Bermuda's Beaches

Bermuda's public beaches range from tiny coves to long stretches of pink sand. Here they are roughly in order of travel from Watford Studios, starting with the quiet bays on our doorstep in Somerset and working east along the island. Tap a number to see the beach on the map.

Don't forget our own beach, just steps from your door, with chairs, umbrellas, a kayak and paddle boards.

Watford Studios Public beach (numbers match the list below)

Getting there by bus

Our bus stop is just yards from the cottages, on routes 7 and 8, which run between Dockyard and Hamilton. Wait at the pink pole for buses going towards Hamilton. Route 7 runs along the South Shore past the famous beaches; route 8 takes the Middle Road. For beaches in the east, change buses at the Hamilton bus terminal.

The Dockyard ferry (Blue Route) to Hamilton runs all day and is a 10–12 minute bus ride from us: a pleasant alternative for the first leg to Hamilton. Our nearest ferry stop, Watford Bridge, is a commuter service, mornings and early evenings only. To come home, take a 7 or 8 bus showing Dockyard or Somerset from a blue pole (buses marked Somerset stop in Somerset Village, a three-minute walk from us).

When you get on, ask the driver to tell you when you reach your stop. Please be dry and brush off the sand before you board, and don't eat or drink on the bus. Fares, passes and timetables are on our Getting Around page.

The beaches

1. 1

   Mangrove Bay

   Somerset Village, Sandys

   

   A small, sheltered beach on Mangrove Bay, right in Somerset Village, with boats moored in the bay and mangroves along the shore. The water is calm and shallow, good for a quiet swim or a paddle with children.

   No bus needed. Walk along Mangrove Bay Road into Somerset Village; it is only a few minutes from the cottages.

2. 2

   Somerset Long Bay

   Cambridge Road, Sandys

   A peaceful crescent of sand about a quarter of a mile long, with calm, shallow water. Somerset Long Bay Park behind it has a playground and picnic areas, and next door is the Bermuda Audubon Society's Somerset Long Bay East nature reserve, with a trail and a bird hide.

   Walk, about 15–20 minutes. Go through Somerset Village and follow Cambridge Road west to the park. There is no bus along Cambridge Road.

3. 3

   Daniel's Head Park

   Daniel's Head Road, Sandys

   

   A 17-acre park on the western tip of Somerset, once a wartime Canadian forces base. It has two calm, shallow beaches, and the shallow reefs are good for snorkelling: look out for angelfish and sergeant majors. Along the shore you will see the old ‘eco-cottages’ of the 9 Beaches resort, now fallen into disrepair. Fun fact: our own Sunset Studio and Sugar Cane Cottage are recycled 9 Beaches units!

   Walk, about 30 minutes (there is no bus). Follow Cambridge Road west past Somerset Long Bay, then Daniel's Head Road to the park. You could combine it with Somerset Long Bay on the way.

4. 4

   Parson's Bay

   Ireland Island, Sandys (near Dockyard)

   A sheltered beach of coarse white sand with shallow, calm water, especially good for children. It is beside Lagoon Park, off the beaten track. There are no shops or toilets, so take what you need.

   Bus, then a short walk. From our stop take any route 7 or 8 bus towards Dockyard and ask the driver for Lagoon Road (Lagoon Park). Walk down Lagoon Road to the beach, about 350 metres. From Dockyard itself it is about a 25-minute walk.

5. 5

   Black Bay

   Ireland Island, Sandys (near Dockyard)

   

   Up to three tiny beaches that come and go with the tide, on the edge of Lagoon Park. A pretty spot for a picnic or the sunset rather than a big swimming beach.

   Bus, then a short walk. Take a route 7 or 8 bus towards Dockyard and ask the driver for Lagoon Park. Black Bay is on the far (north-west) side of the park; you can visit it together with Parson's Bay.

6. 6

   West Whale Bay

   Southampton

   A small beach below a large grassy area that is perfect for watching the sunset. In spring you may see humpback whales passing offshore, and local people often fish from the rocks.

   Bus, then a 10-minute walk. Take a route 7 or 8 bus towards Hamilton (pink pole) and ask the driver for the Middle Road & Whale Bay Road stop. The beach is a bit further from the bus than most: about 700 m (just under half a mile) down Whale Bay Road, roughly 10 minutes on foot. It is downhill on the way there, so allow a little longer for the gentle climb back up to the bus stop with your beach things.

7. 7

   Church Bay

   South Road, Southampton

   

   A small South Shore beach where the reef is very close to shore, sheltering the water and bringing lots of colourful fish within easy reach: one of the island's best snorkelling spots. A concession stand rents snorkel gear and sells snacks in season.

   Bus, route 7. From our stop take a route 7 bus towards Hamilton (pink pole); it runs along the South Shore. Ask the driver for Church Bay. Steps lead down from the road to the beach.

8. 8

   Horseshoe Bay

   South Road, Southampton

   

   The island's best-known beach: a long, sweeping crescent of pink sand with rocky outcrops. The Beach House has snacks, rentals and changing rooms, and there are lifeguards in season. It is busy, especially on cruise-ship days, so go early. From the eastern end you can walk the coastal trails through South Shore Park to Chaplin Bay, Stonehole Bay, Jobson's Cove and Warwick Long Bay.

   Bus, route 7. From our stop take a route 7 bus towards Hamilton (pink pole) and ask the driver for Horseshoe Bay. Walk down Horseshoe Bay Road from South Road to the beach (downhill on the way there, uphill on the way back).

9. 9

   Chaplin Bay

   South Shore Park, Warwick/Southampton

   A small beach that almost disappears at high tide or after a storm, so it is often quiet.

   Bus, route 7, then the coastal trail. Get off at Horseshoe Bay (or Warwick Long Bay) and follow the South Shore Park trail along the coast.

10. 10

    Stonehole Bay

    South Shore Park, Warwick

    A small beach of rose-coloured sand beside striking limestone formations, between Chaplin Bay and Jobson's Cove.

    Bus, route 7, then the coastal trail. Get off at Warwick Long Bay or Horseshoe Bay and walk along the South Shore Park trail.

11. 11

    Jobson's Cove

    South Shore Park, Warwick

    

    One of the island's most beautiful spots: a tiny, sheltered inlet almost enclosed by steep, jagged rocks, so the water inside is usually calm. It is small and fills up quickly in summer.

    Bus, route 7. Ask the driver for Warwick Long Bay, walk down to the beach and then a few minutes west along the shore and trail to the cove.

12. 12

    Warwick Long Bay

    South Road, Warwick

    

    Bermuda's longest beach, about half a mile of pink sand, usually quieter than Horseshoe Bay. A small coral island just offshore is good for snorkelling, but the South Shore can have surf and currents, so take care.

    Bus, route 7. From our stop take a route 7 bus towards Hamilton (pink pole) and ask the driver for Warwick Long Bay. The beach is just below the road and car park.

13. 13

    Astwood Cove

    Astwood Park, South Road, Warwick

    A remote little cove tucked below a steep cliff, rarely crowded. Astwood Park above it has picnic tables and toilets, and fine views along the South Shore.

    Bus, route 7. Take a route 7 bus towards Hamilton and ask the driver for Astwood Park. A steep path leads down to the cove.

14. 14

    Elbow Beach

    Paget

    

    Almost a mile of pink sand, protected by offshore reefs, so the waves are usually gentle. The stretch in front of the hotel may be reserved for hotel guests; the rest of the beach is open to everyone. For scuba divers: the wreck of the Pollockshields (a steamer lost in 1915) lies just off the beach in 15–40 ft of water and makes a reasonable shore dive. Avoid it in a southerly swell, when the surge is strong, and never touch old shells: report them.

    Bus, route 7 (or route 2 from Hamilton). Take a route 7 bus towards Hamilton and ask the driver for Elbow Beach. It is a steep walk down from South Road to the beach, and back up again.

15. 15

    Clarence Cove (Admiralty House Park)

    Spanish Point, Pembroke

    Two fairly secluded little beaches in Admiralty House Park, forming a lagoon-like cove on the North Shore. A pleasant, quiet place to swim.

    Bus to Hamilton, then route 4. Take a route 7 or 8 bus to Hamilton (or the bus to Dockyard and the Blue Route ferry to Hamilton). From the Hamilton bus terminal take a route 4 bus to Spanish Point and ask the driver for Admiralty House Park.

16. 16

    Shelly Bay

    North Shore Road, Hamilton Parish

    Soft pink sand and very shallow water, even at high tide, so it is perfect for small children. Trees along the beach give some shade.

    Bus to Hamilton, then route 10 or 11. Take a route 7 or 8 bus to Hamilton (or the bus to Dockyard and the Blue Route ferry). From the Hamilton bus terminal take a route 10 or 11 bus towards St. George's and ask the driver for Shelly Bay.

17. 17

    John Smith's Bay

    South Road, Smith's

    

    A long, flat beach of pale pink sand, popular with families. There are lifeguards in season, toilets and changing facilities.

    Bus to Hamilton, then route 1. Take a route 7 or 8 bus to Hamilton (or the bus to Dockyard and the Blue Route ferry). From the Hamilton bus terminal take a route 1 bus (towards St. George's or Grotto Bay, via Tucker's Town) and ask the driver for John Smith's Bay. The beach is right beside the road.

18. 18

    Tobacco Bay

    St. George's

    

    The most popular beach in St. George's: a sheltered bay among dramatic limestone rocks, great for snorkelling, with parrotfish and sergeant majors. It has equipment rentals and a snack bar. Busy on cruise-ship days.

    Best in summer: the Orange Route ferry from Dockyard to St. George's (Monday to Saturday; see Getting Around). Take a route 7 or 8 bus to Dockyard (10–12 minutes). Otherwise, bus to Hamilton and then route 1, 3, 10 or 11 to St. George's. From King's Square it is about a 20-minute walk, partly uphill, past the Unfinished Church.

19. 19

    Achilles Bay

    St. George's, by Fort St. Catherine

    A small, quieter beach right beside Fort St. Catherine, a good alternative when Tobacco Bay is busy.

    As for Tobacco Bay (summer ferry from Dockyard, or bus via Hamilton to St. George's). From King's Square it is about a 20–25-minute walk, uphill; from Tobacco Bay it is only a few minutes further along the coast.

20. 20

    Clearwater Beach & Turtle Bay

    St. David's

    Two spacious sandy beaches side by side at the eastern end of the island, in a large park with nature trails and a playground. There are lifeguards in season. Good for families, and usually less crowded than the South Shore.

    A full day out: bus to Hamilton, bus to St. George's, then route 6. Take a route 7 or 8 bus to Hamilton, then route 1, 3, 10 or 11 to St. George's, and change to a route 6 bus (St. David's, Clearwater Beach) – ask the driver where to change. Get off at Clearwater Beach. In summer you can instead take the Orange Route ferry from Dockyard to St. George's (see below).

Beach tips

• Portuguese man o' war: especially in spring, these blue, balloon-like jellyfish can drift in on the wind and wash up on the sand. Their tentacles sting badly, even when they look dead on the beach, so don't touch them, and look before you swim.
• Sun: the sun is strong even on cloudy days. Use plenty of reef-safe sun cream, wear a hat and drink lots of water.
• Swim safely: lifeguards cover only a few of the busiest beaches, and not at all hours. South Shore beaches can have surf and rip currents; never swim alone.
• Take care of the beach: no glass on the beach, and please take everything home with you, including your rubbish. Don't stand on or touch the coral.
• Beach shoes: useful on rocky beaches, and essential on our own beach, where there can be sharp rocks, particularly when the sand moves.
• Take what you need: many of the smaller beaches have no shops, toilets or shade.

Want to see what lives on the reef? Have a look at our Marine Life pages.

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