With miles of bays, coves and beaches, Bermuda is spoilt for choice when it comes to crystal-clear waters and picture-perfect views.

Few things are more picturesque than Bermuda’s beaches. In just 21 square miles, you won’t have trouble finding something that suits your fancy. Sure, you’ll find pristine, pink-sand beaches here. But you’ll also find family-friendly fun, exquisite views and peaceful respites from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

If you’re after family-friendly playtime, you’ll find it here.

John Smith’s Bay, Smith’s Parish (East End)

Be sure to bring your own snacks to this family-friendly beach, which offers protected shallow waters. Its reefs make it a favourite amongst locals.

Shelly Bay, Hamilton Parish (North Shore)

Its white-sand beaches and calm, shallow waters make it perfect for young children. You’ll even find a playground near the beach here, as well as plenty of spots for a picnic.

Tobacco Bay, St. George’s Parish (East End)

This popular snorkelling location is an exciting yet safe choice for exploring, thanks to its close proximity to shore, colourful coral reefs and plentiful underwater life. With a beach bar, clean facilities and umbrella and chair rentals, it has everything your family needs.

Watersports reign supreme at these sporty shores.

Church Bay, Southampton Parish (South Shore)

Although the beach is a bit rocky, this is a favourite spot for snorkelling, thanks to nearby reefs. The fairly private beach is just a short walk from the Gibbs Hill Lighthouse and offers umbrella and snorkel equipment rentals during the summer, as well as bathrooms just above the beach near the road.

Clearwater Beach, St. George’s Parish (East End)

You won’t find crowds at this quiet beach near St. David’s Island on the site of the former U.S. Naval Air Station, but what you will find are nice amenities: playgrounds, a beach bar, picnic tables with barbecue areas and public bathrooms. You can also make a splash with a Hydrobike or kayak from Funworx Bermuda. For the families looking for a little more nature-driven sightseeing, there is a nature preserve with walking trails and beautiful views of the rocky shoreline just across the street.

Daniel’s Head, Sandys Parish (West End)

When you’re looking for calm, tranquil waters, head here. Kayaking and canoeing are king at this well-kept local secret in Somerset. Off the beach is Daniel’s Island and the wreck of the Vixen, both of which can be explored by snorkelling.

Elbow Beach, Paget Parish (South Shore)

Though part of this beach serves the private resorts located on it, it is still accessible to non-hotel guests from Tribe Road No. 4. Known as one of Bermuda’s iconic pink beaches, its location, favourable winds and water currents make it a mainstay for watersport enthusiasts. It’s here where you’ll not only be able to kayak and snorkel but kitesurf as well. The wreck of the Pollockshields is only about 100 feet offshore, so it’s popular with beginner divers.

Snorkel Park Beach, Sandys Parish (West End)

Tucked away in the north-west corner of Royal Naval Dockyard, Snorkel Park offers a ton of watersport options, much as you’d expect with a name like that. Rent a kayak, paddleboard or pedal boat, then go snorkelling and enjoy stunning coral reefs, sunken cannons and shipwrecks. Once you’re done splashing around, you can rent beach chairs or visit Hammerheads Bar & Grill. Be sure to check out their evening events like tiki parties and bonfires on the beach.

Have your selfie stick on hand here to upload some picturesque posts.

Gates Bay, St. George’s Parish (East End)

A short walk from Fort Gate museum and near Fort St. Catherine, Gates Bay is a popular hangout for locals. But even if you’re not a history buff, there’s plenty to see and enjoy here, with incredibly Instagrammable ocean views. Pop-up snack huts are sometimes around during the summer months, but The Beach House is nearby for some quality eats.

Horseshoe Bay, Southampton Parish (South Shore)

If you’re looking for Bermuda’s most photographed and most popular beach to start your selfie journey, head to Horseshoe Bay. Most cruise ships offer day trips here, but in addition to its iconic, pink-sand stretch of beach, Horseshoe Bay is also known for its small tidal pools and interesting rock formations. Many facilities are available here, including rentals, a café, showers and toilets.

Stonehole Bay, Warwick Parish (South Shore)

The nearby cliff formations at Stonehole Bay make for stunning photographs. Although it’s next to Jobson’s Cove and part of Warwick Long Bay, it still manages to remain secluded. Bustling Horseshoe Bay is just up the road from this little slice of paradise.

West Whale Bay, Southampton Parish (South Shore)

To take less traditional Bermuda photos, head to West Whale Bay, so named because of the migratory humpback whales that pass just offshore from March to April. From this vantage point, you’ll also get stunning views of the sunset.

You’ll easily avoid the crowds at these quiet oases.

Achilles Bay, St. George’s Parish (East End)

Though part of the beach is private for guests of The St. George’s Club, this beach is a must-visit in St. George’s. It is located adjacent to Fort St. Catherine and is best visited during low tide. Though much of the beach is secluded and peaceful, you can still rent beach chairs and snorkel equipment or stop by The Beach House, located on top of the cliff, for food and drinks.

Astwood Cove, Warwick Parish (South Shore)

Ever dreamed of having a beach almost entirely to yourself? Though getting to Astwood Cove involves some hiking down a cliff trail, it’s worth it once you arrive at this hidden beach. You can make a day out of a trip here, as you’ll be surrounded by bluffs, beautiful views and little else.

Black Bay, Sandys Parish (West End)

Across from Royal Naval Cemetery and a short walk from Royal Naval Dockyard, this small beach offers spots that are perfect for picnics. Look for the quiet coves that have ideal sunset views.

Chaplin Bay, Southampton Parish (South Shore)

If you’re after incredible views and jaw-dropping cliffs without the crowds, this is where you’ll find them. Chaplin Bay stretches across the boundary between Southampton and Warwick parishes. Concessions and other facilities are accessible at nearby Horseshoe Bay, accessible via a trail through the dunes.

Somerset Long Bay, Sandys Parish (West End)

Snorkel at this loved-by-locals beach and you may just be lucky enough to glimpse a sea turtle swimming by. There are many small reefs offshore of this beach, which is part of a nature reserve co-owned by the Bermuda National Trust and Bermuda Audubon Society. Thanks to the freshwater pond in the reserve, which attracts many migratory species, Somerset Long Bay is also an ideal spot for birdwatching.

Warwick Long Bay, Warwick Parish (South Shore)

When you see iconic Bermuda Beautiful photos, many are taken here. It is often favoured by locals and vacationers alike, but whilst this long stretch of beach has probably the pinkest sands you’ll find on the island, it is still quite secluded. A trail through the dunes will lead you to the facilities and concessions at Horseshoe Bay.

Baywatch

A little less comfortable around the water? Landlubbers can feel safe and secure during high season, as lifeguards are on duty from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at some of Bermuda’s beaches during this time. These beaches include Clearwater Beach/Turtle Bay (May 24-Labour Day); John Smith’s Bay (May 24-Labour Day); and Horseshoe Bay (May 1-October 31).