11 Beaches You Need to Visit in Bermuda

Bermuda attracts beach lovers from around the world with its pink-sand shoreline and brilliant blue water. Across miles of uninterrupted coastline, visitors will find everything from shallow-watered coves perfect for families to bustling shorelines popular with tourists.

Considering a trip to the North Atlantic vacation destination? Here are 11 beaches you should not miss.

Astwood Cove

If you’re looking for seclusion, but are unwilling to compromise on beauty, head to Astwood Cove. Located at the base of cliffs at the end of vertiginous road on Bermuda’s southern shore, this remote beach is so tranquil that you may be the only person here. Gaze up at the dramatic cliffs, and see if you can spy the white-tailed Bermuda longtails that nest there.

Church Bay

The natural coral trail at the west end of this picturesque cove leads snorkelers to what are perhaps the best snorkeling conditions in Bermuda. Angelfish, parrotfish, sergeant major: you’ll find these and many other colorful marine life in Church Bay’s aquarium-clear waters. Bring your own gear, or rent equipment in Church Bay Park, where there are also public bathrooms and other amenities.

Clearwater Beach

This local favorite boasts pink sand and gentle, shallow waters. As its name implies, the waters are also clear, meaning you’ll be able to spot the sea turtles swimming below the surface. One of three beaches in Cooper’s Island Nature Reserve, Clearwater is home to nature trails ideal for exploring Bermuda’s ample wildlife.

Elbow Beach

Elbow Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Bermuda for a reason. Located just outside of Bermuda’s capital city, it’s a nearly mile-long stretch of pink sand that offers plenty of room to stretch out and relax.

Three resorts border this Paget Parish coastline, and many visitors plop down the cash to rent their own spot. You need not spend any money to enjoy Elbow Beach, however, as anyone can walk onto the sand near South Road. Regardless of how you reach this gorgeous shoreline, you’ll be able to enjoy calm waters that are made possible by the beach’s offshore coral reefs.

Horseshoe Bay Beach

This curved, quarter-mile stretch of sand is regularly ranked among the best beaches in the world. When you set eyes on it, you’ll understand why.

With its pink sand, stunning blue water, and striking natural beauty, Horseshoe Bay tends to attract crowds, particularly those arriving on the cruise ships docked nearby. To escape the throngs of tourists, walk east along the shoreline, away from the beach’s main entrance.

Alternatively, if you have children, make your way to Baby Beach, located on Horseshoe Bay’s west end. In contrast to the dangerously strong currents elsewhere in Horseshoe Bay, this lagoon boasts peaceful waters. 

Jobson’s Cove

The defining feature of this secluded lagoon is the towering rock structures that surround it. Made of limestone and volcanic rock, they are responsible for the calm waters that make Jobson’s Cove a popular destination for swimmers. The picturesque beauty created by the structures, combined with the pink sand, also make Jobson’s Cove a popular spot for marriage proposals.

Shelly Bay

Families flock to this Hamilton Parish beach for its child-safe waters—there are basically no waves, and the water remains shallow even at high tide. When your kids get tired of splashing around, let them run wild on the beachside playground. While they do, luxuriate in the welcome shade provided by the trees at Shelly Bay’s rear.

St. Catherine’s Beach

You’ll find many guests of the St. Regis Bermuda Resort relaxing on this beach on Bermuda’s northern tip, but you need not stay at the luxury resort to enjoy St. Catherine’s swaying palm trees, sky-blue waters, and sea glass–filled sand. Other charms here include an early 17th-century fort, where, along with tunnels and towers, you can explore a museum that chronicles the history of Bermuda.

Stonehole Bay Beach

Located near Jobson’s Cove, Stonehole Bay resembles its neighbor with large rocks jutting up from its blush sand. Stonehole Bay is more open than Jobson’s Cove, however, and there are typically sparse crowds. If the idea of a quiet beach day on a secluded shoreline appeals to you, it’d be hard to do better than here.

Tobacco Bay Beach

The only Bermuda shoreline that can rival Church Bay as a snorkeling destination, Tobacco Bay Beach is a small cove encircled by limestone outcroppings. There are equipment rentals here, so no need to bring your own gear, and a bar and restaurant are located beachside for when you get hungry. Thanks to the cruise ships docked nearby, Tobacco Bay does get crowded, so if you prefer to snorkel in peace, consider visiting on a day when there aren’t any ships in town.

Warwick Long Bay Beach

Speaking of peace, Warwick Long Bay is the place to find it. The longest unbroken stretch of sand on the island, this serene, spacious shoreline provides a respite from the beach crowds. A semi-submerged coral island is a great place to snorkel, and on-site amenities like restrooms and a concession cart mean you never need to leave.