Bermuda’s Top Beach: Horseshoe Bay
Calling all sunbathers, swimmers, photographers, and dreamers! Get lost in the lure of Horseshoe Bay Beach, ranked as one of the top 10 beaches in the world. Named for its renowned curving shape, Horseshoe Bay Beach flaunts Bermuda’s trademark crystal blue waters and pink sands. From bodysurfing to cave exploring, here are the basics for planning your visit and why you must add a day at Horseshoe Bay to your Bermuda itinerary.
- Natural Wonders,
- On the Beach,
- Travel Tips
The colour comes from tiny, red organisms that live under coral reefs — red foraminifera. They are ingested by Parrot Fish as they scrape the rocks and reefs for algae, but cannot be digested by the fish, so it is excreted as a pink specs. When it washes ashore, it mixes with the sand, giving it that distinctive rosy tint.
Top tip - the sand closest to the water is the pinkest and at low tide you will see more of a pink hue. But no matter when you step foot on Horseshoe Bay, you are sure to be delighted.
Exploring the Beach
Where there are beautiful beaches, a world of exploration awaits! Besides swimming in the crystal clear turquoise water, there are lots of activities to do while enjoying the island sun. Kids will love boogie boarding, volleyball, building sandcastles, and burying themselves in the sand. For small children, check out Port Royal Cove, also known as ‘kiddie beach’. It is an enclosed bay within Horseshoe Bay that keeps the big waves out, making it ideal for small children and babies to play in shallow, calm water.
Beyond the main beach, there’s plenty more beauty to uncover. Horseshoe Bay is near a network of walking trails snaking through sand dunes, guiding you to hidden gems with smaller, more secluded coves! South Shore Park, a nature lover’s heaven, boasts a delightful 1.2-mile trail winding through these dunes, connecting Horseshoe Bay to the picturesque Warwick Long Bay. Dramatic rock formations also surround the beaches.
After your dip in the ocean, go exploring nearby. Check out the nearby Gibbs Hill Lighthouse, built in 1846, it is the oldest of its kind in the world and one of only two cast iron lighthouses still in existence. The views are outstanding even before you climb the 180-plus steps to the top. From there, you can gaze out over the South Shore and Little Sound, taking in panoramic views of the bustling City of Hamilton and the historic Royal Naval Dockyard.
Pro Tip: Climb to the top of the tallest rock formations in Warwick Long Bay to catch a serene sunrise to start your day.
Beach Amenities
Relaxation is redefined at Horseshoe Bay! Its outstanding selection of top-notch amenities elevates the Horseshoe Bay Beach experience, ensuring every visitor’s day at the beach is enjoyable and incredibly convenient. Remember, if you’re visiting during the winter, some of these amenities may not be available during your visit.
If you don’t want to lug all your beach essentials to the shore, you’re in luck! All the gear you need to make your outing fun, exciting, and safe can also be rented at Horseshoe Bay Beach. Chill out with towels, chairs, and umbrellas and rent snorkel gear to check out the fish and coral reefs nearby.
Getting to Horseshoe Bay Beach
The best journeys are the ones that lead you to the ocean! Located on Bermuda’s South Shore, Horseshoe Bay is easily accessible from all parts of the island. To ensure your journey to this natural wonder is seamless and enjoyable, here are some transportation options for getting to Horseshoe Bay Beach:
- Taxi: Taxis are readily available at the airport and throughout the island. They provide an easy-to-use way to reach Horseshoe Bay Beach.
- Public Transportation: Bermuda has efficient public bus and ferry services. Buses are budget-friendly and can take you to destinations near Horseshoe Bay Beach.
- Rental Cars and Scooters: Renting a microcar or scooter gives you the freedom to explore Bermuda at your own pace. Remember that Bermudian law requires visitors to drive on the left side of the road.
