With almost 64 miles of coastline containing 26 public beaches and countless private ones, Bermuda is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Images of them have become backdrops to beautiful weddings, artist’s inspiration, and gorgeous snapshots shown to friends upon arrival back home to incite a tad bit of jealousy. These images show that the sand almost appears to be blushing. This is what Bermuda’s beaches are most famous for, their pink sand. This stunning hue almost appears to be stronger at sunset. If standing close, the color appears soft and light but step back or climb a few rocks to look down upon the beach and the color is more vibrant. While the color of the sand itself does not change, your perception does.

A gorgeous view of the coastline of South Shore, Bermuda.

It is a common mistaken belief that the pink hue is caused by broken pieces of coral that mix with the grains of sand. This is in fact false. Crushed shells of a microscopic organism called foraminifera cause the color. Found hidden in reefs and on the ocean floor, these tiny creatures’ shells are crushed by the strong tide, mixed with sand, and washed ashore. Thus, providing part of the color palette of the imagery shown. Visitors and tourist agree that one of the finest beaches to see this sight is Warwick Long Bay Beach. Located in Warwick Parish, this lovely and secluded beach is a great place for snorkeling and with a length of half a mile long, there is plenty of room to revel in the pink sand and dunes of Bermuda.

A captured image of the crushed shells which give the sand it's pink color.

Any beach you choose to go to will be picture worthy, but if you want to capture the sand at its deepest pink hue, take a sample from a wet portion of the beach. Once it dries, you will have a more vibrant color palette than if you had taken dry sand. This is because over time the waves as well as the sun fade the color of the particles, which cause it to lose its hue. Just remember to put it back! Taking sand off a Bermuda beach is illegal. If a sample of the sand, to keep, is what you are after, there are many souvenir shops that sell bottles filled with pink sand for only a few dollars. 

Don’t forget to send home a postcard! Many postcards available have captured images of the blushing sand. If nothing else, you’ll have a myriad of admirers from your days spent lounging about on pink sandy beaches during your island vacation.

Don't forget to send a postcard!

Lindsey Lehman is the Bermuda Editor for Wandering Educators.

Feature photo: small pieces of pink shell intermingle with the other grains of sand it give it a pink hue.

All photos courtesy and copyright Lindsey Lehman