Harbour Beach derives its name from its location along Castle Harbour in Tucker's Town, a settlement founded by Governor Daniel Tucker in 1616 on Bermuda's eastern end. Tucker established this community as part of early colonial expansion, but the land proved 'verie meene' (very poor) for agriculture, and the harbour itself remained unprotected from weather and isolated from the rest of Bermuda. While construction of a 12-foot-wide road began and a small chapel was built, few colonists wanted to relocate to Tucker's Town, and the initial settlement project largely failed. By 1750, a modest civilian community of 35 families living on 350 acres of public land had finally established itself, supported by a whaling station that serviced hunting operations off Bermuda's south shore. By the early twentieth century, Tucker's Town had become one of Bermuda's poorest and most neglected areas, home to descendants of enslaved Africans and working-class Bermudians. This changed dramatically when the Bermuda Development Company, formed to capitalize on growing American tourism, was empowered to forcibly purchase the entire community. Despite resistance, Tucker's Town was compulsorily acquired, with Dina Smith becoming the last resident forcibly removed from her property in 1923. The development company partnered with Furness Withy steamship line to create an exclusive enclave, hiring renowned golf course architect Charles B. Macdonald to design the Mid Ocean Club course (completed December 1921) and constructing the luxurious Castle Harbour Hotel. Today, Tucker's Town contains some of the world's most exclusive and expensive property, attracting foreign millionaires drawn by climate, natural beauty, and Bermuda's tax-free status.
Harbour Beach provides access to the sheltered turquoise waters of Castle Harbour, Bermuda's second-largest body of water, protected from Atlantic swells by the surrounding islands and reef formations. The beach features Bermuda's distinctive pink-hued sand created from crushed coral, shells, and calcium carbonate from red foraminifera organisms mixed with white limestone particles. The calm harbour waters remain ideal for swimming, with depths gradually increasing from the shoreline and visibility typically exceeding 15 meters in the clear subtropical environment. Snorkeling reveals seagrass beds that support populations of parrotfish, sergeant majors, and juvenile fish species, while the harbour bottom features scattered coral formations and rock outcrops. The protected location means minimal wave action year-round, making conditions particularly suitable for families, stand-up paddleboarding, and kayaking. The surrounding landscape features Bermuda's characteristic limestone formations, cedar trees, and manicured estates that define Tucker's Town's exclusive character. Access to the beach area remains restricted to residents and guests of the luxury hotels and private clubs that now occupy what was once a working-class Bermudian community, reflecting the stark transformation from its 1920s forced displacement. The beach offers views across Castle Harbour toward St. George's Island and the Town of St. George, a UNESCO World Heritage Site representing the oldest continuously inhabited English settlement in the New World, founded in 1612.
Dining in Tucker's Town caters to the exclusive resort clientele with upscale restaurants commanding premium prices. The Pink Beach Club restaurant offers Sunday brunch featuring eggs benedict with Bermuda lobster for BMD 2, fresh sushi rolls with local fish for BMD 8, and grilled wahoo with mango chutney for BMD 2, served with views overlooking the Atlantic from breakfast through dinner under the stars. Marée at 116 South Road specializes in seasonal, locally-sourced cuisine crafted by Chef Tim Sullivan, including pan-seared scallops with cauliflower puree for BMD 8, Bermuda fish chowder with black rum and sherry peppers for BMD 6, and grilled local rockfish with fennel and citrus for BMD 8, with mains ranging 1-0. Sul Verde provides Italian-inspired dining with stunning harbour views, featuring handmade pasta with Bermuda spiny lobster for BMD 8, wood-fired pizzas with local fish for BMD 6, and risotto with saffron and seafood for BMD 6. Tucker's Bar at Rosewood Bermuda serves the Island Brasserie menu with fish sandwich—a Bermudian classic with fried fish, hot sauce, and raisin bread—for BMD 4, conch fritters with aioli for BMD 8, and offers weekly rum tastings featuring Rosewood's exclusive blended rum for BMD 5 per person.
