Warwick Long Bay is the longest stretch of sand on the south shore, a half-mile arc of pink sand in Warwick Parish with jagged rock outcrops along the water and a small coral island just offshore. It lies inside South Shore Park, just off South Road, and it is the quieter, wilder cousin of Horseshoe Bay: the sand is broad, the dunes behind it are low and planted with native scrub, and on many days you can walk a long way without meeting anyone. Facilities are modest, with restrooms and a seasonal concession that operates in summer, and a playground sits a short walk east of the main entrance with its own access point. From the beach a trail follows the coast to Jobson's Cove, a tiny crescent of pink sand tucked between steep, jagged cliffs, where the rocks enclose a calm turquoise lagoon that is shallow and pool-like in settled weather. The tourism board describes the snorkelling along the bay as excellent, and the trail carries on to Chaplin Bay for walkers who want to keep going. Together the two make one of the best free half-days on the island: a walk, a swim and a picnic with almost nothing to pay for.
Walking the trail
The path from Warwick Long Bay to Jobson's Cove is short and rewarding, crossing sand, rock and low scrub above the shoreline. It is not paved, so wear shoes with some grip or sandals you do not mind getting wet, and take water, because there is little shade on the open stretches. Jobson's Cove is small, so it fills quickly on a busy summer day, but out of season it is often almost empty, and the combination of pink sand, steep cliffs and glassy water makes it a favourite for photographs.
If you want to keep walking, the coastal trail continues to Chaplin Bay and, beyond, toward Horseshoe Bay, so you can turn the visit into a one-way hike with a bus ride back.
Swimming and safety
Lifeguards at the south shore beaches normally run from May to October, and the south shore can have strong surf and rip currents on windy days. Jobson's Cove is sheltered and calm in settled weather, but swell can push into it, and the rocks around it are sharp and slippery, so treat the lagoon with care and never swim alone.
Out of season, when lifeguard cover is not guaranteed and the water is cooler, stay close to shore and check conditions before you get in. Snorkellers should keep to the calm patches and watch for waves breaking over the rocks. Bring sun protection, because the open sand offers little natural shade.
Getting there and fitting it in
Public buses run along South Road, and the beach entrance is a short walk from the road, while taxis and scooters are also straightforward. The bay sits between Horseshoe Bay in the west and Elbow Beach in the east, so it fits neatly into a south shore day, and it pairs well with Gibbs Hill Lighthouse.
Allow two to three hours for the bay and the cove, longer with a picnic and a swim. Bring everything you need, since the concession keeps summer hours, and carry out what you bring in so the park stays as pretty as you found it.
What to expect
The experience
A free public beach in South Shore Park with a short cliff-top trail to a tiny pink-sand cove, plus restrooms and a seasonal concession.
Best time
Morning on a calm, sunny day, when the sand is empty and the water in the cove is clearest.
How long
Two to three hours for the bay, the trail and a swim; longer with a picnic or a walk on to Chaplin Bay.
Tips
Lifeguards normally cover May to October only. Wear shoes with grip for the rocks, bring water and shade, and stay out of the cove when swell is running.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Anyone who wants a long, quiet pink-sand beach and a hidden cove without paying for either.
- Families
- The playground near the beach and the sheltered cove suit children, but the rocks are sharp and the surf can be strong, so supervise closely.
- Couples
- Walk to Jobson's Cove at the edge of the day, swim in the calm lagoon and watch the light turn the sand pink.
- Pair with
- Horseshoe Bay, Gibbs Hill Lighthouse and a Hamilton dinner.
- Time needed
- Half a day.
Good questions
Is Warwick Long Bay free?+
Yes. It is a public beach inside South Shore Park and there is no entry fee. You pay only for food or drink from the seasonal concession.
How do I get to Jobson's Cove?+
Walk the short coastal trail from Warwick Long Bay. The path crosses sand and rock, so wear shoes with grip.
Is the water safe for swimming?+
The cove is calm in settled weather, but the south shore can have strong surf and rip currents on windy days. Lifeguards normally cover May to October only, so swim with care and never alone.
Are there facilities?+
Warwick Long Bay has restrooms and a seasonal concession in summer, and a playground a short walk east of the main entrance. Jobson's Cove has no facilities, so bring water.
Is it good for snorkelling?+
The tourism board describes the snorkelling along the bay as excellent. Choose a calm day and keep to the sheltered patches away from the rocks.
