The Hidden Beaches of Bermuda

With 64 miles of coastline, 34 public beaches, and that iconic pink sand, Bermuda is a beach lover’s paradise. The island’s beaches offer a range of amenities, activities, and nearby attractions, and each one is unique. 

While you might be familiar with the island’s more famous beaches, like Horseshoe Bay Beach and Elbow Beach, you may not know about some of the island’s hidden gems – Church Bay, Glass Beach, Whale Bay, and others. Here, you can enjoy Bermuda-style sun and fun like a local and get in on the island’s best-kept secrets. 

Church Bay 

Church Bay is the place to be for stunning clifftop views and serene, unspoiled snorkelling. This small beach on the island’s South Shore features calm, crystal-clear waters protected from ocean currents by reefs, allowing parrotfish, angelfish, and other colourful sea creatures to thrive. Access the beach by stairs leading down from the park at the top of the cliffs, where you can also picnic or enjoy the view.

Pro Tip: Since this is one of the best snorkelling spots in Bermuda, be sure to bring your snorkelling gear. The coral can make the seabed rocky and sharp, so swim shoes are recommended.

Nearby Activities & Dining: Climb to the top of historic Gibbs Hill Lighthouse for some of the island’s best views. Then dine on the water at The Reefs Resort & Club, or head to Boundary for sports bar vibes paired with beautiful island views.

Tripadvisor Review: “Church Bay may well be my favorite beach of all the ones we visited. Beautiful rock formations, scenic vista from the top, gorgeous water. It was fantastic. It was much less traveled than bigger beaches like Horseshoe Bay. Very cozy and peaceful.” – User analyticalbookkeeper

Stonehole Bay Beach

Just east of Horseshoe Beach, Stonehole Bay Beach is a secluded, tranquil beach tucked into the limestone cliffs. Its unique rock formations, paired with Bermuda’s famous pink sand, make it a truly picturesque locale, while its small size offers privacy. It’s perfect for relaxation and photo opportunities.

Pro Tip: If you’re in search of complete solitude, visit this beach early in the morning. You can also walk the nearby South Shore Park trails to discover other hidden coves and surprise viewpoints, like Chaplin Bay and Jobson’s Cove.

Nearby Activities & Dining: Explore South Shore Park, including the nature reserve and 1.25-mile long trail connecting several beaches and coves. For family fun, nearby Warwick Long Bay Playground is a perfect choice. After you’ve worked up an appetite, grab a bite at Gulfstream or a sweet treat at Scoops Ice Cream & Cupcake Cafe.

Tripadvisor Review: “We walked along the beach from Horseshoe Bay and discovered this little slice of paradise. We had it to ourselves...so peaceful and gorgeous.” – User KP

Glass Beach

Located near the Royal Naval Dockyard on the island’s West End, Glass Beach is a truly unique seaside experience. True to its name, Glass Beach is covered in naturally weathered sea glass that sparkles in the sunlight like jewels. Sea glass is made up of bottles, jars, and other glass debris that landed in the ocean; over decades, the waves turn the shards into smooth, glittery pebbles. 

Glass Beach isn’t the only place in Bermuda where you can admire sea glass, but it is one of the most iconic – and its location near the Dockyard makes it a great part of any sightseeing adventure.

Pro Tip: Remember not to take any of the sea glass – instead, take a few pictures and leave the beach as you found it so everyone can enjoy this shimmering natural wonder. While Glass Beach is more for sightseeing than for lounging or swimming, you can swim and sun at nearby Theo’s Cove. 

Nearby Attractions & Dining: The Royal Naval Dockyard is a can’t-miss locale, featuring major attractions, shopping, dining, and more. After you’ve explored the area and its maritime heritage, grab a bite to eat at the Anchor Restaurant, Bar & Lounge (closed Mondays) or any of the other great restaurants in Dockyard.

Tripadvisor Review: “I thought there might be a scattering of sea glass, but the sheer volume of brilliant, multi-coloured pieces of glass was breathtaking.” – User Tuscantourer

Achilles Bay Beach

Achilles Bay Beach is a serene, pocket-sized beach near historic Fort St. Catherine, just north of the Town of St. George. Its name comes from its unique shape, which settlers thought resembled the heel of the famous mythical Greek hero, Achilles. 

This beach’s calm, clear water hosts marine life like angelfish, which makes it perfect for snorkelling; you can also swim or just relax on the pink sands and enjoy the ocean breeze. And with its close proximity to Fort St. Catherine and the Town of St. George, shopping, sightseeing, and restaurants are just minutes away.

Pro Tip: Access the beach through a new public staircase. While this beach is next to Fort St. Catherine, it’s not to be confused with St. Catherine’s Beach (another fantastic spot for beachcombing, swimming, and sunbathing).

Nearby Attractions & Dining: History buffs won’t want to miss Fort St. Catherine and Fort Victoria, which offer a glimpse into Bermuda’s military past. Dining options include the Achilles Restaurant (located across from Fort St. Catherine with stunning ocean views) and a host of restaurants within the Town of St. George.

Tripadvisor Review: “This is a great beach. It's wonderful for families. Bring along some flippers and a snorkel mask as the fish-watching opportunities are plentiful.” – User glaucidium2016

West Whale Bay Beach

Southampton Parish’s West Whale Bay Beach is a stunning, secluded beach with a special appeal: in late winter and early spring, pods of humpback whales pass by the area on their way north to their summer feeding grounds. While the whales are only visible for a few months of the year, this beach has something to offer visitors all year long. 

Beyond the sandy shore, the ruins of the Whale Bay Fort & Battery gives history lovers a chance to tour an 18th-century fort, while the grassland just behind the beach is a popular sunset picnic spot, offering views of the ocean that go on forever.

Pro Tip: During whale watching season (March and April), the best time to spot these majestic creatures is in the early morning or early evening – don’t forget your binoculars! Note that the beach itself may be submerged during high tide.

Nearby Attractions & Dining: Take a leisurely stroll through Hog Bay Park, where historic sites like an ancient lime kiln offer fantastic photo opportunities, or take a tour of Wadson’s Farm, a sustainable farm that supplies many of Bermuda’s best restaurants. If you get hungry, Bella Vista Bar & Grill, located on the Port Royal Golf Course, serves up both Italian and Bermudian dishes with fresh ingredients and stunning views.

Tripadvisor Review: “Superb secluded little beach with shallow protected swimming. Easily accessible. Go early on a weekday morning and you may have it to yourself.” – User Patrick D.

More Beaches to Explore

These are just a few of Bermuda’s lesser-known and much-loved beaches. Whether you’re looking for scenic beach walks or leisurely dining on the beach, there’s no better place to take in the sun, sand, and waves. Explore more Bermuda beaches and find your ideal piece of paradise.