Page 467 - The British Big Four

BLuSHING
BeacHeS
warwick long bay NORTH, SOUTH, EAST, WEST Bermuda’s countless
beaches dot the coast line, the sands varying in colour form
soft white to blushing pink. Many of them, particularly on the
South Shore, allow easy access to the reef line, making them
ideal for scuba diving and snorkelling since the reef is home
to a myriad of colourful fish. Beaches range from tiny, pictur-
cHaPlin bay HorSESHoE bay esque coves, ideal for young or inexperienced swimmers and
for romantic moonlight picnics, to long stretches of creamy
pink sands framed by dramatic formations of limestone rock.
The ocean’s colours are a profusion of contrasts and a continual
challenge to artists longing to capture the constant play of light
and shadow. On bright, sunny days you’ll see the ocean’s em-
eralds and turquoises, sapphires and diamonds, but in the half
light of early morning you’ll see soft shimmering silk meeting
the horizon in a shroud of mist. And from February to October
watch out for beautiful longtail birds swooping in and out of the
coastline’s cli s.
Spend a day at the beach and you’ll be joining the locals in
one of their most loved activities. Traditionally, they start their
swimming season on the May 24 public holiday. But during
the cooler months of November through April the water is
still temperate.
HOW TO GET THERE
You can hire a motor scooter, take a taxi, ferry or the bus since
many bus stops are near the beaches. The bus and ferry sched-
ules are available island wide, and they are also found in the
telephone directory.
SAFETY TIPS
J obSon’S coVE Some of the South Shore beaches are occasionally subject to
rip tides. Should you be caught in one, do not try to cross it.
Instead, let the current carry you and swim parallel to the shore
so that you can catch the waves that will take you back to the
shore. Watch out for beach flags. A white one means a lifeguard
is on duty. A red one means the currents are too dangerous for
safe swimming. A yellow one warns of the need for caution in
heavy surf.
Do not swim alone, especially on the South Shore beaches.
ETIQUETTE No nude swimming or sunbathing is allowed on any of
Bermuda’s public beaches. For an up-to-date listing of our pink sand
beaches, please visit GoToBermuda.com/what-to-do/activities/beaches/
GOTOBERMUDA.COM
WEST WHALE BAY BEACH SHELLY BAY
SOUTH SHORE, SOUTHAMPTON
West Whale Bay Beach has a fitting name because in
April you may see humpback whales migrating north
to their summer feeding grounds. The large grassy area
behind the beach is an ideal spot to enjoy a stunning
ocean sunset. Locals frequently use West Whale Bay
for shore fishing.
CHURCH BAY
SOUTH SHORE, SOUTHAMPTON
Church Bay arguably o ers the best snorkelling
experience since a large variety of fish can be seen in
and around the boiler reefs.
HORSESHOE BAY
SOUTH SHORE, SOUTHAMPTON
Once you set foot on Horseshoe Bay you will realize
why it is our most celebrated beach. The long,
sweeping crescent of pink sand makes it a popular
choice any time of year. During the summer months,
lifeguards patrol and the nearby Beach House o ers
snacks, rentals and changing facilities.
JOBSON’S COVE
SOUTH SHORE, WARWICK
Jobson’s Cove may be tiny, but this sheltered cove,
surrounded by steep, jagged rocks, is arguably one
of the most visually stunning beaches on our island.
Take a moment to listen to the waves lap at the
pink sand and put your feet in the calm, stunningly
clear waters.
WARWICK LONG BAY
SOUTH SHORE, WARWICK
Warwick Long Bay boasts an .8km / .5 mile stretch
of sand against a backdrop of scrubland and coastal
grasses. Just o shore, a jagged coral island floats
above the water. There are also public restrooms here.
JOHN SMITH’S BAY
SOUTH SHORE, SMITH’S PARISH
This superb beach is long, flat and boasts the pale pink
sand that makes our South Shore so famous. During
the summer months, lifeguards patrol the shore and
soft drinks and snacks are often available for purchase.
There are public toilets on site.
For further information on beaches and nature trails contact:
DEPARTMENT OF PARKS
Tel 441 236 5902 Fax 441 236 3711 Web gov.bm
15 16 1.800.BERMUDA
NORTH SHORE, HAMILTON PARISH
You will discover calm waters and soft pink sand at
this attractive beach. Trees line the beach o ering
shelter from the sun. The water is very shallow, even at
high tide, making it perfect for children. A refurbished
children’s playground makes Shelly Bay an ideal spot
for a full day of activities near the water.
CLEARWATER BEACH
& TURTLE BAY
ST. DAVID’S ISLAND, ST. GEORGE’S
The spaciousness of these two sandy beaches are
ideal for families and parties. The 36-acre public
park features nature trails, playground equipment
and views of some outer islands reserved for wildlife.
A beach house, open during the summer months,
provides additional convenience.
TOBACCO BAY
ST. GEORGE’S
Perfect for families and inexperienced swimmers
because of its shallow waters, this beach is also
excellent for snorkelling. Sergeant majors, blue angels,
four-eyed butterfly fish and wrasse glide around
the rocks surrounding the bay. During the summer
months, the Beach House o ers snacks, rentals and
changing facilities.
SaNd & Surf
blushing beaches
Six hundred and fifty miles
from the nearest landfall,
encircled by protective coral
reefs, with miles of soft pink
sandy beaches, Bermuda
offers endless opportunities
for swimming, serene sun
bathing and anything on, in
and under the water. You are
never far from the ocean’s edge and will never feel
crowded, in fact you may find that you have ‘your’
beach to yourself.
Mailing address: Street address:
P.O. BOX HM 20 BOTANICAL GARDENS
HAMILTON HM AX, BERMUDA 169 SOUTH ROAD
PAGET DV 04, BERMUDA