Best Snorkeling Location In Bermuda

Church Bay Beach Bermuda is a small beach located in Southampton Parish on the southwest coast of Bermuda, 2.2 miles southeast of Hog Bay and 3.5 miles south southeast of Somerset Village. This pink sand beach is well-known for being the best snorkeling location in Bermuda. The reefs are close to the shore, within a couple of hundred feet of the shoreline.

Snorkeling in the shallow reef area is like swimming in a natural aquarium and many tropical fish can be seen such as angelfish, parrotfish, and butterfly fish among others. There is a rock in the water known to locals as Poodle Rock for its shape. Church Bay is sometimes crowded during the prime beach season months of summer since it is in a fairly well-visited area. Arrive early to beat the crowds if visiting during this time of year.

The beach is fairly rocky so is not an ideal location for sunbathing. Snorkelers should take care to stay close to shore as the water becomes deep fairly quickly. In addition, when walking into the water one is likely to step on many small, slippery rocks. Children may have trouble keeping their balance. It is recommended to wear swim shoes at Church Bay when snorkeling or swimming. The water is relatively calm as it is protected by a series of reefs. However, when there are south or southwest winds present there may be some ocean swell rolling so it is best to avoid swimming and snorkeling during these adverse conditions.

Church Bay Park Is Close To The Church Bay Beach Bermuda

Church Bay Park is situated above the park and has public restrooms and picnic tables available. From May to October, there is a concession stand that rents snorkels, masks, fins, lifejackets, umbrellas, chairs and so forth. The stand also sells snacks and fish food. Near the parking area of the park there is an old ruined fort to explore. Gibbs Hill Lighthouse, the oldest cast iron lighthouse in the world, is also within walking distance of Church Bay Beach. Bermuda Golf Academy and Turtle Hill Golf Club are two golf courses located about a mile from the beach.

Nearby Hotels & Restaurants

Two restaurants are within easy walking distance of Church Bay Beach, Coconuts and Ocean Echo. Coconuts is informal and serves both Caribbean and International cuisine. Ocean Echo is a fine dining restaurant service Caribbean and Contemporary cuisine. Just a bit further east, Henry VIII restaurant serves British fare in an informal setting.

The closest hotel to Church Bay Beach is the Reefs at just under half a mile away. The Reefs is a moderate sized hotel with 61 rooms, all of which overlook pink sand beaches. The hotel has three restaurants and a spa. The Reefs was named the Top Resort in the Caribbean in 2012 by Travel + Leisure. A Conde Nast reader’s poll in 2013 placed it at the top of all resorts in Bermuda, the Bahamas, and Turks and Caicos. The resort offers nightly entertainment. Amenities vary depending on guestroom chosen. The Reefs has four room styles, three suite styles, and seven cottage styles to choose from.