Did you know Public beaches are officially closed between sunset and sunrise Lifeguards are on duty from May to October at Horseshoe Bay, John Smith’s Bay, Clearwater Beach and Turtle Bay As relaxing as our beaches are, there are no nude or semi-nude beaches on our island Our noonday sun is legendary; bring suntan lotion and a hat Many hotels have private beaches open only to guests. Search our accommodation listings for hotels with private beach access.

All along our fine shores you can find beaches bathed in pink sand, making the already poetic scenery that much harder to resist. Here are our picks for the top 5 public beaches not-to-be-missed.

Horseshoe Bay Beach: Famous for a reason

Once you step foot on Horseshoe Bay Beach you will realize why it is our most celebrated beach. The long, sweeping crescent of pink sand makes it a popular choice any time of year. The nearby Beach House offers snacks, rentals and changing facilities. Off South Road, Southampton Parish. View map

Jobson’s Cove: A crystal clear choice

Jobson’s Cove may be tiny. But this sheltered cove, surrounded by steep, jagged rocks, is arguably one of the most visually stunning beaches on our island. Take a moment to listen to the waves lap at the pink sand. Put your feet in the calm, stunningly clear waters. See what we mean? Off South Road, Warwick Parish. View map

Tobacco Bay Beach: Where history meets pink sand

The pale pink stretch of Tobacco Bay Beach earned its name when survivors of the Sea Venture discovered tobacco growing here. Now, the key thing to notice is the unusual limestone formations off the shoreline, a haven for parrotfish and sergeant majors. This most popular beach in St. George’s parish offers equipment rentals and a snack bar. Coot Pond Road, St. George’s Parish. View map

Warwick Long Bay: Our longest shoreline

Warwick Long Bay boasts an .8KM / .5MI stretch of sand against a backdrop of scrubland and coastal grasses. Just offshore, a jagged coral island floats above the water. There are also public restrooms here. Off South Road, Warwick Parish. View map

West Whale Bay Beach: Infinitely pleasing

West Whale Bay Beach has a fitting name, because in April you may see humpback whales migrating north to their summer feeding grounds. The large grassy area behind the beach is an ideal spot to enjoy a stunning ocean sunset. Locals frequently use West Whale Bay for shore fishing. Off Whale Bay Road, Southampton Parish. View map