Pink Sands Resort | Harbour Island

Pink Sands Resort is a hotel located on Harbour Island in the Bahamas.

It is situated on a 3-mile stretch of beach known for its distinctive pink sand.

Visual Characteristics

The resort features low-rise buildings constructed with pastel-colored wood siding and white trim. Structures are typically one or two stories high. The beach itself is characterized by fine, pale pink sand, a result of crushed coral and shells, meeting clear turquoise ocean water.

Location & Access Logistics

Harbour Island is accessible via a 10-minute water taxi ride from North Eleuthera. The water taxi terminal is located near the North Eleuthera Airport (ELH). From the Harbour Island dock, the resort is approximately a 1.5km drive east along Dunmore Street, then north on Colebrooke Street. Golf carts are the primary mode of transportation on the island; rental is available near the dock. Limited parking is available at the resort for guests arriving by private boat.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The resort was established in 1940. The pink color of the sand is attributed to microscopic shelled organisms called Foraminifera, which have reddish-pink shells. These shells are broken down by wave action and mixed with the white sand.

Key Highlights & Activities

Guests can engage in swimming, sunbathing, and walking along the beach. Water sports such as snorkeling, paddleboarding, and kayaking are available. The resort offers organized fishing excursions and boat tours. Horseback riding on the beach is also a scheduled activity.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The resort provides guest rooms and suites with air conditioning. On-site amenities include multiple dining options, a swimming pool, and a spa. Restrooms are available at the main resort buildings and beachside facilities. Cell phone signal (4G) is generally available within the resort area.

Best Time to Visit

The best time for clear lighting on the pink sand is generally during the morning hours, from approximately 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM, and again in the late afternoon, from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM. The dry season, from December to May, offers the most favorable weather conditions with lower humidity and minimal rainfall. High tide can reduce the visible width of the pink sand beach.

Facts & Legends

A local anecdote suggests the pink hue of the sand is most pronounced after a storm, as the waves churn up more of the Foraminifera shells. The resort's original buildings were constructed using materials salvaged from shipwrecks in the surrounding waters.

Nearby Landmarks

• 0.8km Southwest: Dunmore Town (historic settlement)
• 1.2km West: Harbour Island Dock (water taxi terminal)
• 3.5km South: The Goat Cave (natural formation)
• 4.0km Northwest: North Eleuthera Airport (ELH)