We earn a commission from third-party booking links, at no extra cost to you
Elbow Beach, Bermuda: The Indepth Guide to the Public Beach
If you are looking at a map of Bermuda's South Shore, Elbow Beach probably stands out. For decades, it was the crown jewel of Paget Parish, famous for its sweeping curve of sand and calm waters.
Today, the beach is just as stunning, but the experience on the ground has changed dramatically. I want to give you the exact reality of visiting this spot now so you know exactly what to expect before you step off the bus.
At a Glance
| Feature |
Description |
| Best Time to Go |
8:00 am - 11:00 am for total solitude. |
| Cost Estimate |
Free public access |
| Ideal Duration |
2 to 3 hours. |
| Primary Transport |
Bus #7 or #2 from Hamilton, plus a 10-minute walk. |
The Elephant in the Room
The biggest mistake you can make is showing up to Elbow Beach expecting to rent a luxury lounge chair and order a fish sandwich for lunch.
The historic Elbow Beach Resort, which used to dominate the hillside, is permanently closed. The property is currently an active construction site as it transforms into The Loren at Elbow Beach, a project slated for completion around 2029.
Because of this, the public side of Elbow Beach is completely devoid of commercial facilities. There is no Mickey's Bistro, no umbrella rental stand, and no cocktail service.
However, this closure is actually a massive advantage for you. Because the resort crowds are gone, you will often find this massive, beautiful beach almost entirely to yourself. It is a rare chance to experience a major Bermuda beach in its raw, natural state.
Elbow Beach Bermuda (facing east)
The Elbow Beach Checklist (What to Pack)
Since you are entirely on your own here, packing correctly is crucial.
Plenty of drinking water: Bring at least two large bottles per person.
A travel umbrella or sun tent: There is zero natural shade on the beach itself.
Snacks: Pick up sandwiches before you get on the bus.
Snorkel gear: You cannot rent masks or fins on the beach.
Trash bags: You must pack out whatever you bring in.
Who This Beach is For
If you are an independent traveler who loves raw nature, this is your spot. It is perfect for couples wanting a quiet beach experience close to the city of Hamilton. Strong swimmers and snorkelers will also love the offshore reef system here.
You should probably skip Elbow Beach if you are traveling with toddlers or elderly family members who need immediate access to clean restrooms, food, and paved walkways. The lack of modern amenities makes it tough for visitors who need a highly supported beach day.
Pro-Tip: If you are driving a mini-car or a rented scooter, be extremely careful pulling out of the beach access road onto South Road. It is a blind corner, and local traffic moves fast.
The Beach Experience: The Sand, Calm Waters and Shipwrecks
When you finally step onto the sand, the smell of salt and nearby casuarina pines hits you immediately. The soft sand here has a pale pink hue. The beach forms a gentle curve, which helps protect it from the heaviest ocean swells.
About 100 yards offshore, you will find the protective coral reef that keeps the waters close to the beach relatively calm. If you are a confident swimmer with your own snorkel gear, this reef is incredible to explore.
Just beyond the breakers lies the wreck of the
Pollockshields, a cargo ship that sank in 1915. You can actually see the dark outline of the wreck from the shoreline on a clear day. Do not attempt to swim out to the wreck unless the water is completely flat and you are an exceptionally strong swimmer.
Elbow Beach Bermuda (facing west)
Practical Details: Access, Transport and Facilities
Getting to Elbow Beach requires a little bit of legwork. You will want to take either Bus #7 or Bus #2 from the main terminal in Hamilton. The ride takes about 10 to 15 minutes. Tell the driver you are going to the public entrance for Elbow Beach, and they will drop you off on South Road near the local post office.
Once you step off the bus, look for the sign marking Tribe Road #4. This narrow, paved lane winds down the hill directly to the sand. The walk down takes about 10 minutes and is quite scenic, though you should be prepared for a steep, sweaty climb back up at the end of the day.
Road Map
Regarding facilities, a small parking area for scooters and mini-car sits at the bottom of the hill. You might spot a basic porta-potty near the entrance, but do not rely on it being pristine or stocked with paper.
Where to Eat Nearby
Since you cannot buy food on the public beach, you will likely work up an appetite. Thankfully, you do not have to go far.
Just a short walk up to South Road is the
Paraquet Restaurant. This classic, family-owned Bermudian diner is a local institution. It is the perfect spot to grab a hearty homestyle meal, like their famous codfish and potatoes or a slice of mile-high lemon meringue pie, after a long swim.
If you prefer a sit-down meal with an ocean view, take a short walk to the eastern end of the beach to visit
Sol i Mar at the neighboring
Coco Reef Resort, where a stunning, panoramic outlook over Bermuda’s South Shore perfectly complements a premium, seafood-forward blend of international and local flavors.
Alternatives: If This Isn't For You
If the idea of a "bring-your-own-everything" beach, or visiting a formal restaurant sounds too stressful, you have excellent alternatives nearby.
If you want a stunning South Shore beach with full facilities, food concessions, and chair rentals, head further west on the #7 bus to
Horseshoe Bay Beach. It will be much more crowded, but it offers all the comforts you might need.
If you specifically want to stay on the sands of Elbow Beach but demand luxury amenities, look into booking a
day pass at the
Coco Reef Resort. This hotel sits at the far eastern edge of the beach, offering a pool, a great ocean-view restaurant (as I mentioned earlier), and private beach access for its guests.
You can also check out our guide to
Paget Parish for other local attractions to pair with your beach trip.
About the Author
By Raj Bhattacharya
Raj has been writing about Bermuda since 2008, when he launched bermuda-attractions.com, one of the longest-standing independent guides to the island. A Certified Bermuda Specialist (Bermuda Tourism Authority), his work draws on personal visits, local contacts in Bermuda, and questions and trip reports from thousands of readers over the years.
Learn more about Raj Bhattacharya
Related Articles
|
Visitors' Reviews and Comments
Bob (July 2018)
This was the second time we took a cruise to Bermuda. The first time we went to Horseshoe Beach and it was very over crowded but it did have food and beach facilities. Before our second trip I researched Beaches in Bermuda and Elbow Beach seemed ideal. The Beach is beautiful and not crowded but the only facilities are two Porty Potties.
Don't count on renting chairs or umbrellas from the Elbow Beach Hotel. We had to find shade against the hill in back of the Beach.
|
