Hidden Beaches in Bermuda: Quiet and Less Crowded Beaches to Visit
Bermuda is famous for its beautiful pink sand beaches, and many visitors head straight to popular spots like Horseshoe Bay and Tobacco Bay. While these beaches are popular for good reason, Bermuda also has many less crowded beaches that are just as beautiful but much quieter.
Some of these beaches are local favourites, while others are simply harder for visitors to reach, which helps keep them quieter even during the busy season. If you are looking for a more peaceful beach experience, there are several hidden and less crowded beaches around Bermuda that are well worth visiting.
In this guide, we will look at some of the best hidden and less crowded beaches in Bermuda, including Whale Bay, Warwick Long Bay, Jobson’s Cove, John Smith’s Bay, the beaches at Cooper’s Island, and Somerset Long Bay.
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Whale Bay Beach, Fort & Park
Whale Bay is one of the quieter beaches in Bermuda and is located in Southampton near the western end of the South Shore. This small beach is known for its scenic views, rocky cliffs, and beautiful sunsets, and it is usually a much less crowded beach than Horseshoe Bay.
The beach is smaller than many of Bermuda’s other beaches, but it is a great place to relax, swim when the water is calm, and enjoy the scenery. Whale Bay Park is located just above the beach and has grassy areas, trees for shade, and a few picnic tables in addition to Whale Bay Fort which is a short walk to the top of a hill with sweeping views of Port Royal Golf course and the south-western coastline.
Why Visit Whale Bay
- Usually quiet and less crowded
- Great sunset views
- Scenic cliffs and rock formations
- Small and peaceful beach
- Good for relaxing
Facilities
- Park area with grass and shade
- Picnic tables
- Parking
- No major beach facilities
How to Get There
Whale Bay can be reached by bus, taxi, or private transport. The beach is located along Middle Road in Southampton and is easier to reach by taxi or bus than some of the more remote beaches, but it is still much quieter than the main tourist beaches. You can get there by catching the number 7 or 8 busses, although there is a 5 to 10 minute walk to get to the beach from the bus stop.
Warwick Long Bay and Jobson’s Cove
Warwick Long Bay and Jobson’s Cove are located next to each other along Bermuda’s South Shore and are among the most beautiful beaches in Bermuda. While they are well known, they are often much less crowded beaches than the popular Horseshoe Bay.
Warwick Long Bay is a long stretch of pink sand beach that is great for walking and enjoying the scenery. Jobson’s Cove is a small, sheltered cove surrounded by rocks, making it a great swimming spot when other beaches are rough.
One of the best things about this area is that you can walk between Warwick Long Bay, Jobson’s Cove, Stonehole Bay, and Chaplin Bay all the way to Horseshoe Bay along the South Shore Park trails, allowing you to explore several beaches in one visit.
Why Visit Warwick Long Bay and Jobson’s Cove
- Beautiful pink sand beaches
- Less crowded than Horseshoe Bay
- Jobson’s Cove is great for swimming
- South Shore trail connects several beaches
- Great for walking and exploring
Facilities
- Warwick Long Bay has restrooms and a small seasonal concession stand
- There are no amenities available at Jobson’s Cove
- Parking available near Warwick Long Bay
- Bus stops nearby on South Road
How to Get There
These beaches are easy to reach by bus, taxi, or rental vehicle. Many visitors take the number 7 bus along South Road and walk down to Warwick Long Bay or Jobson’s Cove from the nearby bus stops.
John Smith’s Bay
John Smith’s Bay is a popular beach with locals that is often overlooked by visitors, which helps keep it quieter than many other beaches. It is located along South Road between Hamilton and St. George’s, a bit out of the way for most visitors, but incredibly easy to get to by bus.
The beach has a wide sandy area, relatively calm water compared to some South Shore beaches, and basic facilities, which makes it a good beach for swimming and relaxing. There is also a small restaurant and bar that is sometimes open during the season.
Why Visit John Smith’s Bay
- Popular local beach
- Usually not crowded with tourists
- Good swimming area
- Easy to reach from Hamilton
- Beach facilities available
Facilities
- Restrooms
- Seasonal restaurant and bar
- Parking
- Bus stop nearby
How to Get There
You can get to John Smith’s Bay by catching the number 1 bus from Hamilton or St. George’s as well as by taxi or rental vehicle.
Cooper’s Island
The beaches located at Cooper’s Island Nature Reserve in St. George’s are some of the quietest beaches in Bermuda. This area includes Clearwater Beach, Turtle Bay, and several smaller beaches along the nature reserve.
These beaches are known for their clear water, open space, and natural surroundings. Because they are located in the east end of Bermuda and require a longer trip from the cruise port and Hamilton, they are usually much less crowded beaches than the more famous beaches.
Cooper’s Island is also a great place for walking, photography, and enjoying nature in addition to visiting the beaches.
Why Visit Cooper’s Island
- Very quiet
- Clear water and open beaches
- Nature reserve and walking trails
- Good for exploring multiple beaches
- Great for photography and scenery
Facilities
- Restrooms near Clearwater Beach
- Parking available
- Bar and food truck near Clearwater Beach
- Walking trails
How to Get There
These beaches are easiest to reach by taxi or private transport. They can also be reached by catching the number 6 bus, but it requires a longer trip from Hamilton or the cruise port.
Somerset Long Bay
Somerset Long Bay is located near the western end of Bermuda and is one of the closest larger beaches to the Royal Naval Dockyard. Despite being relatively close to the cruise port, it is usually a much less crowded beach than Horseshoe Bay.
The beach is large and good for swimming when the water is calm. There is also a park and playground nearby, making it a good beach for families. Because transportation options are more limited than at Horseshoe Bay, the beach is often less crowded.
Why Visit Somerset Long Bay
- Large sandy beach
- Usually quiet
- Close to Dockyard
- Good for families
- Playground and park nearby
Facilities
- Restrooms
- Playground and park
- Parking
- Bus short walk away
How to Get There
Somerset Long Bay can be reached easiest by taxi from the Royal Naval Dockyard. Visitors should plan transportation in advance, as taxis may not always be available directly from the beach.
Which Less Crowded Beach Should You Visit?
Each of these beaches offers something different, and the best beach for you will depend on where you are staying and what type of beach you prefer.
| Beach | Best for |
|---|---|
| Whale Bay | Quiet beach and sunset views |
| Warwick Long Bay | Pink sand and beach walks |
| Jobson’s Cove | Sheltered swimming |
| John Smith’s Bay | Local beach with easy bus access |
| Cooper’s Island | Quiet beaches and nature |
| Somerset Long Bay | Large beach near Dockyard |
Transportation Tips for Less Crowded Beaches
Many of Bermuda’s quieter beaches are less crowded because they are harder to reach than the main beaches. Visitors planning to visit these beaches should consider transportation in advance.
- Buses run along South Road and can reach Warwick Long Bay, Jobson’s Cove, John Smith’s Bay, and Whale Bay
- Taxis are the easiest way to reach Cooper’s Island beaches and Somerset Long Bay
- Scooter rentals can make it easier to explore multiple beaches
- Some beaches do not have taxis waiting nearby, so plan return transportation
- Always check bus schedules when visiting more remote beaches
Conclusion
While Horseshoe Bay and Tobacco Bay are the most famous beaches in Bermuda, there are many quieter and less crowded beaches around the island that are just as beautiful. Beaches like Whale Bay, Warwick Long Bay, Jobson’s Cove, John Smith’s Bay, the beaches at Cooper’s Island, and Somerset Long Bay offer visitors a chance to enjoy Bermuda’s pink sand and clear water in a more peaceful setting.
If you are willing to travel a little further or plan your transportation in advance, visiting some of Bermuda’s hidden beaches can be one of the best experiences on the island.