Harbour Island is most renowned for its beautiful Pink Sand Beach, located along its eastern Atlantic Ocean side. It almost seems endless, stretching for some three plus miles, and it is 50 to 100 feet wide. Considered one of the very best beaches in The Islands of The Bahamas, it was featured in The Travel Channel's World's Best Beaches segment in March 2005 and named 'Best Sand Beach'. It was one of 10 beaches worldwide to be included in the program.
The almost indescribable pale pink color of the sand comes from microscopic coral insects, known as Foraminifera, which have a bright pink or red shell full of holes through which it extends pseudopodia, footings that it uses to attach itself and feed. Foraminifera are among the most abundant single cell organisms in the ocean and play a significant role in the environment. These animals live on the underside of reefs, like the nearby Devil's Backbone, on the sea floors, beneath rocks, and in caves. After the insect dies, the wave action crushes the bodies and washes the remains ashore and mixes it in with the sand and bits of coral. The pink stands out more in the wet sand at the water's edge. Unlike other parts of the world, the sand here is always cool, so you can walk about freely with bare feet.
Contact Information
HARBOUR ISLAND TOURIST OFFICE
Email:tourism@bahamas.com
FAQs
One of the handfuls of pink sand beaches on Eleuthera, beautiful French Leave Beach is located just outside of Governor's Harbour.
How much does it cost to go to Pink Sand Beach? ›
Pink Sands Beach is free to visit and has no set hours.
How do you get to Pink Sand Beach Harbour Island? ›
By Sea. A Bahamas Fast Ferry leaves Nassau daily for Harbour Island at 8:00AM and arrives at Harbour Island Government Dock at 10:30AM. Nassau port is a 45-minute taxi ride from Nassau Airport. From Harbour Island's Government Dock, a short 5-minute taxi ride will get you to The Pink Sands Resort.
What is Eleuthera best known for? ›
This pencil-thin island – it's only two miles wide – has miles of pink and white sand beaches and turquoise crystal-clear water. To be clear, this is not all sand and water. Eleuthera is known for the high cliffs that fringe the eastern side of the island, where the Atlantic Ocean crashes onto the rock.
How do I get from Eleuthera to Pink Sand Beach? ›
There is no direct connection from North Eleuthera Airport (ELH) to Pink Sands Beach. However, you can take the taxi to North Eleuthera, take the ferry to Harbour Island, then walk to Pink Sands Beach.
Can you swim in Pink Sand Beach? ›
Pink Sands Beach is the place to go for natural beauty, elegant resorts and most importantly, three miles of perfectly pink sand and gentle waters. The ocean is ideal for swimming - warm throughout the year and generally calm, protected from the rolling waves of the Atlantic by a coral reef.
Why is Pink Beach closed? ›
Over the course of the years, it has been spoiled by mankind, resulting in it being closed off for good by the Park in 1994, allowing us just to admire it from afar. As a consequence of beach parties, sand thieves and people not respecting their surroundings, this natural beauty is now protected and sealed off.
Can you swim in Pink Beach? ›
Once at Pink Beach, visitors can spend the day swimming, snorkeling, and exploring the surrounding area. The beach is also a great place for birdwatching, as it is home to a variety of bird species.
Is there a ferry from Nassau to Pink Sands Beach? ›
Is there a direct ferry between Nassau and Pink Sands Beach? Yes, there is a direct ferry departing from Nassau and arriving at Harbour Island. Services depart once daily, and operate Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The journey takes approximately 2h 40m.
What smell is pink sand? ›
It's an exotic island escape in the beautiful mix of bright citrus, sweet florals and spicy vanilla.
The distance between Atlantis Paradise Island and Pink Sands Resort, Harbour Island is 112 km.
What celebrities live in Eleuthera? ›
Tim McGraw and Faith Hill own a home on the island of Eleuthera. Nicolas Cage used to own a private island in the Exuma Cays, but later sold it for a whopping price. Eddie Murphy owns a home on the island of Eleuthera. Michael Jordan owns a home on the island of Abaco.
What celebrities are in Eleuthera? ›
Fifty miles east of the capital city of Nassau, Eleuthera is no secret among celebrities. George Clooney, Mariah Carey, Lenny Kravitz and numerous royals have have all vacationed there. The area was also a retreat for Princess Diana when she was pregnant with Prince William.
When should I go to Eleuthera? ›
Best Time to Visit
The most popular time to visit Eleuthera is December through April. The summer months of July and August, in particular, can reach very high temperatures.
Which Bahamas island has pink sand? ›
One of the most celebrated destinations in the Out Islands of The Bahamas, on the Atlantic side of Harbour Island, you'll find the famous Pink Sand Beach. Here you can explore ribbons of blue waters by kayak, paddleboard , jet ski, boat or fishing charter.
What beaches in The Bahamas have pink sand? ›
Harbour Island is most renowned for its beautiful Pink Sand Beach, located along its eastern Atlantic Ocean side. It almost seems endless, stretching for some three plus miles, and it is 50 to 100 feet wide.
Which Caribbean island has pink sand beaches? ›
Pink Beach, Barbuda & Antigua
Officially called Low Bay, Pink Beach is the nickname due to its pink colored sand. With nearly eight miles of pink sand, oceanfront hotels and seaside seclusion, Pink Beach is a popular destination for solo-souled travelers.
Which Caribbean island has pink sand? ›
Barbuda is known for its beautiful beaches, including a beach that is sometimes referred to as “pink beach.” This beach gets its name from the pinkish hue of the sand, which is caused by the presence of tiny shells and coral fragments in the sand.
