The Best Bermuda Beaches for Pink Sand, Snorkeling, and a Dark 'n' Stormy

Everything’s a little rosier in Bermuda — and that’s not just because of the red foraminifera organisms that turn the sand pink. 

Between the excellent rum and the beautiful pastel palette of the British island territory, many lump Bermuda in with the Caribbean; however, it’s actually located in the North Atlantic Ocean. For those on the East Coast, getting to Bermuda takes just a couple of hours by air, making it an easy island getaway. Head there in the summer — the stretch from May to October sees the best weather (think 70s to the mid-80s) and water temps — for a rejuvenating break from reality. 

Bermuda is the perfect cocktail of easygoing locals, a good dose of sunshine, and some of the best beaches on Earth — plus rounds and rounds of actual cocktails. With its famous pink sands and waters too blue to believe, Bermuda’s beaches come in a rainbow of hues and activities. 

So, pack your Bermuda shorts and sunglasses — we’ve rounded up the best Bermuda beaches for your seaside pleasure. 

Horseshoe Bay Beach

The crown jewel of Bermudian beaches, Horseshoe Bay Beach sports the pink sand and mind-blowingly blue water that make the island famous. Located in Southampton, on the southern coast of the main island, Horseshoe Bay Beach — so named for its distinct shape — is consistently ranked among the best beaches in the world. It’s a hotspot for tourists, but the striking natural beauty of the spot deserves every bit of its immense popularity. Head here in July, when Bermuda’s biggest beach party takes place in honor of Emancipation Day. 

Warwick Long Bay

Warwick Long Bay is one of the longest beaches in Bermuda, and with half-sunken rocks and a semi-submerged coral reef located just offshore, it’s a snorkeler’s paradise. Plus, the facilities at nearby South Shore Park make for a seamless day at the beach — there’s restrooms, a playground, and even a concession cart with snacks and snorkel gear rentals available during the summer months.

Mangrove Bay

Yes, there are actual mangroves along the snaking shore of this placid bay on the West End. The calm, teal water is a popular spot for swimming and snorkeling, which yields fantastic finds like tropical fish and a spiny lobster or two. Jet ski or sail to the area to join the crafts already out on the bay, and when you’re in need of nourishment, take a short walk over to Somerset Village.  

Jobson’s Cove

Tiny, tucked-away Jobson’s Cove — a short walk away from Warwick Long Bay — is surrounded by limestone and hardened volcanic lava rocks, making for one of the best swimming holes in Bermuda (and a popular proposal spot). Its pink-sand beach is almost completely enclosed by the tall structures, forming a shallow lagoon that’s ideal for families and snorkelers who enjoy the serenity of a protected cove setting.

West Whale Bay Beach

Head to West Whale Bay Beach in late winter or early spring and you may get lucky enough to spot a humpback whale on its annual migration past the island. If the live offshore entertainment isn’t enough to keep you transfixed at this smaller, more secluded beach spot, shore fishing in the shallow cyan waters while surrounded by scenic cliffs ought to do the trick.

Stonehole Bay Beach

A small strip of pink sand near Jobson’s Cove, Stonehole Bay is a secluded getaway in Warwick. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a postcard when you see the limestone formations dotting the gentle aquamarine waters and blush shore. Alongside its sister beach, Chaplin Bay, the area is perfect for a quiet day in Bermuda and any intimate gathering, be it a bonfire or an oceanside wedding.  

Elbow Beach

Another of the famous pink-sand beaches of Bermuda, Elbow Beach — located just a few miles from Hamilton, Bermuda’s candy-colored capital city — has a gentle curve that extends for nearly a mile. Offshore reefs form a protective barrier around Elbow Beach, resulting in consistently calm waters that beachgoers and swimmers adore.

Clearwater Beach 

This manmade beach on the eastern shore lives up to its name. The water here is a translucent spectrum of white and blue. The area, hidden away in Cooper’s Island Nature Reserve, is a weekend favorite among locals. Float in the calm, shallow surf of Turtle Bay or relax on the sandy shore. Stretch your legs on the pristine nature trails where you’ll find dunes, salt marshes, and ample wildlife to explore. 

Church Bay

Snorkeling Church Bay is a bit like snorkeling inside a fish tank, making this spot arguably the best place to snorkel in Bermuda (though some would say it’s tied with Tobacco Bay Beach). Just off the shoreline, the reefs of Church Bay teem with colorful sea life, and the waters of the bay stay calm, providing great underwater visibility. The beach is located within Church Bay Park, which offers access to amenities including restrooms, picnic areas, and a stand where you can rent snorkeling equipment and buy food.

Tobacco Bay Beach

The unique layout of Tobacco Bay Beach resembles a pool fashioned by Mother Nature herself. Encircled by rocky limestone outcroppings, the protected bay is the ideal place to spend the beach day of your daydreams; not only are the water conditions perfect for snorkeling, the onsite beach bar will keep you satiated with signature rum swizzles and fresh island cuisine all day long. Once the sun sets, Tobacco Bay Beach transforms into a nightlife hotspot with bonfires and live music.

Astwood Cove

Located on a remote and somewhat hard-to-reach stretch of the southern shore of Bermuda, Astwood Cove Beach is worth every wind in the steep trail that leads down to it: Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted with undisturbed beauty in the form of a private beach cove that you just may have all to yourself for the day. The area is connected to Astwood Park, where you can use the beach facilities, but Astwood Cove itself is hidden at the base of cliffs that make for a dramatic backdrop to a particularly eye-catching stretch of sand.

Cambridge Beaches

Cambridge Beaches unveiled its updated interiors in 2022, but the highlight of the classic Bermuda resort remains outdoors. Set on a 23-acre peninsula, the resort includes the titular four private beaches and two private coves for guests to explore, play on, and sprawl about. Book a private, oceanfront villa to really get a taste for Cambridge’s island luxury. Visit the onsite Water Sports Marina and kayak out onto the bright blue bay, or take a scoop of the resort's signature rainbow sherbet to enjoy out on the soft, white sand. 

Shelly Bay

One of the perks of Shelly Bay Beach is that it’s backed by a line of trees, which can provide the welcome reprieve of shade when the unrelenting sunshine of the island gets to be too much. In addition, Shelly Bay is a hit with families because the waters remain shallow even at high tide, creating a safe place for kids to splash in the water. There’s also a playground steps from the sand.

St. Catherine’s Beach

Like a bit of history to go with your beach reading? Located in St. George’s Parish, the northernmost tip of Bermuda is capped by a historic stone fort that dates back to the early 1600s. In the shadow of Fort St. Catherine, which now houses a museum dedicated to the history of Bermuda, you’ll find a stretch of beach known as St. Catherine’s Beach. If you grow tired of staring at the beach’s swaying palms and cerulean waters, you can cross a wooden drawbridge and explore the fort’s many tunnels and towers. The beach is also home to the luxurious St. Regis Bermuda Resort's oceanfront suites and onsite restaurants.

Daniels Head Beach

Found on 17 acres at Daniels Head Park, this protected beach is yet another Bermudian snorkeling hotspot. The clear, serene water and shallow reefs are home to angelfish, sergeant majors, and wrasse, among other colorful sea creatures — there’s also a nearby shipwreck you can snorkel. Back on shore, beachgoers lay in the shade on the small, curving beach, taking in the unspoiled beauty.