Bermuda’s Top Beach: Horseshoe Bay

Why is Horseshoe Bay Beach Famous?

Don’t take our word for it - Horseshoe Bay has earned a spot in ‘top beaches’ lists from reputable publications like Condé Nast and The World’s 50 Best Beaches. The iconic beach stands as a true testament to nature’s unparalleled beauty, earning its reputation as one of the top beaches in the world. With its powdery, rosy sands stretching along the shoreline and crystal-clear turquoise waters, this idyllic haven offers a mesmerizing blend of serenity and adventure. This beautiful bay — unsurprisingly curved like a horseshoe — provides a natural cove that shelters the beach, creating calm and welcoming waters perfect for swimming and snorkelling. The surrounding limestone cliffs and unique tropical flora frame the beach like a postcard. Horseshoe Bay Beach not only captivates visitors with its inspiring scenery but also offers a range of activities, making it a paradise for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts alike. 

Picture Perfect Pink Sand

“Is the sand really pink?” is a question we hear all the time. And the answer is absolutely! The beach is indeed pink, and how it comes to be that way is quite remarkable.

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. 

Spending the entire day at Horseshoe Bay Beach — you’ll be well taken care of! Horseshoe Bay Live is right on the beach offering tasty snacks to refreshing drinks. And here’s a great tip — if you fancy a change of scenery for dinner, take a short 10-minute trip up the road to Gulfstream. This iconic Italian restaurant serves fantastic pasta and seafood. Even though it’s not right on the shoreline, it’s very close to the beaches. So, after a day of sun, it’s the perfect place to wrap up your adventures!

There are also restrooms, changing rooms, and showers at the beach, providing the convenience of freshening up after a swim. Additionally, lifeguards are on duty from May-October for the safety of all beachgoers, and first-aid stations are set along the beach to handle basic medical needs.

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.

Once you’ve chosen your mode of transportation, it’s time to plan your route to get your tan on!

• By Bus: Public bus route #7 operates between Hamilton (the capital) and Horseshoe Bay Beach. This route offer picturesque landscapes of the island’s coastline. The bus stop is a short walk from the beach, making it a seamless option for travellers.
• By Scooter or Car: If you’ve rented a scooter or car, follow South Road (Route 7) towards Southampton Parish. You’ll find well-marked signs directing you to Horseshoe Bay Beach. Parking facilities are available near the beach entrance.

Now that you know all about Horseshoe Bay, it’s time to experience it yourself during your Bermuda vacation! Discover the charm of all our other breathtaking attractions when you visit. Pack your beach bag, bring your sense of adventure, and get ready to create memories that will last a lifetime. Start planning your getaway today!