Pink sand beaches, glittering waters, and idyllic coves — Bermuda has it all. While the island is small, it’s replete with some of the most beautiful beaches and scenic coastlines. Whether you’re looking to catch a tan or encounter marine life underwater, you’ll find that Bermuda’s beaches are hit with both locals and tourists.
The team at Bermudaful Island Tours know these beaches like the back of our hand. We use our local knowledge to take visitors to the top spots on the island as part of our Bermuda Island Tours, showing them beach scenes you’re unlikely to find anywhere else!
If you’re not sure which beach to visit first, we’ve put together this guide to the 10 best beaches in Bermuda. Should you have any questions for us about our tours, feel free to get in touch!
Horseshoe Bay Beach
Arguably the most famous beach in Bermuda, Horseshoe Bay Beach offers long stretches of glistening pink sand and turquoise waters. Located in Southampton Parish, the beach is easily accessible and offers plenty of space to lounge. In the summer months, don’t be surprised if the bay is buzzing with activity. This is still an excellent time to visit, with lifeguards on duty and a cafe serving food and drinks.
If you want to see Horseshoe Bay while avoiding the crowds, arrive early in the morning or go exploring the scenic coves. You could easily spend a whole day here thanks to the beach amenities, including umbrellas and chairs to rent, changing rooms, and showers.
Learn more about the island’s unique natural phenomenon with our Guide to Bermuda’s Gorgeous Pink Sand Beaches or have a look at our Horseshoe Bay Transport service to visit this gem on a cruise stop.
John Smith’s Bay
Located in Smith’s Parish, John Smith’s Bay provides a secluded beach experience right off of South Road. With its light pink sand, John Smith’s Bay is the perfect alternative to Horseshoe Bay if you’re looking for something a bit more private.
Small, tranquil, and with equipment available to rent, you can set yourself up here for an idyllic day in Bermuda. John Smith’s Bay is also a spectacular snorkeling site, and you’ll find a diversity of fish species not far from the shore. To learn more about other snorkeling spots, read our blog: Where to Go Snorkeling in Bermuda.
Elbow Beach
Despite the name, you won’t find any major bends at Elbow Beach. With its long stretch of white sand, this popular beach offers plenty of space to lounge around or play some beach sports. Thanks to its position near some resorts, Elbow Beach can get a little crowded in the summer. But with plenty of restaurants nearby, including the favorite Cafe Lido, you can take a break from the sun and admire the ocean views while dining.
Tobacco Bay Beach
More than a gorgeous beach at the tip of St. George’s, Tobacco Bay played a crucial role in the American Revolution. During the Gunpowder Plot in 1775, Bermudans rolled down kegs of gunpowder into Tobacco Bay where they were loaded onto American ships to aid their fight. While you won’t find kegs of gunpowder on the beach today, you will find one of Bermuda’s most bustling locales.
Not only is Tobacco Bay Beach idyllic for sunbathing, swimming, and snorkeling, it’s a hub of entertainment. The Tobacco Bay Beach Bar and Restaurant serves up delicious meals and even more delicious cocktails, and hosts a range of events including live music shows and bonfire nights!
Shelly Bay Beach
For a day out with the kids, you can’t go wrong with Shelly Bay Beach. Located near Flatts Village, Shelly Bay Beach has some of the calmest waters on the island, making it perfect for children to swim and snorkel in. There’s even a playground nearby, ensuring the kids will be entertained for hours on end. When they’ve had their fill of excitement, you can relax under the shade of the trees or enjoy a picnic at the available tables.
Church Bay Beach
Enclosed by rocky shoreline and emerald trees, Church Bay Beach is a hidden gem in Bermuda. You’ll find an abundance of coral reefs close to the shore, making Church Bay Beach a hit with snorkelers. Dive in the crystal-clear waters and discover angelfish, parrotfish, and more creating a kaleidoscopic underwater scene. Only accessible by a steep staircase from the road, Church Bay Beach also offers much more privacy than other main beaches.
Glass Beach
One of Bermuda’s more underrated attractions, Glass Beach is certainly worth a visit. This beach is covered in sea glass, mementos of the island’s long seafaring heritage. The sea glass is said to be the remains of bottles thrown off of ships, which have weathered over time. While Glass Beach may not seem like your typical Bermuda shoreline, it stands out as one of its most unique and historic beaches on the island.
Warwick Long Bay and Jobson’s Cove
Warwick Long Bay got its name for being one of Bermuda’s longest beaches, spanning nearly one kilometer. Along this stretch of pink sand, you’ll find snorkelers, sunbathers, and kids enjoying the playground. Trails from the beach connect it to other coastal attractions, including the enchanting Jobson’s Cove. Shielded by rocks, the cove has calm, shallow waters that are ripe for exploring. Make the most of your time in Bermuda by visiting these two beaches in one day!
West Whale Bay
If you’re hoping to spot marine life without having to dive underwater, West Whale Bay is the place to be. Between March and April, you can see migrating humpback whales right from the shore! While the beach doesn’t have many amenities, a park above it provides grassy areas, picnic tables, and panoramic views over the bay. This is also an ideal location for sunsets thanks to its prime position on the island’s west coast!
Clearwater Beach and Turtle Bay
Looking at Clearwater Beach, you might have a hard time believing it’s man-made! This quiet beach has tranquil waters and is situated near walking trails in Cooper’s Island Nature Reserve. Just across from Clearwater Beach is Turtle Bay, where you can spot nesting loggerhead turtles. Visiting this corner of the island offers a true immersion into Bermuda’s natural wonders!
While our blog covers our top 10 picks for the best beaches in Bermuda, more await! If you’re ready to start exploring these coastal beauties, we can take you to your select beaches as part of our Custom Private Tours in Bermuda. Leave the planning and transport to us so you can sit back and enjoy the sun and sea! If you have any questions about our tours, don’t hesitate to contact us. We can’t wait to show you our home.
