We have traveled extensively and been to many beaches all over the Caribbean, but Horseshoe Bay Beach in Southampton Bermuda clearly stands out from the rest. It’s really special! With a curved stretch of sand against the backdrop of blue waters of the Atlantic, this beautiful pink sandy beach forms shape of a horseshoe.

Horseshoe bay beach was rated as a favorite Valentine’s day getaway for couples by the American daily USA Today. In our books, this beach is in the list of top ten of the world’s best beaches. We usually spend long hours of our vacation in this beautiful beach. During high season (May to October), early morning is the best time to visit the beach if you want to avoid swimmers and sunbathers.

The main beach is about quarter of a mile but extends to other south shore beaches to the east. The sand here is pale pink in color and water clear blue. There are limestone rocks that surround the beach along its boundary line. Horseshoe Bay can provide great snorkeling experience if you are willing to go a little offshore towards the rocks.

We often rent beach chairs, spend hours relaxing and enjoying the turquoise waters and watching the waves pounding on the shores. Even during peak summer we found that the pink sand, which is quite soft in Horseshoe bay beach does not become too hot. A local told us that the sand here has tiny bits of corals and shell dusts in it that keep the heat away. By the way, it’s the same corals and shell dust that create a pink hue and makes the sand look pink in color.

If you plan to snorkel here, you can see variety of colorful fish like parrot fish, angel fish, wrasse, sergeant majors, snappers and more. However the ocean can swell quite high at times. So try snorkeling here only if you are a good swimmer. Life guards are on duty during the high season.

There is a beach café at Horseshoe Bay called the Horseshoe bay beach café. The burgers are quite nice. It also sells hotdogs, chicken, fish, soda, water and juices. Right opposite to the entrance of the beach on South Road, there is a mid-range restaurant Gulfstream which has been opened in Feb 2014 (in place of earlier Tio Pepe). It serves Pizza, Panini, fresh seafood preparations and other select International dishes.

The Horseshoe bay beach is located in Bermuda’s Southampton Parish. It is on the Horseshoe Road, off South Road and on Bus route #7 (that runs between the Dockyard and Hamilton City). From the dockyard, it takes about 35 minutes to reach the beach by bus. From the bus stop, you will need to walk downhill for about 400 yards and then through compact sand to get to the beach. Bus fare is $4.50 by token and $5.00 by cash.

While the downhill walk may not be difficult, but for some the way back up can be tiring. There is a shuttle service (known as ‘To the Top’) run by Dean Ming. For $2, the 15-passenger shuttle can bring you back up to the main road near the public bus stop. Children under 10 ride free. The shuttle is available from 11am onwards.