Imagine a blush-colored sandy beach as far as the eye can see, bordered by the clear turquoise waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Take a swim, a stroll or a nap: You might never want to leave. This is Pink Sand Beach, on the eastern shore of the low-key Harbour Island in the Bahamas. Named for its fabulous coral shade, the beach spans three miles and though it’s been featured on many best beaches in the world lists, it’s a quiet retreat, far from the hustle of the Bahamas’ more touristy zones. From your home base at Bahama House, a historic, hidden enclave in the lively Dunmore Town, you’ll have access to a just-for-you beach setup nestled in the pink sand, plus customized adventures from sea to land.

What Makes the Sand Pink?

The sand here is tinted by the pale red and bright pink shells of a microscopic coral insect, called Foraminifera, that inhabit this area. These nearly invisible single cell organisms live underneath reefs and on nearby sea floors. Waves wash tiny pieces of their pink shells to shore, where they mix with coral and small rocks to create a velvety smooth combination that turns the sand a vibrant shade of pink and makes for an ideal stroll with bare feet. 

One of the more prolific marine microorganisms, Foraminifera play an important role in the local ecology and thanks to an excellent fossil record, their evolutionary history in the area is well recorded. Fun fact: Because the light pink color of the sand doesn’t absorb heat from the sun like white-sand beaches, the sand here is never too hot to walk on. So, go ahead, toss off your shoes and meander as far as you’d like. Plus, this beach is protected by a coral reef that blocks big waves and makes for an ideal place to swim and snorkel in calm waters.

The Best Time of Day to Visit

The color of Pink Sand Beach changes slightly throughout the day, due to the direction and angle of the sun. Early mornings are superb for catching the beach with a glimmering rose-tinted hue and make for the best photo opportunities without glare. Mid-day, the sand can appear more bright white. And sunset on the beach is always a good idea: The orange-and-pink shades of the setting sun reflect off the beach in a magical way that can sometimes turn the sand almost purple.

The color of Pink Sand Beach at various points in the day

Where You’ll Stay

Bahama House offers a quiet slice of paradise with unparalleled access to this world-class beach. The historic home, originally built in 1800, has been modernized with 11 en suite bedrooms, freshwater soaking pool, hand-built tiki bar, hot tub, and rooftop lounge. The rum bar is stocked with 40 different varieties of aged rum. It’s the ultimate base camp to experience the best side of the Bahamas, the laid-back, welcoming vibe of Harbour Island that beckons you to stay a little longer. After a day spent in the sun, relax with a poolside Caribbean cocktail, followed by a chef-prepared dinner at home or a night out at one of the area’s finest local restaurants. You can catch live Bahamian music at a number of venues or we can make arrangements to bring the concert to the privacy of your own home, too. View the lodge here.

The rum bar

The rooftop lounge

The pool

What You’ll Do

If a day relaxing on the beach and finishing that novel you packed sounds just right, we’ll set up a comfortable lounge area in your own designated space on the beach, complete with umbrellas, reclining chairs, towels, and an on-call beach attendant with cold drinks awaiting. Prefer to immerse yourself in local culture or go out on a guided adventure? We’ve got you covered there, too. Eleven’s knowledgeable local guide staff can arrange for deep-sea fishing, sunrise yoga, snorkeling in a serene cove, or horseback riding along the sand. Plunge into blue waters in undiscovered swimming holes, wakesurf behind a 24-foot wake boat, or paddleboard amongst sea turtles and dolphins. For experienced scuba divers, you can explore shipwrecks along Devil’s Backbone, a famously shallow and jagged reef offshore. Eleven’s Experience Planners will take in your needs and wishes to customize an itinerary that suits every member of your group.

Lounging at the beach

Horseback riding

Snorkeling

How to Get Here

Harbour Island is one of the smaller, more off-the-radar islands in the Bahamas, which makes it feel like a true escape. But, getting here isn’t hard. Fly into North Eleuthera Airport—there are direct flights from Miami, Fort Lauderdale, or Nassau—and we can arrange for transport the rest of the way: a five-minute land taxi to the water dock, followed by a ten-minute water taxi to Harbour Island. Eleven Bahama House is just a few minutes from the dock. You can also arrive directly at the house by chartered seaplane. 

Get in touch with our team to learn more.