Stonehole Bay BeachBermuda Beach Guide
Pink sand, stone arch, zero facilities — earn it
About
Stonehole Bay sits on Fish Hook Island along Bermuda's south shore, reachable only on foot via the South Shore Park trail. The beach stretches roughly 898 metres of pink sand framed by raw limestone geology — a flat shelf that slides directly into crystal-clear water and a natural stone arch that draws photographers and geology enthusiasts alike. No vendors, no sunbeds, no lifeguard: what you get is a wild, empty cove that feels genuinely removed from the island's more visited spots. The water runs crystal clear against that distinctive pink sand, and the limestone formations give the shoreline a sculptural quality unlike anything on a standard beach day.
How to get there
Stonehole Bay is trail-only — you reach it on foot via the South Shore Park trail that links Horseshoe Bay and Warwick Long Bay, roughly a 15-minute hike each way. There is no dedicated parking at the beach itself; leave your vehicle at the Horseshoe Bay or Warwick Long Bay car parks and follow the coastal trail south. The terrain is rocky and the path is not accessible for mobility-impaired visitors.
Who it's for
For couples
The trail-only access and reliably empty shoreline make Stonehole Bay one of the few south shore spots where you can genuinely have pink sand and a stone arch to yourselves — bring a picnic and take your time.
For families
Families with older children who can manage rocky trail terrain will enjoy the geology and the stone arch, but the slippery limestone shelf, absent lifeguard, and south swell surge make it unsuitable for young children or non-swimmers.
Our take
No lifeguard, no facilities, no road access — Stonehole Bay asks something of you before it gives anything back, and that is exactly the point. The 15-minute hike along the South Shore Park trail is the price of admission to one of the emptiest stretches of pink sand on the island. Safety first: the limestone shelf turns hazardous with algae in summer, south swell surge is real, and there is nobody on duty if things go wrong — water shoes are not optional, and July and August are worth skipping entirely. Come in June or September, when the footing is better and the light on that stone arch is worth every step of the trail. Bring everything you need, leave the glass at home, and treat the geology with the respect it deserves. Worth the detour — but go prepared.
What to do
The adjacent Jobson's Cove — just 0.2 km along the trail — is a circular enclosed limestone cove worth the short detour before or after your visit. Continue another 0.5 km and you reach Warwick Long Bay, Bermuda's longest pink-sand beach, on the same trail. Horseshoe Bay Beach, Bermuda's most famous beach, is 0.8 km away and makes a natural bookend to a full south shore walk. Queen's View is a worthwhile stop roughly 2 km out if you want a broader coastal panorama.
The natural stone arch framing a strip of pink sand and crystal-clear water is the defining shot — arrive early before any other hikers reach the bay.
The flat limestone shelf extending into the water creates a clean geometric foreground for wide-angle compositions, and the enclosed cove at adjacent Jobson's Cove just 0.2 km away offers a second, completely different limestone frame worth the extra steps.
Where to eat
Island Cuisine is the closest option, about 1 km from the trail access point — useful for a post-hike meal since the beach itself has zero facilities. Boundary Sports Bar and Grille is around 1.5 km away if you want something more casual. Pack your own food and water for the beach; there is nothing on-site and no nearby kiosk.
Where to stay
Elbow Beach Hotel is the closest listed option at 4.1 km, well-positioned for repeat south shore walks. The Waterfront Residence at 4.4 km and Royal Palms Hotel at 4.8 km are both reasonable bases if you want to explore the trail at different times of day.
Photography
The natural stone arch is the standout shot — the crystal-clear water picks up colour beautifully, and the flat limestone shelf leading into the water makes a strong foreground element for wide compositions, especially in the golden hour before the sun climbs too high.
Good to know
No glass containers and no fires are permitted — pack drinks in plastic or metal and leave the camp stove at home. Dogs are prohibited on Bermuda public beaches during peak season from May through September, so plan accordingly if you're travelling with a pet. The limestone shelf becomes slippery with algae growth in summer, making water shoes strongly recommended; July and August are the worst months for footing, so consider visiting in June or September instead. There is no lifeguard on duty and south swell surge is possible — never swim alone, and stay off the shelf edge when the sea is running.
Map
Nearby places
Island Cuisine
Boundary Sports Bar and Grille
Four Star Indian & Pizza
Buzz
Ascots
Things to see around Warwick Parish
Jobson's Cove
Circular enclosed limestone cove, adjacent on the South Shore Park trail.
Warwick Long Bay
Bermuda's longest pink-sand beach, accessible via the same trail.
Horseshoe Bay Beach
Bermuda's most famous beach, accessible via the South Shore Park trail.
Frequently asked
The information on this page is provided for guidance only and may evolve. Access conditions, safety and infrastructure can change without notice. Always check official sources before traveling.
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Photo credits
Sources and licenses for the photos shown above.
- Photo 1 — Stabbur's Master · source · CC BY-SA 2.0
- Photo 2 — randal-schwartz · source · CC BY-SA 2.0
- Photo 3 — Stabbur's Master · source · CC BY-SA 2.0
- Photo 4 — Stabbur's Master · source · CC BY-SA 2.0