Pink Sand Beaches - Cruise Line Fans: Cruise Forum, Reviews and Chat From Real Cruisers

canarymoon · 06-22-2009, 09:58 AM

Beach at Astwood Park
photo courtesy of
Ministry of Tourism & Transport, Bermuda

From Wikipedia:

Bermuda's unusual pink sand beaches and clear, cerulean blue ocean waters are popular with tourists and many of Bermuda's hotels are located along the south shore of the island. In addition to its beaches, there are a number of sightseeing attractions. Historic St. George's is a designated World Heritage Site. Scuba divers can explore numerous wrecks and coral reefs in relatively shallow water (typically 30–40 ft/9–12 m in depth) with virtually unlimited visibility. Many nearby reefs are readily accessible from shore by snorkellers, especially at Church Bay.

canarymoon · 06-22-2009, 10:03 AM

Why is the sand pink?

The beach sand is made up of pulverized sea shells... anad around Bermuda (as in several other places) there proximity of coral reefs to the shore means that a lot of this shells are red, orange, or pinkish in color. This includes coralmullosks, and clams.

canarymoon · 06-22-2009, 10:05 AM

What about swimming and snorkeling?

since Bermuda is so far north, the water may be too cold (below 70 degrees) fro swimming during much of the year, but is a good temperature for swimming and snorkeling during the summer, late summer, and very early fall. At thos times, the water themperatures can be as warm as the low 80's. You can thank the gulf stream for that.

Char · 06-22-2009, 04:42 PM

What a beautiful, secluded beach!

zydecocruiser · 06-22-2009, 06:41 PM

I am scheduled to be there Nov 9 and 10, 2009. What will the water temp be on those days?

canarymoon · 06-22-2009, 07:48 PM

Average Water Temperatures in Bermuda

MONTH . . . . deg. F . . .Visibility . . . . Water color

January . . . . . 65 . . . . . 150–200' . . . . .Blue
February . . . . 65 . . . . . .150–200' . . . . .Blue
March . . . . . . 68 . . . . . .150–200' . . . . .Blue
April . . . . . . . 69 . . . . . 150 –200' . . . .Blue
May . . . . . . . 75 . . . . . . 100–150' . . . . Blue
June . . . . . . . 79 . . . . . .100–110' . . Blue-green
July . . . . . . . . 83 . . . . . . .80–100' . . . . Blue-green
August . . . . . 86 . . . . . . . .60–80' . . . . .Green
September . . 81 . . . .. . . 80–100' . . . . Blue-green
October . . . . 75 . . . . . . . .100–120' , . . . . Blue
November . . . 71 . . . . . . . 100–120' . . . . Blue
December . . . 68 . . . . . 150–200' . . . . . Blue

canarymoon · 06-22-2009, 07:49 PM

Water's gonna be c-c-c- old, Zy, but visibility great!

canarymoon · 06-22-2009, 07:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Char

What a beautiful, secluded beach!

It sure is!

canarymoon · 06-22-2009, 07:56 PM

Here's something else of interest that I just found:

Snorkel Park at The Royal Naval Dockyard The Snorkel Park is one of Bermuda’s newest and most exciting venues. Tucked away in the northeast corner of the Royal Naval Dockyard, we’re a destination not to be missed. A limestone tunnel is your entrance into a tropical oasis, complete with palm trees, white sand beach and a stunning view of the ocean. We cater to all types of beach-goers, offering a variety of amenities and services. Our array of watersports equipment beckons all kinds of marine explorers. On shore, whether it’s a game of volleyball or just basking in a lounge chair, visitors will feel free to indulge their preferences. A large modern gazebo houses the “Hammerheads Bar & Grill” which offers tropical cocktail favourites on the upper level, and delicious snacks and menu items on our large deck on the lower level.
Evenings, we transform into a fabulous party venue featuring live music and entertainment most nights. Call 234-6989 for more information.

Found it here

zydecocruiser · 06-23-2009, 05:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by canarymoon

Water's gonna be c-c-c- old, Zy, but visibility great!

71? That's practically bathwater. Twas 53 where I snorkeled in Alaska...