can be loud from traffic noise from time to time.

14. Daniels Head Beach Park

Through the peninsula, tucked away in the western area of Sandy’s Parish, lies Daniels Head Park and Beach.

Although it is facing the Atlantic Ocean, this beach is quiet and peaceful.

Spread along 17 acres of coast, there are nine beaches and a park located in the same area.

Daniels Head is not widely known to tourists, so when you visit, you will realize why it’s kept a secret.

Daniels Head Beach Park was formerly used as the base for the Canadian Army in the World War II. You can spot a small island off in the distance, which is known as Daniel’s Island.

It’s a unique place to add to your travel list.

15. Stonehole Bay Beach

Stonehole Bay Beach, BermudaSource: Yingna Cai / shutterstock
Stonehole Bay Beach, Bermuda

Close enough to the action but far enough away to be its own piece of paradise, Stonehole Bay is close to the famous Horseshoe Bay Beach, located along the south shore, and Chaplin Bay Beach.

The best way to access the beach is via Horseshoe Bay Beach.

It cannot be reached during high tide, so it’s best to anticipate spending the morning and mid-afternoon at Stonehole Bay Beach.

There are many trails following the south shore that provide stunning views of the water and picturesque views over the cliffs.

When you are so close to Horseshoe Bay Beach, why not kill two birds with one stone?



15 Best Beaches in Bermuda:

  • Horseshoe Bay Beach
  • Tobacco Bay Beach
  • Long Beach (Coopers Island Natural Reserve)
  • Elbow Beach
  • Jobson’s Cove Beach
  • Warwick Long Bay Beach
  • Astwood Cove Beach
  • West Whale Beach
  • Church Bay Beach
  • Black Bay Beach and Park
  • Somerset Long Beach Bay
  • Clarence Cove
  • Shelly Bay Beach
  • Daniels Head Beach Park
  • Stonehole Bay Beach