Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
1
THE
best
BEACHES
Your first priority on your Bermuda vacation probably will be to kick back at the
beach. But which beach? Hotels often have private stretches of sand; if so, we
describe the beach in each hotel's review (see chapter 4). There are many fine public
beaches as well. Here's our top-10 list, arranged clockwise around the island, begin-
ning with the south-shore beaches closest to the City of Hamilton. For more details,
see chapter 6.
W
Elbow Beach
(Paget Parish): The pale pink sand stretches for almost a mile at
Elbow Beach, one of the most popular beaches in Bermuda. Three hotels sit on its
perimeter. Because protective coral reefs surround it, Elbow Beach is one of the
safest beaches on the island for swimming. See p. 123.
W
Warwick Long Bay
(Warwick Parish): This popular beach, on the south side of
South Shore Park, features a half-mile stretch of sand against a backdrop of scrub-
land and low grasses. Despite frequent winds, an offshore reef keeps the waves
surprisingly small. Less than 60m (200 ft.) offshore, a jagged coral island appears
to be floating above the water. There is excellent snorkeling here—the waters are
clear and marine life comes in close to shore. See p. 126.
W
Chaplin Bay
(Warwick and Southampton parishes): At the southern extremity of
South Shore Park, straddling the boundary of two parishes, this small but secluded
beach almost completely disappears during storms and particularly high tides. An
open-air coral barrier rises from the water, partially separating one half of the beach
from the other. See p. 126.
W
Horseshoe Bay
(Southampton Parish): This is Bermuda's most famous beach, and
it's one of the best for families. Unlike most island beaches, Horseshoe Bay has a
lifeguard on duty from May to September. The
Horseshoe Bay Beach Cafe
(
&
441/238-2651
) offers complete facilities, including watersports equipment
rental. See p. 126.
W
Church Bay
(Southampton Parish): If you like to snorkel, this southwestern beach
is for you. The relatively calm waters, sheltered by offshore reefs, harbor a variety
of marine life, and a concession stand sells snacks and rents snorkel gear. Sunbath-
ers love the unusually deep pink sands of this beach. See p. 127.
W
Somerset Long Bay
(Sandys Parish): The waters off this beach are often unsafe
for swimming, but its isolation will appeal to anyone who wants to escape the
crowds. With about .4km (
1
⁄
4
mile) of sand, the crescent-shaped beach is ideal for
strolling. The undeveloped parkland of Sandys Parish shelters it from the rest of
the island. See p. 127.
W
Shelly Bay
(Hamilton Parish): On the north shore, you'll discover calm waters and
soft, pink sand—and you'll want for nothing else. This beach is well-known among
beach buffs, but it's rarely overcrowded and there's always a spot in the sun just
waiting for you. See p. 128.
W
Tobacco Bay
(St. George's Parish): A popular stretch of pale pink sand, this is the
most frequented beach on St. George's Island. It offers lots of facilities, including
equipment rentals and a snack bar. See p. 128.
W
John Smith's Bay
(Smith's Parish): The only public beach in Smith's Parish is long
and flat. It boasts the pale pink sand for which the south shore is famous. There's
usually a lifeguard on duty from May to September—a plus for families. There are
toilet and changing facilities on-site. See p. 128.
