The Bahamas is known for its luxurious Island life and is one of the most popular beach destinations in the world. Not only does it possess some of the most pristine, white sandy beaches, but it also is home to a beach known as The Pink Sand Beach.

The Pink Sand Beach is on Harbour Island on the east side of the Bahamas. As its name suggests, the beach is full of bright pink sand that glistens in the sun and is a very sought-after destination on the Islands.

Stretching for over three miles, the seemingly endless Pink Sand Beach was named “Best Sand Beach” in 2005 by The Travel Channel. Pack your bags and get your sandals ready for a trip you won’t forget at Pink Sand Beach on Harbour Island.

If you’re looking for somewhere to stay, check out our guide to the best all-inclusive family resorts in The Bahamas.

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Harbour Island

Just off the eastern coast of Eleuthera Island, you will find the infamous Harbour Island in the Bahamas. Not to be confused with Harbor Island in Tampa, FL, Harbour Island is known for its pink, sandy beaches and picture-perfect beauty.

The trip to Eleuthera from Fort Lauderdale and Miami, FL, is approximately 215 miles. Once you reach Eleuthera Island, you will then take a 10-minute water taxi ride to reach your final destination of Harbour Island.

While the island is small at approximately .5 miles from east to west and 3.25 miles north and south, it packs some of the most beautiful shorelines in the Bahamas.

Out of the 3.25 mile stretch of beach, approximately 2.5 miles contain the pink tones that the island is known for before it slowly fades into crisp, white sand.

What Makes the Sand Pink?

It is hard to fathom the majestic pink sand on Pink Sand Beach without witnessing it for yourself. But what causes the sand on the beach to turn pink? The answer to this question is a scientific one that can be simplified for common understanding.

The short answer to what makes the sand pink is the native components found on the beaches that make up the sand. It is known that sand is in part made from seashells, coral, and calcium carbonate being continually crushed into the fine powder we call sand. Therefore, the pink sand is essentially these same components that contain red and pink tones.

A more scientific approach to this question informs that a microscopic coral insect, referred to as Foraminifera, leaves behind a footing called pseudopodia. This colorful footing helps the Foraminifera attach to items like rocks or the seafloor to feed.

Once the Foraminifera reaches the end of its lifespan, it detaches from the subject that it was feeding off of and its colorful shell is crushed as it washes to shore. Because the pseudopodia and the Foraminifera outer shell have pink tones, when it is incorporated into other sand remnants it produces pink sand.

What to Do on the Pink Sand Beach

Relaxing and sunbathing on the pink beach of Harbour Island is an experience unlike any other in and of itself. However, there are several other activities you can enjoy on the secluded island. Here are some of the top attractions on the island to keep everyone in your group entertained.

Golf Cart Rental

The easiest way to get around the island is via a golf cart. Rent a golf cart and explore the center of the island, also known as Dunmore Town. Dunmore Town has everything you need from picturesque, historic buildings to dining and boutiques. Don’t forget to visit the Piggly Wiggly grocery store before heading back to your place of lodging for the evening.

Biking

Biking is another excellent way to get around the island if you prefer a little more exercise than golf carts offer. Rent a bike from Michael Cycles on Colebrooke St. in Dunmore Town and explore the paved roads of the center of the island or the soft sandy beach perimeter.

Snorkeling and Scuba Diving

Whether you go snorkeling or scuba diving regularly or you’re trying it for the first time, these underwater activities on the Pink Sand beach are an unforgettable experience.

Visit one of the local rental spots like Ocean Fox Diving and Deep-Sea Fishing Center to rent the necessary snorkeling or scuba diving gear. Explore the pink sand from an underwater perspective to get the most of your adventure.

Wakeboarding and Water Skiing

Water sports are a hot commodity on the islands, and rental locations like Lil’ Shan’s Water Sports can make your water sports dreams come true. From wakeboarding and waterskiing to kayaks and jet skis, you’re sure to enjoy some time on the water showing off your water sport skills.

Swim With the Pigs

One of the more unique and world-renowned activities near Harbour Island is the option to swim with pigs. You read that right. Wild pigs that roam Spanish Wells are docile enough to swim with, creating a coveted and one-of-a-kind experience. The guided pig swimming adventures are available through companies such as Bahamas Ocean Safaris.

Fishing

If you enjoy fishing and want to test the waters of the Bahamas, the shores of Harbour Island are the perfect spot to do so. There are plenty of fishing charters to choose from to get the fishing experience you’ve always dreamed about.

Whether you’re out to do some reef fishing or fishing in the open sea, here are several fishing charters to check out:

UnderWood Charters
Paulie’s Fishing Charters
Spanish Wells Fishing Charters
Spanish Wells Bonefishing
Da Salty Pig Adventure
True Blue Charters

Most charters are located off the island which can make transportation interesting. Visit the receptionist at your resort or the Dunmoretown Marina for more information on these charter options.

Boating

It’s tough to visit the Bahamas without taking at least one boating adventure. Harbour Island Yacht Club and Valentines Marina are your marina options on the island. You can either bring your boat and dock to one of these marinas or select a boating adventure to best suit your needs.

Sunbathing

Sunbathing is a must on Pink Sand Beach. Soak up some sun and dig your toes into the sand as you layout and let the sun rays kiss your skin on your brand new beach towel. Or, if you don’t prefer to lay so close to the sand, visit one of the beach chair rental spots along the shoreline like TeeJay’s Beach Chair Rentals or Ms. V’s Beach Chair Rentals & Beach Bar.

Horseback Riding

Between the Coral Sands Hotel and Pink Sands Resort, you will find Marty’s horses just waiting to give you a sunset ride on the beach you won’t soon forget. Reserving a sunset horseback ride on Harbour Island isn’t the same process you find on say a Florida beach.

To reserve a horse for the ride, you will have to find Marty riding up and down the beach and wave him down so he can pencil you in. There is no use in looking online for a phone number to call to make a reservation as Marty doesn’t possess a phone.

We promise that once you make the reservation and experience the romantic sunset ride on the pink sands of Harbour Island, you will want to make it your nightly vacation routine.

Dining on Harbour Island

You can’t get the true island experience if you don’t immerse yourself in the culinary culture.

Harbour Island has a variety of dining options including outdoor dining either on the ocean or bayside along with various fine dining options.

Try some of the local cuisines at Sip Sip, The Dunmore Restaurant, or The Landing for a fine dining experience. If you prefer a more laid-back atmosphere, check out the Coral Sands Beach Bar or Bahamas Coffee Roaster to soak up a cultural dining experience.

You can’t forget to stop in the local breakfast spots such as Cocoa Coffee House or Arthur’s Bakery to try some local beverages and some divine pastries and breakfast items.

Conclusion

Enjoying the Pink Sand Beach on Harbour Island is a bucket list adventure for travelers all over the world. The unique color of the sand mixed with the crystal clear ocean water creates a magical experience for those that can witness it for themselves.

Not only does Harbour Island allow you to dig your toes into the light, pink sands while soaking up the sun, but it also offers a wide variety of activities that will keep you entertained throughout your stay on the island. Try your hand behind the fishing pole with a variety of fishing options, or show off your water skiing skills by renting equipment at a local vendor.

If you prefer to soak up every cultural experience the area offers, jump over to Spanish Wells and swim with the pigs. Or, sit tight and relax on Harbour Island as you enjoy some of the local cuisine options.

Now that you know where the Pink Sand Beach is and everything the area has to offer, it’s time to book your vacation to Harbour Island in The Bahamas.

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James Brockbank

Founder at The Family Vacation Guide

A seasoned traveller, Dad, and avid sports tourist, James foundered The Family Vacation Guide to share his expert vacation experiences- especially when it comes to being a travelling family man.

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