If you’re planning a getaway to our beautiful home of Bermuda, there’s a good chance you already know about our stunning pink beaches — they are among our island’s most famous attractions, after all! When trip-planning, it only takes a few seconds to stumble on photos of our otherworldly shores.
But we can assure you that even those dreamy images fall short of reality. Seeing our pink sand beaches in person is a truly one-of-a-kind experience. It’s no surprise, then, that these natural wonders feature on both our Half-Island Tour of Bermuda and Full-Island Tour of Bermuda.
As knowledgeable and passionate local guides, we love helping visitors have meaningful experiences in the place we call home. With this in mind, we have written this guide to Bermuda’s gorgeous pink sand beaches to make your visit even more memorable.
Scroll down to find out more, and please get in touch with the Bermudaful Island Tours team if you have any questions.
Introducing Bermuda’s Pink Sand Beaches
Bermuda’s pink sand beaches are legendary, captivating visitors from all over the world with their unique beauty. Picture stretches of coastline where the sand glows with a delicate pink hue, especially in the warm light of sunrise or sunset.
This natural phenomenon sets Bermuda’s beaches apart, offering an unforgettable experience for beach lovers. The shade of pink varies depending on factors like sunlight and mineral content, creating a mesmerizing kaleidoscope of colors along the shore.
Why Does Bermuda Have Pink Sand Beaches?
The secret lies in tiny red organisms known as foraminifera (or foram for short) which thrive in our island’s warm waters. These microscopic creatures — a special kind of coral that grows on the reef line — build elaborate red calcium carbonate shells. Parrotfish eat foram and duly pass out the resulting smaller pieces; and wave erosion breaks this coral down into smaller pieces too. These small pieces of foram then wash ashore and mix with the sand. The combination of the red shells and the neutral shades of the sand — formed from quartz — creates a rosy-pink hue.
This is a process that has taken place over millions of years, creating a natural masterpiece that showcases the delicate balance of ecosystems in our tropical paradise.
Are All of Bermuda’s Beaches Pink?
While Bermuda is renowned for its pink sand, not all of our beaches exhibit the same blush. The pink sand is most prevalent along the south shore, where the foraminifera population is highest. Our island’s north shore is the inside of a volcano. The conditions here were perfect for the growth of a shallow reef (part of the northernmost reef system in the world) which then created a tranquil lagoon. With a lower foram population to start with anyway, this environment results in far fewer of the tiny red shells reaching the coastline here.
However, exploring different stretches of the coast allows you to marvel at the diversity of Bermuda’s coastal landscapes. And even if the beaches closer to the reef aren’t as pink, you can marvel at the beauty of the underwater world on a snorkeling adventure!
Are you already wondering what to bring on your trip? We’ve got you covered! Check out our blog Bermuda Essentials Packing List: What to Bring When Vacationing in Bermuda.
Which Beach in Bermuda Has the Pinkest Sand?
When it comes to the pinkest sand in Bermuda, one name stands out: Horseshoe Bay Beach. Nestled along the island’s south shore, Horseshoe Beach captivates visitors with its powdery pink sands and crystal-clear waters. The gentle curve of the shoreline creates a natural haven for swimmers and sunbathers alike. Whether you’re strolling along the water’s edge or basking in the sun, Horseshoe Beach promises a quintessential Bermudian beach experience.
To reach Horseshoe Bay, you can take the number 7 bus from either Hamilton or the Royal Naval Dockyard, the latter being the hub for cruise vacations.
Which are the Best Pink Sand Beaches to Visit in Bermuda?
While Horseshoe Bay Beach may steal the spotlight, Bermuda is home to a treasure trove of pink sand beaches. A short distance along the south shore, Warwick Long Bay is equally enchanting and tends to see fewer visitors than its neighbor. For the adventurers out there, you can also walk a trail that links Horseshoe Bay with Warwick Long Bay, a path that offers some incredible views.
You can also find Marley Beach a little further along the coast in the same direction, tucked away in Warwick Parish. This stretch of pink sand is somewhat off the beaten path, so it welcomes even fewer visitors than Warwick Long Bay and Horseshoe Bay. As such, it makes a tranquil escape for those seeking solitude surrounded by beautiful scenery.
Our Half-Island Tour of Bermuda and Full-Island Tour of Bermuda both visit a pink sand beach along with other must-see sights around our island home. Led by an expert local guide, our experiences are comfortable, convenient, and provide an insider’s look at Bermuda’s magic.
What is the Best Time of Day to Visit Bermuda’s Pink Beaches?
Just like the color of the ocean changes with conditions, so too do our pink beaches. To truly experience their magic, timing is key. While any time of day offers its own enchantment, sunrise and sunset are particularly breathtaking. As the sun dips below the horizon, the soft golden light bathes the beaches in a warm glow, accentuating the pink hues of the sand.
Early morning and late afternoon also provide cooler temperatures and fewer crowds, allowing you to savor the serenity of the shoreline. Whether you’re starting your day with a sunrise stroll or ending it with a sunset picnic, these moments are sure to become cherished memories of your Bermuda getaway.
We love golden hour walks along pink sand beaches so much that the experience made it into our picks for the top 10 unique things to do in Bermuda.
Don’t Miss Out on Our Tours in Bermuda!
We hope you have enjoyed this guide to Bermuda’s gorgeous pink sand beaches. Has it inspired you to visit our beautiful island home? We can’t wait to welcome you and show you around. Browse our range of Bermuda Island tours and find out more about the adventures waiting for you.
Do you have any questions for the Bermudaful Island Tours team? Please don’t hesitate to get in touch for the answers you need.
