Pink Sand Paradise: Why Bermuda's Beaches Are Like Nowhere Else on Earth

Close your eyes and imagine standing barefoot on a beach so soft it feels like powdered sugar, surrounded by blush-colored sand that glows in the sunlight. Now open your eyes—because this place is real, and it’s waiting for you in Bermuda.

Bermuda’s pink sand beaches are more than a bucket list photo op—they’re a natural wonder, a relaxing escape, and a cultural gem all in one. From the science behind the color to the best beaches to find it, this guide has everything you need to know to experience Bermuda’s pink sand magic for yourself.

What Makes the Sand Pink in Bermuda?

Let’s start with the science (don’t worry, it’s fascinating). The soft pink hue of Bermuda’s beaches comes from microscopic red foraminifera—tiny marine organisms with red-pink shells. When they die, their shells wash ashore and mix with Bermuda’s white limestone sand, creating that distinctive rosy tint.

It’s nature’s version of magic—and it’s completely unique to this corner of the Atlantic.

Best Pink Sand Beaches in Bermuda

1. Horseshoe Bay Beach (Southampton Parish)

This is the beach you’ve probably seen in all the travel brochures—and for good reason. Horseshoe Bay Beach is stunning, crescent-shaped, and incredibly Instagram-worthy. It’s also the most popular, so expect crowds if you arrive late or during cruise ship hours.

Good to know: Horseshoe has full amenities, lifeguards, and rentals, making it ideal for families. The sand here glows especially pink at sunrise and sunset.

2. Warwick Long Bay

Just a short walk from Horseshoe Bay is this lesser-known stunner. Warwick Long Bay is longer, quieter, and lined with lush coastal flora and rocky outcroppings that give it a more wild, untouched feel.

Tip: Walk east along the shoreline for a bit and you’ll stumble upon hidden coves like Jobson’s Cove and Chaplin Bay—tiny slices of paradise where you might be the only one on the beach.

3. Elbow Beach (Paget Parish)

A favorite among locals, Elbow Beach is part public, part private (belonging to Elbow Beach Resort), and offers a relaxed vibe with fewer crowds. The pink sands here are a bit subtler, but the views and snorkeling opportunities are top-tier.

Bring your snorkel: Coral reefs just offshore make for great fish spotting!

4. Pink Beach (Tucker's Town)

Pink Beach lives up to its name with soft, pastel sands and crystal-clear waters. It’s a bit more exclusive—many sections are attached to luxury resorts like The Loren—but it’s worth a visit if you’re staying nearby or dining at one of the hotel’s seaside restaurants.

When's the Best Time to Visit?

Bermuda’s high season runs from May to October, with warm temps and long beach days. If you’re looking to enjoy the pink beaches with fewer people, plan a trip in late spring (April-May) or early fall (September-October).

Bonus: These shoulder seasons also come with slightly better prices on accommodations and flights.

Tips for Visiting the Pink Sand Beaches

  • Go Early or Late: For fewer crowds and softer lighting (perfect for photos), visit around sunrise or sunset.
  • Wear Reef-Safe Sunscreen: Protect Bermuda’s delicate marine life by skipping the chemicals.
  • Explore Beyond the Famous Beaches: Don’t stop at Horseshoe Bay—wander the trails and you’ll find secluded gems all along the South Shore.
  • Pack Snacks and Water: Not all beaches have vendors, so bring your own if you’re planning to linger.
  • Check the Cruise Schedule: Avoid peak hours by checking when ships are docked—especially in Dockyard.

Are the Beaches Actually That Pink?

This is one of the most common questions, and the answer is… yes, but not neon pink. The sand appears rosy or blush-toned, especially where the tide mixes the sand with crushed coral. Under the golden sunlight of morning or dusk, the color is particularly stunning.

It’s not a bubblegum beach—it’s more subtle and sophisticated, like the rosé of the sand world.

Why Pink Sand Beaches Are So Iconic in Bermuda

Beyond their physical beauty, pink sand beaches are deeply tied to Bermuda’s identity. Locals are proud of these shores, and rightfully so. They’re part of what makes Bermuda special—not just another tropical destination, but a place where nature puts on a show you won’t see anywhere else.

Whether you're lounging with a rum swizzle in hand, snorkeling through the reefs, or just walking barefoot at dusk, there's a kind of peace here that feels rare and real.

Posted 
May 27, 2025
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Atlantic Islands
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