Pink sand beaches are a rare find, as they need just the right conditions to form, which only a few spots around the world can offer. Maybe it’s their rarity that makes them so captivating to anyone who visits. There’s truly something magical about seeing pink sand beneath your feet, surrounded by sparkling turquoise water.
On Harbour Island in the Bahamas, there’s the most famous pink sand beach in the world. It’s right there in the name – simply called Pink Sand Beach. Yet, despite its global fame, it’s far from crowded, and you can still enjoy the true peace of a beach getaway. There are a few reasons for this, which we’ll cover in this article, but let’s start with the question: is this beach really that pink?
Is the Pink Sand Beach actually pink?
Not quite the bright “Barbie pink” you might imagine. The sand here has more of a soft pink tint.
This pinkish hue actually comes from tiny marine organisms called foraminifera that live near Devil’s Backbone reef, close to Harbour Island. These little creatures have beautiful pink or red shells, and when they die, their shells break down and blend into the sand. It’s like nature’s confetti, creating that unique pink shade. If you scoop up a handful, you’ll see it’s a mix of white sand with those tiny pink bits.
The color isn’t always super vibrant. It’s most intense near the waterline, where the sand is wet. For the best pink views, visit during sunrise or sunset – the light hits the damp sand perfectly, bringing out the color’s full beauty.
It’s worth mentioning that Pink Sand Beach isn’t just a tiny patch of pink. We’re talking about a 3-mile-long, 50-100-foot-wide stretch of gorgeous pink sand kissed by stunning turquoise water. The beach feels almost endless, which is one of the reasons it never gets overcrowded.
Where’s the pink sand beach in the Bahamas?
Another reason why you can enjoy peaceful moments at Pink Sand Beach is its location. It’s on Harbour Island in the Bahamas, on the eastern side facing the Atlantic Ocean.
When you think of the Bahamas, Nassau probably comes to mind first. But Harbour Island is a completely different vibe—smaller, less populated, and way less touristy. Locals call it “Briland,” and it’s just 3.25 miles long and about half a mile wide, with fewer than 2,000 residents. Because the island isn’t as popular and the beach is massive, you can always find a quiet spot to relax and soak it all in.
The island itself is super unique. It’s known as a playground for the rich and famous—sometimes called the “Nantucket of the Caribbean” because of its billionaires and celebs. At the same time, it’s a haven for those looking for off-the-beaten-path, authentic experiences.
It might sound like a strange mix, but on Harbour Island, you’ll see five-star hotels and flashy yacht marinas alongside streets filled with… roosters and chickens. Yes, roosters crow here pretty much all day. The vibe feels both old-world and laid-back, with charming colonial-era homes adding to the atmosphere.
Overall, even though Harbour Island is an elite playground, it has this calm, unpretentious energy. It’s managed to strike a rare balance between luxury and authenticity. You can enjoy yourself here without feeling out of place – even if you’re not a millionaire.
And the prices? They’re not as crazy as you’d think. They’re similar to what you’d find in U.S. beach towns. For example, you can rent an apartment for around $300 a night—on par with a good hotel in L.A. Dining is flexible too; while there are fancy restaurants, you can also grab a meal at a casual spot for about $30. So, while it’s far from cheap, it’s not insanely expensive either.
How to Get to Pink Sand Beach?
Harbour Island doesn’t have its own airport, so you’ll need to fly into the small North Eleuthera Airport (ELH), which serves the northern Eleuthera region. While direct flights are limited, if you’re coming from the East Coast of the U.S., here’s some good news: there are direct flights from Fort Lauderdale and Miami that take just a little over an hour.
Once you land at North Eleuthera Airport, a short taxi ride will take you to the ferry dock. From there, a water taxi will whisk you over to Harbour Island. Don’t worry – it’s a super quick trip, lasting only about 5–10 minutes.
When you arrive on Harbour Island, forget about buses and regular taxis. Golf carts are the main mode of transportation here. The island is small, so they’re perfect for exploring. Right as you step off the boat at the Harbour Island dock, you’ll spot golf carts available for rent. The daily rental fee is about $50.
Getting from Nassau to Harbour Island
Harbour Island is also a popular day-trip destination from Nassau. One of the most common ways to get there is by ferry. The ferry ride from Nassau to Harbour Island takes about three hours each way. It operates from Friday to Sunday, leaving Nassau at 8:00 AM and returning at 3:45 PM. A round-trip ticket costs $250 per person, and you can book online at bahamasferries.com.
Visiting with a Tour from Nassau
If you’re not up for organizing the trip yourself, you can join a guided tour to see the Pink Sand Beach. These 8-hour tours save you travel time, as the journey only takes about an hour on a speedboat. Plus, you’ll get to visit the famous swimming pigs and other islands in the Eleuthera region along with the beach. Click this link to check availability and find more info!
Where to Stay Near Pink Sand Beach?
If you want to stay right by Pink Sand Beach, there are three main beach resorts to choose from: Pink Sands, Coral Sands, and The Dunmore.
Pink Sands
Pink Sands Resort is named after the beach it’s located on and is considered one of the most beautiful resorts in the Caribbean, if not the world. The resort features a variety of villas scattered across the property. The most expensive ones are beachfront, while the more affordable options are set further back from the shore.
The resort’s beachfront bar and grill, Blue Bar, is one of the island’s most iconic dining spots. With stunning views and incredible food and drinks, it’s worth visiting even if you’re not staying at the resort—grab a drink and enjoy the vibe!
The Dunmore
The Dunmore, established in 1963, originally operated as a private club before opening to the public in the 1980s. Thanks to its history, it still holds a reputation as one of Harbour Island’s most prestigious resorts.
The Dunmore is known for its colonial bohemian architecture, reflecting the island’s 18th and 19th-century heritage, giving the place an air of timeless elegance. The grounds are stunning, with meticulously maintained lawns and tropical plants. Since it’s a popular choice for visitors, availability can be limited—booking in advance is highly recommended.
Coral Sands
Coral Sands is the least known of the three main beach resorts, and honestly, it doesn’t get the credit it deserves. It’s just as impressive as the other two and is also located right on Pink Sand Beach.
The vibe at Coral Sands is a bit different—it leans more toward bohemian with a unique tropical charm compared to the chic and stylish atmosphere of Pink Sands and The Dunmore. The resort is surrounded by more greenery, and we’d argue that its pool is the best of the three.
Best Time to Visit Pink Sand Beach
Harbour Island enjoys warm weather year-round, with average temperatures of 74°F (23°C) in winter, 78°F (25°C) in spring and fall, and 83°F (28°C) in summer. While the weather makes it seem like there’s no bad time to visit Pink Sand Beach, there are a few details to keep in mind.
First, hurricane season. The Caribbean, including Harbour Island in the Bahamas, officially experiences hurricane season from June 1 to November 30. Most hurricanes tend to move westward toward the U.S. and rarely have a direct impact on Harbour Island, but some businesses close during the peak activity period. For example, The Dunmore resort closes annually from mid-August to early November. So, it’s worth reconsidering a trip in August through October.
Peak season on the island runs from mid-December to mid-April. During this time, the weather is at its absolute best, but like everywhere else, accommodation prices are at their highest.
Taking everything into account, the period from late April to July is an ideal time to visit Pink Sand Beach. The island is quieter, the water is warm, and you can enjoy pleasant weather without the peak-season crowds and prices.
