As Bermuda prepares to celebrate Emancipation Day and Mary Prince Day, the Department of Parks is encouraging the public to help maintain the Island’s parks and beaches in good condition during the busy Cup Match holiday weekend.
To support a safe and enjoyable experience, the Department reminds the public of the following guidelines related to camping, park use, and beach activity during the holiday period.
Designated Campgrounds
The island has three designated areas where camping is permitted with a valid permit:
- Ferry Point Park
- Chaplin Bay
- Higgs and Horseshoe Islands
The 2025 camping season began on 7 May and runs until 19 October.
Permits must be obtained in advance from the Department of Parks at Global House, 43 Church Street, Hamilton. The fee is $15 per night per campsite. Camping permit applications for 2026 must be received by 19 October 2025.
Cup Match Camping Period and Guidelines
The Cup Match holiday is traditionally one of the busiest periods for outdoor activity across Government parks and beaches. In addition to the designated sites, camping will be allowed in general park areas from Wednesday, 30 July to Sunday, 3 August 2025.
To manage demand and ensure safety, the Department of Parks and the Ministry of Public Works are reminding the public of these guidelines:
- No camping is permitted at Coney Island (which remains open for picnicking only), Blue Hole Park, Cooper’s Island Nature Reserve, or the dune area directly behind Jobson’s Cove, where sensitive vegetation must be protected.
- Absolutely no graffiti or markings (e.g. spray paint or markers) may be used to claim camping spots or mark trees.
- Tents and ropes must not be erected before Tuesday, 29 July. Any found in place on Monday, 28 July will be removed by Parks personnel.
- Tents may be set up on Tuesday, 29 July, but overnight camping is not permitted on that date. Do not block beach or park access gates with tents or equipment.
- Park gates will be open throughout the day on Wednesday, 30 July for setup. Park Rangers will be on site until 10:00 PM and begin locking gates from 9:30 PM.
- All vehicles must be removed from within parks and placed in the designated car parks to maintain clear and safe pedestrian areas.
Horseshoe Bay Beach Notice
On Thursday, 31 July 2025, Horseshoe Bay Beach will be open to the public from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
At closing time, the Bermuda Police Service will assist in the orderly removal of patrons from the beach area.
Horseshoe Bay Beach Minibus Operations
To support smooth transportation to and from Horseshoe Bay Beach during the Cup Match holiday, the Department of Parks advises the public of the following arrangements for minibus operators:
- The queue for minibuses collecting passengers will begin at South Shore Park (Kilimanjaro) and extend westward, leading down the hill toward the Horseshoe Bay Beach parking lot.
- This process will be actively managed by officers from the Department of Parks and the Bermuda Police Service, who will be present to monitor and ensure an orderly and fair flow of traffic.
- To improve efficiency, minibuses with prepaid bookings will be accommodated separately, and direct access to the Horseshoe Bay Beach parking lot will be permitted to drop passengers off without joining the main queue. Similarly, minibuses making drop-offs only will be allowed direct entry to the parking area.
The Department encourages all minibus operators to comply with instructions from officers on duty to help maintain a safe and coordinated environment for all beachgoers.
Park Services and Staffing
Park Rangers will be stationed at various sites to assist the public during the following times:
- Thursday, 31 July – 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- Friday, 1 August – 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM
- Saturday, 2 August & Sunday, 3 August – 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM
Lifeguards
Lifeguards will be on duty at Clearwater Beach, John Smith's Bay, Horseshoe Bay Beach and Turtle Bay, from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. next Thursday and Friday. Lifeguards will be on duty at these beaches during all other days next week between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.
Additional Reminders
Horses:
From 1 May to 31 October, horses are not permitted on public beaches, including those in South Shore Park, John Smith’s Bay, Elbow Beach, and Shelly Bay. Horses may still access the dunes and Railway Trail.
Dogs:
From 1 April to 31 October, dogs are not allowed on public beaches. Owners are reminded to follow all posted signs and restrictions.
Bonfires:
Bonfires in national parks must follow the regulations outlined in the Bermuda National Parks Act 1986. Any open flames must be authorised in advance.
Special Event Permits:
Groups or individuals planning organised events must contact the Parks Office to apply for Special Permission ahead of time.
The Department of Parks, under the Bermuda National Parks Act 1986 and associated regulations, is committed to ensuring a safe and enjoyable environment for all users.
Park Rangers and authorised officers will be on hand to support that mission throughout the weekend.
For further details about camping, rules, or enforcement, visit www.gov.bm/department/parks or call 236-5902.