Coopers Island Nature Reserve: Bermuda's Best Kept Secret
Tucked away on St. David’s at Bermuda’s southeastern tip, Cooper’s Island Nature Reserve is one of the island’s best places to slow down and enjoy Bermuda’s wilder side. With scenic walking trails, quiet beaches, coastal viewpoints and a wildlife observation tower, it is ideal for travelers who want more than a standard beach stop.
Once closed to the public for decades due to military and later NASA use, the area has since been opened since 1995 and restored as part of Bermuda’s national park system. Today, visitors come for the mix of natural beauty and history, shallow turquoise water, birdlife, and broad ocean views.
Why Visit Cooper’s Island Nature Reserve?
Unspoiled natural beauty
Cooper’s Island Nature Reserve offers a quieter, more untouched side of Bermuda, with scenic trails, turquoise water, rocky coastline, and peaceful beaches away from the crowds.
Wildlife and panoramic views
The reserve is one of the best places in Bermuda to spot birds, enjoy coastal landscapes, and take in sweeping views from the observation tower.
Beaches, walking, and relaxation
You can easily combine a short nature walk with swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, or simply relaxing in a calm and scenic setting
Things to Do at Cooper’s Island
The reserve is known for its walking trails, shallow-water beaches and panoramic viewpoints. Nearby public beaches include Clearwater Beach, Long Bay Beach, Well Bay Beach and Turtle Bay Beach, while the reserve itself offers scenic coastal paths and access to calm, clear water.
One of the top highlights is the Wildlife Observation Tower, built on the base of a former radar tower connected to the NASA tracking station. From the top, you get an almost 360-degree view of the Atlantic and surrounding coastline. It is one of the best vantage points in the area for spotting birds and marine life, if you are lucky you might spot whales.
How to Get to Coopers Island Nature Reserve
Bus Route 3/10/11 and 6
Take Bus Route 3/10/11 towards St. George’s from there Bus Route 6 to Clearwater Beach. It takes around 1 1/2h hours from Hamilton.
Cost: $5.00 single fare for adults
You can find ample of taxis queuing for passengers around Hamilton town. It will take approximately 35 minutes to reach Horseshoe Bay Beach from Hamilton Bus Terminal.
Cost: Around $50.00 per trip
There’re many scooter rental services at Hamilton like Scooter Mart and Oleander Cycles. From Hamilton, take the Middle road eastwards and follow the street to the Airport, then follow the Soutside Rd eastwards. After the Airport to the right.
Cost: Around $60.00 per day
Getting to Coopers Island Nature Reserve from Hamilton - Map
Tips & Information
Facilities
- Parking area
- Restaurant at Clearwater Beach
- Most beaches have no lifeguard
Important Notes
- Bring supplies (water, snacks, gear)
- Bring supplies (water, snacks, gear)
- Respect the wildlife!
Hotels near Coopers Island Nature Reserve
Book accommodations near Coopers Island Nature Reserve with this interactive map showing all available Accommodations via Booking.com an VRBO.