Bermuda is famous for its silky soft
pink beaches. That distinctive pinkish color is due to a tiny little single-celled
animal called Foraminifera. Millions of these microscopic creatures and
their red skeletons are continually calcifying on the reefs offshore, and are
then crushed by the huge, erosive power of the ocean and washed up on the
beaches.
Bermuda has nearly 25 miles of beach
ranging from long sandy stretches to intimate coves and rocky shores, and some
20 percent of it is open to the public. Our beaches are virtually
unspoiled - although some beaches have snack and drink facilities (look out for
Bermuda's cheap and cheerful lunch carts), there are few cabana type bars and it
is illegal to sell alcohol on the beach. Also, nude sunbathing is not
permitted.
Most of the island's best sandy
beaches can be found on the South Shore where, as a general guide, the tends to
be rougher and conditions are often ideal for body surfing.
North Shore beaches tend to be
rockier but the water calmer in the summer. Most of Bermuda's most popular
beaches have lifeguards on duty during the summer season.
So whether you are looking to lounge
in the sun or try a spot of snorkeling, here's a guide to some of Bermuda's
Best: