Last Updated on June 17, 2023

If you’re looking for a beach vacation with bright pink sand, you might be surprised to learn that the most famous pink sand beach in Florida isn’t actually in Florida.

Pink Sand Beach is located on Harbour Island, a small island in the Bahamas.

The beach is known for its soft, pink sand, which is caused by microscopic organisms called foraminifera.

Visitors can reach Pink Sand Beach by plane or ferry from Florida, and there are many other things to do on Harbour Island, such as exploring the island’s charming villages and going horseback riding.

Pink Sand Beach - Harbour Island Bahamas
“Florida’s” Pink Sand Clearwater Beach – Harbour Island, Bahamas

Harbour Island’s Pink Sand Clearwater Beach

Harbour Island is a popular tourist destination, known for its beautiful beaches, pink sand, and charming pink-painted cottages. The island is located about 55 miles off the coast of Eleuthera, Bahamas.

The pink sand on Harbour Island is made up of tiny, crushed shells from foraminifera, a type of marine microbe.

The shells are pink because they contain a pigment called beta-carotene, which is also found in carrots and tomatoes.

Pink Sand Beach is a great place to relax and enjoy the sun and sand. The beach is also a popular spot for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing.

If you’re looking for a unique and beautiful beach vacation, Harbour Island is a great option.

The island is a short flight from Florida, and it offers a variety of things to do, including relaxing on the beach, swimming, snorkeling, and exploring the island’s charming villages.

Getting There

There are several convenient transportation options available to reach the island, including direct flights from Florida, ferries from Nassau and Spanish Wells, and private charters.

By Plane

For travelers looking to visit Harbour Island and its famous Pink Sand Beach, the most convenient option is to take a direct flight from various locations in Florida to North Eleuthera Airport (ELH).

Major airlines offer flights from Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Nassau to ELH, which is situated on Eleuthera Island, just a short ferry ride away from Harbour Island.

By Boat

Another way to reach Harbour Island is by taking a ferry from either Nassau or Spanish Wells. From Nassau, the ferry ride typically takes around 2 hours, while it takes approximately 1 hour from Spanish Wells.

This scenic journey allows visitors to appreciate the beauty of the Bahamian waters and provides an enjoyable way to reach the island.

By Private Charter

For those seeking a more luxurious and personalized travel experience, chartering a private plane or boat to Harbour Island is an option.

This allows travelers to tailor their travel arrangements according to their preferences and enjoy a seamless and exclusive journey to the island.

Once you arrive at Harbour Island, you can begin to explore the beauty and charm it has to offer.

The pristine Pink Sand Beach, composed of tiny crushed shells from foraminifera, awaits visitors seeking relaxation, sunbathing, swimming, and snorkeling.

Beyond the beach, the island boasts enchanting pink-painted cottages and picturesque villages to explore, adding to the allure of a unique and beautiful beach vacation.


Pink Sand Clearwater Beach FAQs

What is Pink Sand Beach?

Pink Sand Beach is a beautiful stretch of beach that is known for its soft, pink sand.

The sand gets its color from microscopic organisms called foraminifera, which live in the ocean.

These organisms have a pink shell, and when they die, their shells break down and mix with the sand. This gives the beach its distinctive pink color.

Where is Pink Sand Beach located?

Pink Sand Beach is located on Harbour Island, a small island in the Bahamas. Harbour Island is located about 55 miles off the coast of Eleuthera, Bahamas.

How do I get to Pink Sand Beach?

The easiest way to get to Pink Sand Beach is to fly into the North Eleuthera Airport on Harbour Island. From there, you can take a taxi or a golf cart to the beach.

What can I do at Pink Sand Beach?

There are many things to do at Pink Sand Beach. You can relax on the beach and soak up the sun, swim in the ocean, go snorkeling or diving, or explore the island’s charming villages.

Where can I stay near Pink Sand Beach?

There are many hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals near Pink Sand Beach. You can find something to fit your budget and style.

When is the best time to visit Pink Sand Beach?

The best time to visit Pink Sand Beach is during the winter months (December-April). The weather is warm and sunny, and the crowds are smaller.

How much does it cost to visit Pink Sand Beach?

The cost of visiting Pink Sand Beach will vary depending on the time of year, your mode of transportation, and your accommodations.

However, it is generally a more affordable option than visiting other popular beaches in Florida.

Is Pink Sand Beach safe?

Yes, Pink Sand Beach is a safe place to visit. The water is calm and the sand is soft. There are no major hazards on the beach.

What are the rules and regulations for visiting Pink Sand Beach?

There are a few rules and regulations for visiting Pink Sand Beach. You are not allowed to bring alcohol or glass bottles onto the beach. You are also not allowed to build sandcastles or leave trash behind.

What are the other popular attractions near Pink Sand Beach?

There are many other popular attractions near Pink Sand Beach. You can visit the island’s many shops and restaurants, go horseback riding, or take a boat trip to nearby Eleuthera.


Read also: Why doesn’t Florida have any deserts?

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