Horseshoe Bay 1 (Pembroke)
- Shortboard, Beginners
- Best for
- Beginner
- Skill Level
- Chop
- Spot Type
- Crowded
- Crowd Level
This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.
About
Horseshoe Bay 1 (Pembroke) is an exposed sandy beach break on Bermuda’s south shore that can produce both left- and right-hand waves. The surfing setup is best when a south-southwest swell meets offshore North wind, which helps groom the swell; conditions can otherwise become choppy or disorganized when winds come from the south. Most surf reports emphasize beginner-friendly wave profiles: waves are often soft and can be suitable for longboarding and early learning. However, the beach is also characterized by limestone rocks/reefs interspersed along the shoreline, making entry, navigation, and any swim-outs potentially hazardous. Rip currents are also reported to occur occasionally, particularly near rocky areas and during southern swells. Tide matters: sources report the best surfing around low tide, especially when the tide is rising. Larger hurricane-driven swells can increase wave power and size, but they also tend to make conditions heavier and more prone to closing out, so it’s important to manage expectations during storm swell periods. Crowds are a recurring constraint. The beach is described as extremely busy from May through October (including cruise-ship days), which can increase swimmer density and affect when water sports are permitted or comfortable. Visitors are advised to keep a safe distance from swimming zones and to plan for early-morning arrivals during summer to reduce congestion.
- Offshore North wind helps groom surf during southern-swell setups
- Soft, beginner-suitable waves are common, with short punchy rides
- Seasonal crowding and rocky hazards require extra attention
- Sandy beach break with both left and right waves
- North-offshore winds can groom the swell for surfing
- Clean/crystal-clear water is reported
- Easy beach access with full on-site beach facilities
- Rocks and reefs create a persistent injury risk
- Rip currents can occur, especially near rocky outcrops and during southern swells
- Tourist crowding can limit comfort/safety for water activities during peak hours
- Wind and conditions can be influenced by cliff-related turbulence and wind shadows
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- S, SW, SE
- Offshore directions
- N
- Wind Range
- 12–22 kts
- Wind Type
- Trade — Trade-dominated winds with seasonal systems; offshore conditions are typically associated with North winds grooming the swell.
- Reliability
- Moderate; depends on seasonal frontal systems and trade wind consistency.
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts — Moderate gusting is reported.
- Best Months
- January, February, March, October, November, December
- Shadow Zones
- High limestone cliffs surrounding the bay can create significant wind shadows and turbulence near the shore.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Chop
- Beach
- Sand — Pink sand is mentioned in broader spot descriptions; composition is reported as sand.
- Beach Size
- Big
- Waves
- Huge — Surf spot guides also describe the potential for very large conditions on appropriate swell.
- Chop Level
- Moderate chop — Conditions can become choppy and disorganized with onshore south winds.
- Launch
- Big — Wide sandy beach with ample space for preparing gear.
Through the year
Extremely crowded from May through October; much quieter during the winter off-season.
June–November (hurricane season), with peak activity reported around September.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Possible during winter months when crowds are thinner, but not a primary destination due to high cliffs and wind orientation.
- Sail Sizes
- 5.5–7.5 m²
Challenging for wingfoiling due to shore break and rocky hazards; can be used by experienced riders in specific swell conditions.
- Foil Friendly
- Limited
- Min Depth
- 1.5m
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
An exposed beach break with both left- and right-hand waves over a sandy bottom interspersed with rocks. Works best with southern swells and offshore North wind; rocky hazards and crowded conditions require extra care.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- S, SE, SSW, SSE
- Swell Height
- 1–2 m
- Optimal Tide
- Low — Best around low tide (and often when the tide is rising). Some reports also indicate mid to high tide or rising low tide conditions.
- Shelter
- Exposed — Exposed beach setting.
- Wind Effect
- North winds groom the swell (offshore for the reported surfing setup), while south winds can make conditions choppy and disorganized.
- Bigger Swell
- On larger hurricane-driven swells, conditions can become heavy and more prone to closing out.
- Wave Quality
- Average — Generally average quality, with softer waves suitable for beginners/longboarding; hurricane swells can increase power.
- Wave Power
- Soft — Waves are generally soft; can become heavier and more closing-out on larger hurricane-driven swells.
- Wave Shape
- Mushy — Typically mushy/soft and can close out as they reach shallow sandbars.
- Peel Speed
- Medium — Reported as medium peel speed; mushy, soft waves for most sessions.
- Ride Length
- Short — Reported as short, punchy rides that close out as they reach shallow sandbars.
- Typical Ride Length
- 30–60 m
- Ride Length Details
- Typical rides are short and can close out as they reach shallow sandbars; both left and right waves are available.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Horseshoe Bay 1 (Pembroke) in the full forecast view.
Horseshoe Bay 1 (Pembroke) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 14–33 ktsGusts 42 kts
- Direction
- ENE59°
- Strongest day
- Sun, Oct 2533 kts
- Windy days
- 7/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.8–3.1 m6s period
- Temperature
- 23–26 °C
Over the next 7 days, Horseshoe Bay 1 (Pembroke) is forecast for daytime winds of 14–33 kts, peaking around 33 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 42 kts. The prevailing direction is ENE. Waves run 0.8–3.1 m with a period of about 6s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.
Other spots in the area
What to know before you launch
Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.
Hazards
- Rocks
- Reefs
- Crowds
- Rip currents
- Man-of-war (seasonal)
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Rescue availability is reported as limited.
- Emergency Info
- Nearest major medical facility reported as King Edward VII Memorial Hospital in Paget. Call emergency services for immediate help.
Rules of the spot
Watch out for rocks; maintain a safe distance from swimming zones when the beach is crowded. During rough conditions, stay close to shore (lifeguards monitor visitors). Water-sports activities may be restricted during peak tourist hours due to swimmers.
- Designated swimming areas
- High tourist density; possible activity restrictions during peak hours
- Rocks are the main hazard—watch where you place feet and where you swim/enter.
- For surfing, conditions are best when a south-southwest swell combines with an offshore wind from the North.
- Visit early in the morning during summer to avoid heavier cruise-ship/tourist crowds.
- Avoid the densest swimming zones; keep a safe distance.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Hamilton
- Nearest Town
- Southampton Parish
- Nearest Airport
- L.F. Wade International Airport (BDA)
- Parking
- Parking available; large public parking lot at the top of the hill.
- Public Transport
- Public buses and taxis frequently service the area (bus transport has restrictions for large gear).
- Access
- Easily accessible on Bermuda's south shore; access via South Shore Road with public buses and taxis servicing the area. A large public parking lot with a paved path leads down to the beach.
- Cost Level
- Expensive
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Various guesthouses along the South Shore; hotels are available near Hamilton.
- Food & Drink
- A beach bistro and bar are located directly on the sand, serving snacks and drinks.
- Equipment Rental:
- Basic beach gear like umbrellas and chairs are available; surfboards are rarely available for rent on-site.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Horseshoe Bay 1 (Pembroke)?
The best overall months at Horseshoe Bay 1 (Pembroke) are November, December, January, February, March, September, October. The best wind months are January, February, March, October, November, December.
Which wind directions work at Horseshoe Bay 1 (Pembroke)?
Horseshoe Bay 1 (Pembroke) works with S, SW, SE winds. Offshore directions are N.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Horseshoe Bay 1 (Pembroke)?
Recommended equipment sizes at Horseshoe Bay 1 (Pembroke): Windsurfing: 5.5–7.5 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 12–22 kts.
What skill level is Horseshoe Bay 1 (Pembroke) suitable for?
Horseshoe Bay 1 (Pembroke) suits these riding levels: Windsurfing: Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Advanced · Surfing: Beginner.