That soft, blush-coloured sand you keep seeing on your feed? It’s real, and it’s only about 60 miles from Nassau. The Harbour Island pink sand beach stretches roughly three miles along the island’s Atlantic side, and you can see it on a day trip if you plan the timing right.
This guide covers how to get there from Nassau, where to get on the beach, where to eat, and the tips that make the day run smoothly.
Watch my “THE BAHAMAS 💙” Reel on Instagram
The colour comes from foraminifera, tiny sea organisms with reddish-pink shells. When the waves wash them ashore, they mix with white sand and coral. As a result, the sand has a soft blush-pink tint, especially at the water’s edge where the sand is wet. Just don’t expect bubblegum pink! The heavily edited photos online make it look brighter than it is. In person, it’s a gentle, pretty blush that looks best in natural light.
Up by the dunes, the sand can look almost white. So walk down to where the waves meet the shore if you want that pink in your photos.
You have two main options: the fast ferry or a short flight plus a water taxi.
Bahamas Ferries runs the Bo Hengy III from Potter’s Cay Dock in Nassau. Here’s how the day trip works on the current schedule:
That gives you roughly three and a half hours on the island. It’s enough for the beach, lunch and a golf cart ride through town. However, it’s a long day on the water, so pack seasickness tablets if you need them. Always check the latest schedule on the Bahamas Ferries website before you book, because sailings change with holidays and weather.
Flying gives you more time on the island. The flight from Nassau to North Eleuthera Airport (ELH) takes only about 15 minutes. Bahamasair, Southern Air and Western Air all fly the route, and Western Air is my go-to. Exclusive Aviation also sells seats on its private charters. However, it doesn’t fly every day, so check its site for Nassau to North Eleuthera availability.
From the airport, take a taxi to Three Island Dock. Then hop on a water taxi across the harbour to Harbour Island. The crossing takes just a few minutes, and golf carts and taxis wait at the dock on the other side.
Harbour Island is small, so most people get around by golf cart. You can rent one near the dock, or book ahead so it’s waiting when you arrive. If you’re on a budget, you can also walk. The pink sand beach is only about a 10-minute walk from the dock, straight across the island.
The whole beach is public, and you’ll find access paths off the roads that run behind the hotels on the eastern side of the island. Here’s how I’d choose your spot:
One more thing: the beach faces the Atlantic. The water is usually calm close to shore thanks to the reef, but check conditions before you swim, especially on windy days.
You’ll get hungry after all that sun, so here’s where to go.
Tip: On a ferry day trip, your time is short. So eat close to the beach, and save Dunmore Town for the golf cart ride back to the dock.
These are just a few of my picks. I list all my favourite places to eat on the island in my Harbour Island Insider Guide.
Want the full insider rundown? My Harbour Island Insider Guide has the spots, contacts and timing I use myself, so you can make the most of every minute on the island.
Harbour Island has been home to me, and I plan day trips from Nassau to Harbour Island and Eleuthera all the time. I’ll sort out the timing, transport, golf cart and lunch spots, so all you have to do is show up and enjoy the beach.
👉🏾 Plan your Harbour Island day trip with me
See you on the pink sand, Cousin!
Maradona 💙
Money, tipping, which island to pick, what to eat and the slang you’ll hear. Everything I’d tell my cousin before their first trip home.
