Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Shelly Bay
This beach of abundant pink sand is suitable for both families and those seeking soli-
tude. Because it's not well-known, it's unlikely to be crowded, and its calm, shallow
basin makes it safe for swimming. Off North Shore Road in Hamilton Parish, Shelly
Bay lies in a cove whose encircling peninsula partially shelters it from mid-Atlantic
waves. There are trees to sit under when the beach gets too hot, and the beach house
rents snorkeling equipment, lounge chairs, beach towels, and other items; there are
also public restrooms. Buses from the City of Hamilton heading east along the north
shore, primarily no. 11, stop here.
Tobacco Bay, Achilles Bay & St. Catherine's
Beach
St. George's Island's beaches include Achilles Bay, Tobacco Bay, and St. Catherine's
Beach (formerly known as the Club Med beach), all of which are sandy, with water
so clear you can see to the bottom of the ocean floor.
Lovely Tobacco Bay is an East End family favorite. It's the most popular beach on
St. George's Island, especially among those who come for the day to visit the historic
town of St. George. With its broad sands, Tobacco Bay resembles a south-shore
beach. Its pale pink sand lies within a sheltering coral-sided cove just a short walk
west of Fort St. Catherine and St. Catherine's Beach. The major disadvantage here is
that the beach is likely to be overrun with cruise-ship passengers; when they're in
port, you may want to seek more secluded beaches such as St. Catherine's. You can
sunbathe here and even go for a swim, but don't venture out too far; the currents are
dangerously strong, and a lot of seaweed washes up on the shore.
Look for the
Tobacco Bay Beach House
(
&
441/297-2756
) in Naval Tanks
Hill, St. George, which has toilets, changing rooms, showers, and a snack bar. At
beachfront kiosks, you can rent flotation devices and snorkeling gear for $10 (per hr.
or $25 per day) from May to September. Stands also sell cold sodas and sandwiches
(tuna, grilled cheese, hamburgers, hot dogs, and the like). Take bus no. 10 or 11.
John Smith's Bay
This is the only public beach in Smith's Parish. It's more popular with residents of
Bermuda's eastern end than with visitors, who often don't know about it. It's ideal for
those seeking solitude. Long, flat, wide, and rich with pale pink sand, this beach has
a lifeguard daily from 10am to 6pm May 24 to mid-September. Some shallow areas
are perfect for snorkeling; however, the bay occasionally experiences rip currents.
There are toilet and changing facilities. Take bus no. 1.
6
SNORKELING
Bermuda is known for the gin-clear purity of its waters and for its vast array of coral
reefs. If you're ready to explore, all you need are a snorkel, mask, and fins—if you can
swim, you can snorkel. A handful of companies can help you (we recommend our
favorite, below); otherwise, you can hit the water on your own.
The best places to go snorkeling are public beaches (see above). Many hotels that
are right on the beach will lend or rent you fins, masks, and snorkels, and will advise
you of the best sites in your area. You almost never have to travel far.
