Beachcombing Destination: Bermuda
By GiGi Johnson
GiGi Johnson.
I am a sea glass and shell collecting enthusiast. My latest adventure took me back to the beautiful islands of Bermuda with my friend Amanda Collett.
Tawin Mukdharakosa/Shutterstock.com. GiGi Johnson.
Bermuda is a dot on the map, located in the north Atlantic Ocean, 650 miles from Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. I lived in Bermuda for almost 20 years, and we locals refer to the islands of this extinct volcanic seamount as “The Rock.”
GiGi Johnson.
The oldest self-governing overseas territory of the United Kingdom, Bermuda is still part of the British Commonwealth.
GiGi Johnson.
Bermuda is known for its pink sand, which provides a blush glow over its beaches. Visiting Warwick Long Beach, you will find the shells of microscopic red sea creatures called foraminifera. They are so small that they can’t be seen by the naked eye, but they blend with tiny pink pieces of coral to create the pink-colored coastline.
GiGi Johnson. Amanda Collett.
“Nothing prepared me for the sheer beauty of the beaches. I had to literally pinch myself to believe it was real,” said Amanda. “I’ve never seen any place so pure, so picture-perfect. Just being there, standing barefoot on that soft, pink sand with the ocean breeze in my hair—it felt like a dream.”
Jack Lightbourn Shell Collection at BUEI (Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute).
On this latest visit to Bermuda, we stopped into the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute, where John R.H. “Jack” Lightbourn’s shell collection is on display. Jack is known as “The King of Shells” in Bermuda. He started collecting shells at age 11, ultimately amassing a collection acknowledged as one of the largest and finest in the world—rivaling even the Smithsonian archives. This outstanding collection, featuring over 1,200 specimens, is beautifully displayed in the Lightbourn Shell Room. Shells here are individually displayed so that their unique color and beauty can be enjoyed more easily.
GiGi Johnson. GiGi Johnson. Amanda Collett.
The reefs of Bermuda are a perfect destination for snorkeling. The island’s spectacular mix of marine life, vibrant coral, and centuries-old shipwrecks creates an experience like no other. Some of my favorite spots are Vixen Wreck, Daniel’s Head, the Montana Shipwreck, Western Blue Cut, Tobacco Bay, Church Bay, Clearwater Beach, and North Rock. “The snorkeling was unforgettable,” says Amanda. “The reefs were alive with color, and I swam alongside parrotfish in the clearest, warmest water I’ve ever experienced.”
Just Dance/Shutterstock.com
Though many of the Bermuda beaches have some sea glass, the beaches in Royal Navy Dockyard and near The St. Regis Bermuda Resort have the most on the island.
GiGi Johnson.
“Sea Glass Beach was unreal—scattered with smooth, ocean-polished pieces in shades of aqua, emerald, cobalt, and amber,” Amanda says. “Each one was like a tiny jewel, shaped by the sea over decades. We spent hours just walking the shore, collecting these treasures and feeling completely at peace. There’s something quietly powerful about holding sea glass in your hand—like you’re holding a piece of time.”
GiGi Johnson.
Taking glass from Sea Glass Beach is prohibited, so we gathered the glass, took photos, and then left the sea glass on the beach. “I wish we could’ve brought it home, though,” Amanda says.
“It was hard to leave it!”
Brookgardener Gibbs/Shutterstock.com. Felix Lipov/Shutterstock.com.
There are two lighthouses on the island, both of which are worth visiting. The Gibbs Hill Lighthouse is the oldest cast-iron lighthouse in the world and has beautiful panoramic views waiting at the top. St. David’s Lighthouse is a traditional lighthouse constructed in 1879 and made of Bermuda limestone, with an octagonal shape, two balconies painted white, and a broad red band and trim. We also visited historical sites on our trip. “Exploring the historic forts perched above the sea gave me a real sense of the island’s rich past, and every meal—from fresh seafood to local comfort food—was full of flavor and island soul,” Amanda adds.
GiGi Johnson. Mudacom/Shutterstock.com.
When in Bermuda, I enjoy the natural beauty, delicious traditional foods, and wonderful local stories. For an avid photographer like me, regularly on walkabout with camera in hand, The Rock is a playground. “I was incredibly lucky to have the best tour guide: my dear friend GiGi, who knew how to get to every hidden gem I wanted to see,” says Amanda. “Thanks to her, I experienced the island not just like a tourist, but like a local—with heart, insight, and so much laughter.”
Nhuri Bashir/Shutterstock.com.
The weather is generally warmer in Bermuda than North Carolina because of the Gulf Stream, but temperatures in winter can drop into the 60s. I would recommend renting one of Bermuda’s electric cars, known as microcars, to get around the island and visit the many different beaches. It takes about an hour to go from end to end, and a single charge should be enough. Remember that we drive on the left side of the road, which can be a challenge for some drivers. Both lodging and food can be expensive in Bermuda, so do your research ahead of time to find a good deal. If you can afford the splurge, Bermuda is a must-see and definitely should be on your bucket list!
Learn more about the best beaches and destinations for sea and beach glass, seashells, fossils, rocks, and more beach finds around the world. Articles ›
This article appeared in Beachcombing Magazine Volume 51 November/December 2025.
