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1 city
Parish · Western Parishes
Southampton
Southampton: Horseshoe Bay, Church Bay, Gibbs Hill Lighthouse and the south coast cliffs, where humpback whales often pass in spring.
In the photo: The West Whale Bay coastline, in Southampton.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
The parish
Get to know Southampton
Southampton is on the west of the main island, between Warwick and Sandys. The name recalls Henry Wriothesley, Earl of Southampton, one of the shareholders of the company that colonized Bermuda. The parish has the island’s best-known beaches, rolling hills with golf courses and, atop Gibbs Hill, the lighthouse visible from almost the entire west.
Horseshoe Bay is Bermuda’s most famous beach: a curve of pink sand between limestone rocks, with lifeguards in summer and trails that run through South Shore Park to Warwick Long Bay. On Good Friday, families often fly kites on the beaches and in the island’s parks, a local tradition.
Further west, Church Bay is a small cove with a reef a few meters from the sand, one of the most sought-after spots for snorkeling. West Whale Bay has a park on the clifftop and an old fort; from there, between March and April, it’s common to spot humpback whales passing offshore.
Gibbs Hill Lighthouse was first lit in 1846 and is one of the world’s earliest cast-iron towers. A 185-step staircase leads to the gallery, which overlooks the Great Sound, the western islands and the south coast. On the parish’s north side, Rockaway Pier receives the green-line ferry that connects Southampton to the town of Hamilton.
Destinations
1 destination in Southampton
Cities
1 cities in Southampton in the guide
When to go
May to October is beach season at Horseshoe Bay and Church Bay, with warmer water from June to October and lifeguards during the summer months; the hurricane season runs from June to November. In March and April, humpback whales often pass offshore from West Whale Bay. From December to March, with cooler air, Horseshoe Bay is often almost empty.
Getting there
Buses leaving Hamilton’s central terminal via South Road stop near Horseshoe Bay, at Church Bay and at the entrance to Gibbs Hill Lighthouse. The green-line ferry links Hamilton to Rockaway Pier on the parish’s north side. L.F. Wade International Airport is to the east; a taxi is the most direct way to get here from the airport. Arrivals by ship at the Royal Naval Dockyard in Sandys have bus and taxi connections to the parish beaches.
Your questions
Frequently asked questions about Southampton
How do I get to Horseshoe Bay?
By bus along South Road from Hamilton’s central terminal or from the Royal Naval Dockyard, with a stop at the beach entrance, from where you walk down. You can also reach it by taxi, scooter or electric minicar. On days when cruise ships are at the Dockyard, the beach often fills up late morning.
Where is the best snorkeling in Southampton?
Church Bay is the most popular cove: the reef lies a few meters from the sand, with colorful fish on calm days. Bring your own gear, as the beach has limited facilities. Avoid entering the water with strong surf or south winds.
Can you climb Gibbs Hill Lighthouse?
Yes. A 185-step staircase, in eight flights, leads to the tower gallery with views over the Great Sound, the western islands and the south coast. The climb has a separate fee: check opening hours before you go.
When are whales seen in Bermuda?
Humpback whales typically pass offshore of Bermuda in March and April during their northward migration. From land, the best vantage points are cliff-top areas on the south coast, such as the West Whale Bay park. There are also boat tours during that season.