Bermuda Beaches
Photo by Christopher Skillman
© All Rights Reserved
Nestled mid-Atlantic this small island has loads of nice beaches. Keep in mind however that this is not the Caribbean. The high season runs May through October because it’s too cool to swim at Bermuda beaches in winter. And while protective reefs restrain the impact of the biggest waves, the surf can get rough at times. Then there are rip-tides and undertows in some areas - not to mention the odd hurricane now and again.
But stiff upper lip old chum, keep in mind this is still part of the British empire. And taking pride in their heritage, locals here go out of their way to make visitors feel welcome. As a result, Bermuda has become one of the most popular up-scale resort destinations in the world.
Of course sophistication has its price. Here in Bermuda - no shirt, no shoes - is, well, 'a problem'. Cambridge Beaches Resort and Coral Beach Club, for example, have dress codes. At Cambridge, bermuda shorts and high socks are as casual as it gets in some venues. And at Coral Beach Club a 'black tie' is 'requested' at dinner.
"Honey, do you think these tire-tread sandals go OK with my tux?"
The prime Bermuda beaches are on the south side of the island. Astwood Cove, Chaplin Bay, Horseshoe Bay, Church Bay, Warwick Long Bay and Elbow Beach are all excellent places to sun and swim, provided you obtain local advice regarding tides and currents. Of the south-enders, Elbow Beach and Horseshoe Bay are most popular.
Jobson’s Cove, sheltered from the sea by natural rock barriers, is usually calm, shallow and crystal clear.
While all Bermuda beaches are in principle 'public', Cambridge Beaches and Coral Beach are rather 'more' private, and therefore more peaceful. Many resorts here have their own beaches.
Photo © Paul Buceta - Dreamstime.com
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| Region | Country | Best Season | |||||
| Atlantic | Bermuda | May - October | |||||
| Astwood Cove | Type | Waves | Water | Sand | Swimsuits | Food | Rating |
 | Peaceful | Medium | Crystal | Fine | Required | No | 9 |
| At the bottom of a steep cliff and delightfully deserted. Be aware that there are strong currents in the area.
Nearby Accoms: Astwood Cove, Surf Side Beach Club. Photo by Dawn Blundell © All Rights Reserved | $$ | Hotel Rates | |||||
| Tobacco Bay | Type | Waves | Water | Sand | Swimsuits | Food | Rating |
 | Active | Small | Crystal | Fine | Required | Yes | 8 |
| Near St. George and busy when cruise ships are in port. It's the perfect spot for a nice relaxing bake-a-thon. Bring plenty of sunscreen. Nearby Accoms: St. Georges Club, Aunt Nea's Inn. Photo by Jessica © All Rights Reserved | $$ | Hotel Rates | |||||
| Chaplin Bay | Type | Waves | Water | Sand | Swimsuits | Food | Rating |
 | Peaceful | Medium | Crystal | Fine | Required | No | 8 |
| Surrounded by high cliffs. Take care because this beach can disappear entirely at high tide.
Nearby Accoms: Fairmont Southampton, Surf Side Beach Club. Photo by Lightfast © All Rights Reserved | $$ | Hotel Rates | |||||
| Church Bay | Type | Waves | Water | Sand | Swimsuits | Food | Rating |
 | Relaxed | Medium | Crystal | Fine | Required | Yes | 7 |
| Small quaint strand, which is the best place in Bermuda to snorkel (according to locals). Nearby Accoms: Wyndham, The Reefs, Greene's Guest House. Photo by Judith Malley © All Rights Reserved | $$ | Hotel Rates | |||||
| Clearwater Beach | Type | Waves | Water | Sand | Swimsuits | Food | Rating |
 | Peaceful | Small | Crystal | Fine | Required | Yes | 9 |
| Two man-made Bermuda beaches that were once part of a U.S. military base. Nice tour of duty! Thanks fellas.
Nearby Accoms: St. Georges Club, Aunt Nea's Inn. Photo by Ronelle Burgess © All Rights Reserved | $$ | Hotel Rates | |||||
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| Elbow Beach | Type | Waves | Water | Sand | Swimsuits | Food | Rating |
 | Active | Medium | Crystal | Fine | Required | Yes | 9 |
| One of the prime tourist beaches in Bermuda. Reserved for guests of the hotel by the same name. - Yeah, right. -
Nearby Accoms: Elbow Beach, Coco Reef, Harmony Club. Photo by Alicia Jaeger Smith © All Rights Reserved | $$$ | Hotel Rates | |||||
| Horseshoe Bay | Type | Waves | Water | Sand | Swimsuits | Food | Rating |
 | Active | Medium | Crystal | Fine | Required | Yes | 10 |
| One of the most popular beaches on the island. While the surf can get rough, lifeguards are on duty in summer.
Nearby Accoms: Munro Cottages, Pampano Beach Club. Photo by Christopher Skillman © All Rights Reserved | $$ | Hotel Rates | |||||
| Jobson's Cove | Type | Waves | Water | Sand | Swimsuits | Food | Rating |
 | Peaceful | Small | Crystal | Fine | Required | Yes | 10 |
| A sheltered cove surrounded by rocks with clear water and a sandy bottom. Perfect for a good 'whale-wallow'.
Nearby Accoms: Fairmont South Hampton, Surf Side Beach Club Photo by Christopher Skillman © All Rights Reserved | $$ | Hotel Rates | |||||
| Warwick Long Bay | Type | Waves | Water | Sand | Swimsuits | Food | Rating |
 | Peaceful | Medium | Crystal | Fine | Requried | No | 10 |
| Another beautiful south-shore beach that's not that well visited. No restaurants - bring a picnic basket.
Nearby Accoms: Fairmont South Hampton, Surf Side Beach Club. Photo by Allen Murray © All Rights Reserved | $$$ | Hotel Rates | |||||
| Coral Beach | Type | Waves | Water | Sand | Swimsuits | Food | Rating |
 | Private | Medium | Crystal | Fine | Required | Yes | 9 |
| Private beach of the Coral Beach Club. Beautiful setting to linger over a few drinks on the terrace at sunset.
Nearby Accoms: Coral Beach Club, Horizons & Cottages. Photo by Chris Kjelgaard © All Rights Reserved | $$$$$ | Hotel Rates | |||||
| CLICK HERE FOR EXPLANATION OF TERMS | |||||||
| Let's keep it safe out there! Because ocean conditions change daily, follow these rules: (1) Always check with 'locals' about hazards before entering the water, (2) Obey all 'warning flags', (3) Swim inside 'safety areas' provided, (4) Never swim alone, and (5) Never swim far out. Finally, when in doubt, don't go in. | |||||||
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