Horseshoe Bay Beach
Horseshoe Bay Beach
4.5
About
Horseshoe Bay is one of the most stunning beaches in Bermuda, famous for its soft pink sand and turquoise waters. The beach is especially popular during the summer months, with a lifeguard on duty and a beachside cafe serving delicious food. If you're lucky, you might be able to catch a weekly beach volleyball competition. Be sure to explore the beautiful cove on the west end of the beach, where sea stacks create a natural pool that's perfect for a refreshing swim. The beach gets busy, especially during summer, so get there early for fewer crowds. – Tripadvisor
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- Sibandu_M320 contributionsIncredible Views and Amazing ExperienceHorseshoe Bay Beach is a must see for families visiting Bermuda. The pink sand and the turquoise water made for incredible views. There is no admission fee for the beach but you can rent out beach chairs, umbrellas, and tents.Visited April 2023Written April 21, 2023
- JillNew Jersey742 contributionsBathroom break!We walked from Warwick Bay to Horseshoe Bay. There's a vast difference in the beaches. Horseshoe is crowded and touristy. I am only giving it 4 stars because it is beautiful and has amenities (i.e. bathrooms). Personally, I wouldn't spend time hanging out there, as there are so many better spots. But it is easy and has the necessary services.Visited May 2023Written May 16, 2023
- GhidrahBelle Mead, New Jersey42 contributionsA large, beautiful, and free pink sand beach.What a gorgeous spot. People say Horseshoe Bay is a crowded beach, but even with 2 cruise ships in port, it was only about 1/3 as crowded as any random beach in New Jersey or Delaware. There's plenty of room to spread out, too, with a nice little cove to the right (if you're facing the ocean) and lots of less crowded sections past the rocky outcroppings on the left. You can also hop on the trails behind the beach for a lovely nature stroll amid the dunes. If you don't mind walking about a half mile, you can follow one of the trails down to Warwick Long Bay Beach, which is not crowded at all. The water on the main beach was very gentle the day we were there, and the turquoise color is magical.Visited June 2023Written June 21, 2023
- Becky RMinneapolis, Minnesota114 contributionsBeautiful beachThis was a great beach. It was full of tourists but still was great. Chair rentals, drinks and food are expensive. $15 a piece for rentals. They do accept credit cards for the rentals. Our kids loved playing in the water and the waves. If you head to the left and walk to the end there is a dandy path. It takes you to your own private little area. Great to get away from all of the people.Visited June 2023Traveled with familyWritten June 28, 2023
- Steven HowardGreensboro, Georgia2 contributionsFamily friendly and wheelchair accessible beach.This is a beautiful and accessible friendly beach. A short 20 minute ride from the Royal Navy Dockyard, we arrived by taxi ($40 with tip) and returned by shared van ($7 per person). The sand was pristine and the water was clear. Beach attendants were helpful and assisted my mom to our tent and chairs with a beach wheelchair. The water/sky/scenery are magnificent - with small waves making their way over the reef to the beach, splashing colorfully on the rock formations. To the right is a protected cove with ripples vs. waves, and fish coming up to bathers and snorkelers. No fee for the beach; the large tent/canopy was $40 (recommended) and lounge chairs were $15. Guests are set up close to one another, but if you are willing to walk a bit there's plenty of space for distancing.Visited June 2023Traveled with familyWritten June 28, 2023
- yellowexhoRockingham, North Carolina7 contributionsLovely BeachWe had watched a YouTube video where a cruise ship person videoed the beach and it was loaded with people. So, we decided we would go during an afternoon when the ships were leaving port. It was great. Only a few people were on the beach when we arrived at 2:30 pm. We rented an umbrella and 2 chairs for $60 even though we could only use it for 2 hours, but it was worth it having the shade. It is a lovely beach and I'm glad we went.Visited July 2023Traveled with familyWritten July 23, 2023
- KathyOrlando, Florida23 contributionsBreathtaking beachWow, what a beautiful beach! Easy to rent umbrella and chairs and you can order food and drinks right from your seats. The water is unbelievably blue. Swimming is a blast and there are attentive lifeguards keeping an eye on you. You must check it out.Visited July 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten July 28, 2023
- Robert W11 contributionsAwesome beach if you avoid the crowdsHorseshoe Bay Beach is rated one of the best beaches in the world, and we agree after visiting it twice during our visit to Bermuda. It is conveniently located on the bus route which means you can travel to the beach easily from the Dockyard (or anywhere on the island). The beach has very nice bathrooms, showers, and changing areas to get ready and/or cleaned up when you're finished. There's also limited drink/snack area and a place you can rent beach chairs/umbrellas. When you enter, there is a smaller cove to the right that is good for children and has decent snorkeling. We saw several large parrotfish. To the left is the main beach which is beautiful. The sand is very soft with no rocks so there's no need for water shoes. This beach was the only one we visited with lifeguards. There is a path that connect Horseshoe Bay Beach to several other smaller beaches to the northeast. If you are able, we recommend taking the path and visiting the other beaches. In most cases, we were the only people there. One of the beaches had the pink sand for which Bermuda is famous. (I think it was either Elsbeth or Jobson's but I'm not sure.) The trick to visiting Horseshoe Bay is to avoid the cruise ship passengers. We traveled past the beach when it was filled with people from the cruise ships and it was packed. If you are on a cruise ship, maybe try visiting on your own instead of in a large group. You could also try walking up the beach to one of the less busy beaches. The best times seem to be in the morning and evening or after the cruise ships depart. After swimming and exploring, we ate dinner at the Gulfstream restaurant. It is located very close the bus stop at the Horseshoe Beach entrance. They have excellent flatbread pizzas and can even make one gluten free.Visited August 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten August 2, 2023
- ginam12003North Haven, Connecticut12 contributionsGreat beach - crowded -This beach is fantastic. The sand is like powder . Only drawback is rough current waves taking you and it is very crowded. Beach chairs are 20 bucks umbrellas 20 bucks . There is a little alcove which has no waves and perfect fit sitting and hanging out in the water . Beach is highly recommended!!Visited August 2023Traveled with friendsWritten August 15, 2023
- michelegreen74448 contributionsA Swim in ParadiseHorseshoe Bay Beach has some of the most glorious turquoise water that you could ever want to see! They also have chairs, umbrellas, a cafe as well as showers. Go early if you want chairs or umbrellas because the cruise ship crowds flock to this beach. The snack bar, while always busy, served good food and refreshing drinks. They also have taxis for those who don’t want to take the bus waiting when you come off the beach. There is an approximately ten min walk down to the beach from where the bus drops you off if you are taking mass transit so be prepared for that. The very best part of this beach is you can escape the crowds by going up the path at the far end of the beach and visit Butts Beach, Water Rocks Beach and our favorite Angle Beach which is a short walk down the sandy path. There you will find private coves. Be careful as there are no lifeguards but the walk was well worth it!Visited August 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten August 19, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Steven Howard
Greensboro, GA2 contributions
Jun 2023 • Family
This is a beautiful and accessible friendly beach. A short 20 minute ride from the Royal Navy Dockyard, we arrived by taxi ($40 with tip) and returned by shared van ($7 per person). The sand was pristine and the water was clear. Beach attendants were helpful and assisted my mom to our tent and chairs with a beach wheelchair. The water/sky/scenery are magnificent - with small waves making their way over the reef to the beach, splashing colorfully on the rock formations. To the right is a protected cove with ripples vs. waves, and fish coming up to bathers and snorkelers. No fee for the beach; the large tent/canopy was $40 (recommended) and lounge chairs were $15. Guests are set up close to one another, but if you are willing to walk a bit there's plenty of space for distancing.
Written June 28, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bostravel122
Wellesley, MA219 contributions
Aug 2021 • Family
We visited this beach twice on our recent trip. First visit was close to perfect - slight breeze, clear water, plenty of spots to put beach umbrellas and chairs. Second day the water was pretty rough and lots and lots of coarse seaweed.
Be sure to bring your own towels or the buy then from the convenience store. Each beach chair and umbrella cost $10 - we ended up renting 3 chairs and 2 umbrellas as the sun is so intense.
Be sure to walk up and down the beach and explore all of the nooks and crannies.
Drinks and food for sale behind the little convent shop.
Be sure to bring your own towels or the buy then from the convenience store. Each beach chair and umbrella cost $10 - we ended up renting 3 chairs and 2 umbrellas as the sun is so intense.
Be sure to walk up and down the beach and explore all of the nooks and crannies.
Drinks and food for sale behind the little convent shop.
Written August 5, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Saraimari
New York City, NY265 contributions
Aug 2023
This was my third time to this beach, this visit was on on 8/17/2023. I have previously enjoyed my visit there. However, on this occasion, it was horrific. The beach was crowded and there were no more umbrellas, chairs or tents available for rent. The staff was unprofessional and aggressive. I believe that the fact that there were two large cruise ships there that day impacted the energy.
The beach is beautiful and there is a small bay which is appropriate for younger children and families. If you go there, go as early as possible, to be able to get the afore mentioned items without getting into a squabble.
The whole experience was negative. When we left to go back to cruise terminal, there were not enough taxis. No one there was managing the crowds and tensions were high. One of the cab drivers was very rude and almost became physically aggressive towards one of the people in our party.
I will highly recommend to book this excursion with the cruise ship to avoid the headaches. You may save a buck booking on your own but will for sure spend it on Tylenol because of the headache.
The beach is beautiful and there is a small bay which is appropriate for younger children and families. If you go there, go as early as possible, to be able to get the afore mentioned items without getting into a squabble.
The whole experience was negative. When we left to go back to cruise terminal, there were not enough taxis. No one there was managing the crowds and tensions were high. One of the cab drivers was very rude and almost became physically aggressive towards one of the people in our party.
I will highly recommend to book this excursion with the cruise ship to avoid the headaches. You may save a buck booking on your own but will for sure spend it on Tylenol because of the headache.
Written August 24, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cloud9Captain
Duxbury, MA107 contributions
Jul 2021 • Couples
Very nice beach. Especially a quiet area to the right which is a calm pool like area. Be aware you cannot rent chairs and umbrellas before 10:30AM and they do not have towels. Also at time we visited 7/23/21 there were no food or drinks served. Bring your own. No problem getting a taxi as they are constantly dropping off folks.
Written July 23, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Darlene K
5 contributions
Jun 2022
Horseshoe Bay is a "must see" on everybody's list visiting Bermuda. Unfortunately, because of that, 3 cruise ships descended upon the beach making it extremely packed with hardly any place to sit. While it is beautiful, there are other beaches just as beautiful to visit if you find 3 ships in port! My only tip would be...go on Day 2 of your visit vs. Day 1. It might thin out by then. Also, they 'rent' chairs for $15 which were all sold out by the time we arrived. Bring a blanket as a backup and plan to sit on the beach. Lastly, if you take public transportation, the walk to the beach is quite steep and you'll be exhausted by the time you get there. Get a taxi...it's worth the money to take you right to the beach and avoid the steep walkway (which will get you walking back up!)
Written June 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cristina L
Brooklyn, NY4 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
I traveled with a group of 15 (15, 13, 11, 5 year olds) to Bermuda this past week and one of our destinations was Horseshoe Beach. It was worth the drive from our hotel whixh was about 30 minutes by car from the Grotto Bay Resort.
You can rent chairs and umbrellas when you arrive and they will set them up for you. Their is a restaurant located right at the beach which sells burgers, hot dogs, chicken fingers, fried wahoo and beverages - adult and kid friendly. Their is also a bathroom and outdoor showers. Hair braiding for the kids too.
Once you are in the beach if you go all the way left you will hit all the different beaches and coves which is worth the 20 minute walk. We walked along the beach but we got to a pint Whwre we couldn’t pass any longer because the water was too high. However you can walk the pathway that’s higher up away from the water.
We set up towards the right when you walk in because it was nice and calm for our little ones. We saw some great fish when we swam out a little which you are able to stand on rocks and the fish come right up to you. Bring bread and they will come right up to you.
The main beach is great with nice big waves which the kids all loved. We even went into the cove and took some great pics.
You can rent chairs and umbrellas when you arrive and they will set them up for you. Their is a restaurant located right at the beach which sells burgers, hot dogs, chicken fingers, fried wahoo and beverages - adult and kid friendly. Their is also a bathroom and outdoor showers. Hair braiding for the kids too.
Once you are in the beach if you go all the way left you will hit all the different beaches and coves which is worth the 20 minute walk. We walked along the beach but we got to a pint Whwre we couldn’t pass any longer because the water was too high. However you can walk the pathway that’s higher up away from the water.
We set up towards the right when you walk in because it was nice and calm for our little ones. We saw some great fish when we swam out a little which you are able to stand on rocks and the fish come right up to you. Bring bread and they will come right up to you.
The main beach is great with nice big waves which the kids all loved. We even went into the cove and took some great pics.
Written August 20, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Natalie N
8 contributions
Apr 2022
I was on an NCL cruise to Bermuda and did a trip to Horseshoe Bay on my own. Right from the Dockyard we took a $7 mini bus. The mini buses are great, no need to pay for a personal taxi; just keep in mind that the mini bus leaves when it is full. Both the mini buses and the taxis will take you all the way down to the parking lot. The regular bus leaves you at the top and you need to take a wooden pathway all the way down to the beach. On the beach you can rent chairs and umbrellas for $10 each. There is also a bar and concession stand. It's a gorgeous place to visit. You can swim, walk along the beach and into a trail, or just lounge around. Really clean beaches and water.
Written April 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lizzie R
Dobbs Ferry, NY621 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
Sits right next to the Fairmont Southampton beach. You can park and charge your Twizy in the Fairmont lot near the tennis courts if you’re staying there and walk through the gates which are open from dawn to dusk. Bring your own towel for seating
Written January 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Expedition789141
3 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
$7 per person shuttle takes you to the top of the street and you walk to an overcrowded beach. Take a taxi and ask the driver to take you to the beach a little bit farther. It is private, not crowded and you can rent chairs and an umbrellas. Also a private sheltered cove to snorkel.
Written July 28, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dreamer75255
7 contributions
Sep 2022
We were the first people on the beach, they set up our rented chairs&umbrella($45 total),
very close to the water. In one hour, the beach was packed ( cruise ship passengers), there were now people in front of us, & a couple lying on a towel between us, & surrounded within a few feet of us. We explored the far end of the beach that had less people (but no chair&umbrella service ),many tiny beaches but rough water. We unfortunately left after 2 hours due to the crowded situation.
very close to the water. In one hour, the beach was packed ( cruise ship passengers), there were now people in front of us, & a couple lying on a towel between us, & surrounded within a few feet of us. We explored the far end of the beach that had less people (but no chair&umbrella service ),many tiny beaches but rough water. We unfortunately left after 2 hours due to the crowded situation.
Written September 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Crichwine
Aberdeen, MD77 contributions
Going on a cruise to Bermuda in July what's best way to get to horseshoe bay. Read it taxis are 7 a person plus mileage not sure if that's true. Or should we take the bus?
Mary M
18 contributions
We went to Bermuda on a NCL cruise in March and there were mini van taxis in the dockyard for $7 pp to Horseshoe Bay. Think there may be a local bus too but the mini vans were nice and easy! Horseshoe Bay beach was beautiful, definitely worth a visit!
Companion40794525318
1 contribution
Traveling with my elderly parents and would love for them to be able to see and enjoy Horseshoe Bay however, they cannot walk on sand. They can walk short distances - but the sand would be too unsteady for them. Are there wheelchair/scooters available to rent with the large wheels able to travel on sand? Can I reserve them in advance?
travelmom252017
Houston, TX195 contributions
I did not see anything like that the time we were there. It is a good walk from the parking lot to the beach.
Jane M
Toronto, Canada3 contributions
Hi, we are travelling to Bermuda at the end of this month (November). I am wondering if the restaurant/bar and washrooms are open at this time during the off season? And will the water be swimmable? We are travelling with a 20 month old. Thanks!
beachbum4444
Atlanta, GA10 contributions
I am not sure if the facilities at the beach will be open, however wherever you are staying should have answers! Ocean temperatures do drop this time of year.
N H
King William, VA35 contributions
Getting a bus to horseshoe bay I’m reading is $7.00 per person as a cruise traveler . Do they accept US dollars or do we need to get a day pass or exchange our money for the ride?
ELC_Freddy_Beach
Charlottetown, Canada1,077 contributions
You exchange for tokens. The main terrminal in Hamilton can do this nor major hotels. The bus works with zones so the fare will depend where you start and where you plan to get off.
ELISABETH M
2 contributions
We are planning a trip for mid to late April and wondering if the water is warm enough to swim?
juniebee1
Ohio52 contributions
we went in Dec and my friends swam and I even went into the kayak and the sunshine can warm you up nicely
Joachim1961
Ettlingen, Germany8 contributions
Hi, we will be on the island with a cruise docking at King's Wharf, who knows if there a taxis available there and what the price is pp round trip to Horseshoe Beach ?
besiktas
besiktas56 contributions
How do you get here from the cruise ship docks?
BoardingPass814605
Silver Spring, MD30 contributions
The $7 round trip vans just outside the pier are the way to go. We did and had no problems.
JEN
New York City, NY27 contributions
Is any public bathroom on the beach?
Flygirltraveler
Denver, CO74 contributions
Yes:)
mauram1999
Boston, MA13 contributions
Were you able to also rent snorkel equipment and cost and do you recall how much the chair/umbrella was? We are cruising out of Boston this Friday and will be there Sunday afternoon/Monday and Tues.
If you arrived via ship, what day did you go?
Also, if via ship, how did you get to the beach?
Trying to decide if more cost effective to do ship tour or on our own (leaning toward this)
Thanks!
Raymond R
North Marshfield, MA21 contributions
We did not rent snorkel equipment. The 2 chairs and umbrella we rented at Horseshoe Bay were $50 for the day. The beach is beautiful and large. The hidden gem is the coves at the far end of the beach. Well worth a 10 minute walk. Also, the cliffs at each end of the beach have great views. Not difficult to walk up to either. We first went to Horseshoe Bay on a cruise vacation 20 years ago. Our children between ages 12-18 and we went by taxi. It was the best day of our vacation. There is a burger place near the beach entrance from the parking lot that has decent (not great) food and drinks but it was great after a day at the beach. And we weren’t driving so a drink or two was nice for us. They also have talented singers every afternoon. We went again a few weeks ago and stayed at the Fairmont resort next to Horseshoe Bay so it was easy for us to get there. A bus load of cruisers were brought to the beach for maybe 3 hours. It was a mix of people, from parents with children to apparent groups of singles and some couples. Many of them were drinking and noticeably under the influence which may be no issue for a lot of people. I personally would not have wanted to be on the bus back to the ship with some of them because there were loud and a obnoxious. I think the ship charges$7 pp each way so taking a taxi would be about the same cost if you are with 3-4 people and you can get there as early as you like and stay all day. That is my recommendation is you love a day at the beach. Bermuda is beautiful. You will love it. Hope you have a great time.
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Claim your listingHorseshoe Bay Beach - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)
Frequently Asked Questions about Horseshoe Bay Beach
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Horseshoe Bay Beach:
- Island Wrap Around Tour of Bermuda (From $85.00)
- Crystal Caves, Hamilton Shopping and Beach Tour (From $105.00)
- Bermuda Beach Hop Experience (From $199.00)
- A Bermuda Exquisite Experience with Scenic Ferry Return (From $65.00)
- Swizzle Me Up: Shared Tour in Bermuda (From $97.00)
- Hotels near Horseshoe Bay Beach:
- (0.16 mi) Southern Views on Fairmont Southampton Hotel Property
- (0.16 mi) Horseshoe Bay Vista
- (0.17 mi) Luxury Villa with Stunning Views of Horseshoe Bay on the Fairmont Hotel Grounds
- (0.29 mi) Fairmont Southampton
- (0.98 mi) The Reefs Resort & Club
- Restaurants near Horseshoe Bay Beach:
- (0.26 mi) Gulfstream
- (0.31 mi) Windows on the Sound
- (0.31 mi) Cabana Bar & Grill
- (0.41 mi) Boundary Sports Bar & Grille
- (0.66 mi) Henry VIII Restaurant, Sushi Bar and Pub
- Attractions near Horseshoe Bay Beach:
- (0.11 mi) Dive Bermuda At Fairmont Southampton
- (0.40 mi) The Turtle Hill Golf Club
- (0.54 mi) Gibb's Hill Lighthouse
- (0.71 mi) Jobson's Cove Beach
- (0.49 mi) Church Bay Beach