Is Snorkeling Allowed At The Coopers Island Nature Reserve?

Coopers Island Nature Reserve is a 12 acres of unspoiled and beautiful nature reserve located at the South-Eastern end of Bermuda, in St. Davids. The reserve offers scenic trails, swimming, snorkeling in crystal waters, and spotting Bermuda’s wild birds. As a nature reserve, no fishing is permitted around the shoreline, as it is legislated under the Parks Act. A large sign by the gate prohibits fishing, and visitors can not snorkel.

The long bay to the right is a rich sea grass habitat, and the protected islands stretch out from the point. Nature trails run through a mixed woodland of remaining Bermuda cedars and olivewoods, mixed with introduced growths of Brazilian pepper and allspice. The reserve has several remote beaches where visitors can swim and snorkel, allowing them to find their personal beach and stay there for the whole day without seeing anyone.

Coopers Island Nature Reserve is ranked No.25 on Tripadvisor among 195 attractions. It offers a spectacular rim reef snorkeling experience with large, hard, brain, and mustard hill corals. Water visibility is very good, and visitors can snorkel or swim from Clearwater Beach. The reserve also offers beautiful beaches for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing, with wildlife spotting opportunities including the Bermuda petrel.

The objective of Coopers Island Nature Reserve is to create and support an efficient management structure that allows tourists to enjoy snorkeling, hiking, swimming, picnicking, bird watching, snorkeling, and turtle spotting. Visitors are provided with masks, snorkels, fins, buoyancy vests, and instruction on how to best enjoy this underwater paradise.