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South Shore Park Bermuda
Half Day Itinerary
Best of Bermuda beaches and parks are on the south shore. Here I am suggesting an itinerary covering two of the top south shore beaches in Bermuda: Horseshoe Bay Beach and Warwick Long Bay Beach along with a series of spectacular coves.
This itinerary is ideal if you are looking for some leisurely swims, snorkeling and stroll along some lovely South Shore trails.
You need to start your day from Southampton parish. So Pack a towel and sunscreen and get on your way. You can also do the reverse route.
Take a bus and come up to the South Road at Southampton. Bus #7 is convenient. It's easy to reach. Check out Bermuda Bus Routes to know all the routes.
From the South Road, walk over to Horseshoe Bay Beach. This is a picture perfect beach with pink sands. It has always been on top of our favorite Bermuda beaches. This also happens to be one of the most photographed beaches in Bermuda. There is a beach cafe here and other facilities like bathrooms, chairs, umbrella and snorkel rentals.
South Shore Bermuda
There is an eatery opposite to the entrance of Horseshoe Bay called Tio Pepe. It prepares nice Italian and Spanish food including Pizzas. If you like, pick up some quick snacks and bottled water. As you walk along the Horseshoe Bay Beach, explore the small coves.
South Shore Park is a nature reserve that connects Southampton and Warwick Parishes and has been designated as a national park since 1990. It starts from the western end of Horseshoe Bay Beach and goes all the way up to the Eastern end of Warwick Long Bay Beach. The entire stretch is about 1.25 miles long.
Map showing Bermuda's South Shore Beaches
The stretch has a sandy walking trail along limestone cliffs and dunes which is just above the beach level. There are large spans of grassy areas as well on the way that are great for picnics.
However, you can also walk along the beach. But there will be some rocky formations and water areas on the way that you may need to wade around. It's not that difficult. I would recommend some kind of beach shoes if you are walking along the beach. If you have heavy luggage, then it's easier to take the sandy trail above along the cliffs.
The trail along the cliff offers wonderful view of the ocean. On the other hand, if you walk along the beach you will come across tiny semi-secluded coves that will simply blow your mind off. Each one is a photographer's paradise.
You can sit in one of the coves and spend some time looking at the endless blue waters.
As you stroll along the beach or the trail, you will find numerous coves and beaches like Peel Rock Cove, Butts Beach, Middle Beach, Wafer Rocks Beach, Angle Beach and more. Then you’ll reach the twin coves of Chaplin Bay and the Stonehole Bay in about 0.7 miles. Both are very picturesque spots and great for swimming or even just for relaxing. There is a public toilet at the Chaplin Bay / Stonehole Bay area. This is the only public facility along this route. There is also a car park at the entrance of the Chaplin Bay / Stonehole Bay.
Continue east on the trails and you will shortly find a tiny swimming hole with crystal clear water at Jobson’s Cove. This place can quickly get crowded. So try to make it early. This wonderful little cove is surrounded by lime stone cliffs. This is also a great place for snorkeling.
Continue east along the South Shore Park Trails and you will reach Warwick Long Bay, a stunning half-mile long beach. This beach also offers excellent snorkeling opportunity. There is a seasonal concession stand at the beach which rents chairs, umbrellas and snorkel gears. Since there is no café here, this beach tends to be less crowded than Horseshoe Bay Beach.
From Horseshoe Bay Beach up to the Warwick Long Bay, the terrain is fairly flat and not difficult. If this stretch is enough for you and you plan to go back to the dockyard after the walk, then you can do the reverse hike. In that case, ask the bus driver to drop you at the Warwick Long Bay. Hike down the hill side to the shore line and take the reverse trail through the lovely beaches and coves that I mentioned above.
However if you like to follow my original route and explore further east of the south shore, then check out the following.
Further east from Warwick Long Bay, you will see the beautiful Astwood Cove. This is a popular spot for beach weddings in Bermuda.
Continuing east towards South Road. By this time you would have hiked quite a bit and must be hungry. You will soon find South Shore's one of the landmark pubs - Swizzle South Shore. This is a branch of the original Swizzle Inn that has been the inventor of the famous drink in the island, The Rum Swizzle. You will get a wide selections of burgers and other pub food; this is one of the South Shore’s most fun restaurants.
Check out Bermuda Map to know all the directions. It has maps of everything that you need.
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Visitors' Reviews & Comments
Debbie
Approx how far is it from Warwick Beach to the Swizzle Inn - would like to do your recommended walk from Horseshoe Bay to Warwick Long Beach. Thanks.
Raj (bermuda-attractions.com)
The Swizzle Inn (South Shore branch) is near Surf Side Beach Club and between Astwood Cove Park and Elbow Beach. From Warwick Long Bay Beach, keep walking east along South Shore Road (i.e. South Road). Astwood Park is about 0.5 miles from the end of Warwick Long Bay, and Swizzle Inn is further 1-mile or so. You can also take a bus from Warwick Long Bay to the pub (bus #7).
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