The Bermudas are a small group of islands, with a land mass of about 21 square smiles, in the Atlantic Ocean. These islands are 570 miles off the coast of North Carolina. Though Bermuda includes around 140 small islands, only about 20 are inhabited, and even fewer are frequently visited by tourists. The largest concentration of beaches in Bermuda is in South Shore park. Here, a coastal trail connects Warwick Long Bay, Jobson Cove, Chaplin Bay and Horseshoe Bay. Other popular beaches include John Smith's Bay, Shelly Bay Beach, Elbow Beach, Astwood Cove, Somerset Long Bay and West Whale Bay. The best beaches for snorkeling are Tobacco Bay Beach and Church Bay.
Bermuda is known for its beautiful pink sand beaches. Set against the turquoise water and clear blue sky, beaches in Bermuda are some of the most picturesque in the world. Perhaps for this reason, Bermuda beaches are a popular site for weddings. South Shore Park provides a 1.5-mile stretch of connected beaches and is a favorite spot for tourists. Many of these beaches also feature small caves. South Shore beaches are perfect for surfing as the waters tend to be a bit choppy. North Shore beaches feature beautifully preserved nature, and for this reason can be a bit more difficult to reach. The waters here are a little calmer than the South side. Some notable public beaches include Shelly Bay, which features shallow water that is perfect for kids, and Tobacco Bay, which is one of the only beaches in Bermuda with a beach bar.
Public beaches in Bermuda are only open from sunrise to sunset. Due to the extensive beach access in Bermuda, many are private. For more exclusive beach access, consider staying in a hotel, which provides a private beach for guests. While visiting the public beaches, be prepared for a lack of amenities. None of the public beaches feature changing rooms or private showers, and only a few offer restrooms. Rip tides and rip currents can be a concern on the South Shore beaches.
The best season for visiting the beaches of Bermuda is April through October. During the summer months, tourists will find a plethora of activities and events. Some restaurants and shops open only for these months, and there are many more sightseeing tours to choose from if you visit during the peak season. Tourists who choose November through March for their vacation will enjoy a much slower-paced vacation. The beaches are much less crowded during this time and hotels offer discounted rates. The weather during these months usually ranges from 55 to 70 degrees F. August and September are hurricane season in this area, so this should be an additional consideration when planning a visit to Bermuda's beaches.
Lifeguards are usually only employed seasonally, and then only at select beaches. Always take the appropriate care and caution, especially if a nonswimmer. The Portuguese man-of-war is an occasional threat in the waters of Bermuda. None of the beaches in Bermuda allows nude or semi-nude guests. Visitors should also be advised that camping or sleeping on any of the beaches is against the law.
