Pink sand beaches to put on your next vacation bucket list

Unmissable pink beaches in the world

So, what gives a beach a pink hue? Could it be the countless number of shattered corals or just another effect of the sunlight? All the pink sand beaches have at least four elements in common: bits of pink shells (from foraminifera), pieces of shattered corals, calcium carbonate, and white sand. If that sounds like a fantasy, then you must not miss a beach with pink sand.

  1. Pink Sand Beach Harbour Island, Bahamas
  2. Horseshoe Bay, Bermuda
  3. Elafonisi Pink Sand Beach, Greece
  4. Kaihalulu, Maui
  5. Subic Beach, Philippines
  6. Playa Flamingo, Costa Rica

Off the shores of Bahamas, Santorini, Bermuda, Hawaii, and other famous destinations are pink sands and the best places to stay. While pink is deemed to be a feminine colour, there is nothing to stop men from exploring great views below and above the sea. These beaches have the most vivid colour near the water edges. Check them out on your next vacation.

1. Pink Sand Beach Harbour Island, Bahamas

Also regarded and Briland, the name itself suggests that it is one of the best pink beaches in the world. Iconic jetsetters frequent this pink beach including Elle Macpherson and Uma Thurman. While it is tempting to spend the entire day on the sand stretching about three miles, do not hesitate to get into the swimmable waters. Take a deep sea exploration on a guided dive tour to see the diversity of coral reefs, shipwrecks, and underwater caves while diving. Within the vicinity are charter boats with courteous staff, restaurants, and colonial cottages. With all the equipment readily available, you can take a spearfishing boat excursion or try snorkelling. You might also want to ride chestnut horses at sunset.

Unmissable attraction: Wild turtles

How to get there: Ferries and catamarans, connecting Nassau to Harbour Island

2. Horseshoe Bay, Bermuda

Horseshoe Bay is among the best Insta-worthy pink sand beaches in Bermuda. You can sunbathe in the blushing sand any time, though the water gets colder in the month of September through May. But even in the chilly season, Horseshoe Bay is a romantic destination for strolls. If you happen to be around during Easter season, you are sure to come across the locals flying high the handmade Bermudian kites. Join snorkelling buffs and paddle boarders at the beach and hire all the gear you need from boogie boards to snorkel equipment. When through with activities, chill with towels on a beach chair under the umbrella. There is no worry when travelling with the kids because there are lifeguards on the pink beach. Plus, there is an enclosed section at Port Royal Cove to keep the waves out. On the South Road, take a bite in one of the restaurants and spend a night in comfortable guesthouses with balconies.

Unmissable attraction: Turtle Hill Golf Club

How to get there: Via bus or private taxi from the City of Hamilton

3. Elafonisi Pink Sand Beach, Greece

If you have been seeking exotic beauty in Crete, Elafonisi, the Treasure Island with pink sand, would be a great option to add to your itinerary. Voted several times for the most majestic pink sand beaches Greece, Elafonisi Pink Sand Beach features rare creatures, white lilies, cedar trees, sand dunes, and black rocks. Your kids will enjoy fun moments on the shallow lagoon, only one metre deep. And if you get lucky, you might spot the shy loggerhead sea turtles laying eggs on the shore. The prevailing winds of the southeast coast are beneficial for water sports lovers, making it easier to windsurf. Even the least experienced surfers can take the plunge in the sheltered lagoon. Beyond the lagoon, you’ll find dunes harbouring over 100 rare species of plants such as sea daffodil.

Unmissable attraction: Secluded coves and inlets

How to get there: Board the daily bus service leaving Chania at 9am

4. Kaihalulu, Maui

When people talk about pink sand beaches in Hawaii, they are likely to mention Kaihalulu, also known as Red Sand Beach or the secret beach. It is more reddish than pink, though not super red. The sand gets its colour from the surrounding red-lava cider cliffs that erode on the coastline. Watch the lava rock wall breaking the strong ocean waves before they crash on the colourful sand. Only swim or snorkel when the waters calm down and do not go past the protective lava rock. If you are an avid hiker, you might want to carry some good footwear because there is a trail down the shore.

Unmissable attraction: Birds and wildlife

How to get there: Drive through Hana Highway from Maui to Kaihalulu Beach

5. Subic Beach, Philippines

As one of the finest pink beaches in the world, Subic beach was formed from crushed corals. It offers one of the pioneering open-water marine theme parks in Southeast Asia where you can experience wildlife interactions in animal shows and marine life tours in aquariums. Meet sea lions, crocodiles, snakes, and tigers on a guided tour at the Zoobic safari, a 25-hectare amusement park. Let your kids feed the big cats with a bottle by hand as you capture the best moments. What’s more, there are inflatable islands featuring floating playgrounds, towers, swings, bridges, and slides for fun-filled family holidays. When you’ve exhausted your best activities, take a road trip to the Freeport Zone Hiking Trails.

Unmissable attraction: El Kabayo Waterfalls

How to get there: Catch a bus from Manila to Matnog

6. Playa Flamingo, Costa Rica

A crescent-shaped Playa Flamingo Beach is one of the rarest pink sand beaches in Costa Rica. Its shade-lined coast and turquoise sea teeming with endangered sea turtles, humpback whales and dolphins is worth the trek. Other delightful things to do include adventurous tours, smooth sailing, and beachcombing. If you are longing for a tropical sunset, your Costa Rica trip should start at Flamingo Marina to indulge in a catamaran cruise along the Guanacaste coast for snorkelling, kayaking, and swimming opportunities. Try a quad bike tour from Tamarindo whether you are a novice or veteran driver. Then get your adrenaline pumping on a zip line through the huge treetops of the tropical forest where you’ll also spot a steep canyon.

Unmissable attraction: Palo Verde National Park for (wildlife)

How to get there: Shuttle service or airport pickup

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