Somebody pinch me. I’ve returned from Bermuda with photographs of pink sand, turquoise water, and sea glass—and the suspicion that I should have booked a longer trip.
Our ship docked at the historic Royal Naval Dockyard on Bermuda’s West End. From there, our days took us out onto the water, along the island’s beaches, and into shops where choosing a souvenir required a little restraint.
Exploring Bermuda by Private Catamaran
On our first day, we chartered a private catamaran with FantaSea. Our captain, Stephen, took us across turquoise water to snorkel over reefs, explore a shipwreck, and search for sea glass along tucked-away coves.
Having a private charter gave us room to follow our curiosity rather than rush through a checklist. There was time to look below the surface, enjoy the coastline, and settle in with a Rum Swizzle between stops.
It was a satisfying introduction to Bermuda: a little history, plenty of water, and no particular desire to return to the dock early.
Horseshoe Bay: Bermuda’s Famous Pink-Sand Beach
The following days brought us to Horseshoe Bay, one of Bermuda’s best-known beaches. Its curved shoreline, pale pink sand, and clear water explain why it appears in so many photographs.
The pink is a delicate blush rather than a bright wash of color. Tiny red-shelled marine organisms contribute fragments that mix with the sand, giving parts of Bermuda’s coastline their distinctive hue. At Horseshoe Bay, look near the waterline, where the color can be easier to see.
For a first visit, this is a good place to make time for a proper beach afternoon. Put the camera down occasionally, though. I realize that is questionable advice coming from a photographer.
Black Bay Beach: Sea Glass on the West End
Black Bay offered a different kind of beach walk. Near the Royal Naval Dockyard, it is a series of three small coves where the beaches change with the tide.
Here, the attraction was looking closely. Colorful pieces of sea glass dotted the shore, their edges softened by time in the water. After the broad sweep of Horseshoe Bay, these smaller pockets of coastline gave us another reason to slow our steps.
If you are planning a visit, check the tide: the amount of exposed beach varies. Follow any posted guidance, and consider making photographs your keepsakes.
Our wandering also took us through local streets and into a historic cemetery, where weathered headstones dating back to the early 1800s offered a quieter glimpse of island life.
Back at the Royal Naval Dockyard
Returning to the dockyard did not mean the exploring was over.
There were boutique shops to browse, local rum cakes to consider, and work by artisans using glass, clay, and even Bermuda’s pink sand in their creations. After spending time looking at the coastline, it was interesting to see how its colors and materials found their way into pieces made on the island.
The catamaran trip and beaches may have filled the camera, but those smaller stops helped round out the visit.
Bermuda gave us several different versions of a good day: snorkeling from a catamaran, walking a pink-sand shoreline, searching for sea glass, or browsing with nowhere urgent to be.
Next time, I would leave room for more of each.
Plan your visit with Bermuda’s official travel guide.
Story & photography courtesy of Veronica Miles.