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Only a brief boat journey from Nassau, Pearl Island is a type of locations in The Bahamas that you simply don’t actually know—till you do. It suits completely into the hidden gem class, and this far-off Bahamian isle is all about slowing down, absorbing the solar, and dwelling totally within the second. Whereas it’s certainly one of many islands and cays you may discover in The Bahamas (there are over 700!), it undoubtedly earns a spot on the must-visit listing for its pure magnificence and peaceable vibes alone.
Whether or not you’re trying to calm down, discover, or snap a postcard-perfect pic, this island presents one thing for each sort of traveler searching for all-inclusive beach vacations. Right here’s what it’s good to find out about Pearl Island earlier than your tropical escape in The Bahamas.
Professional Tip: Planning on
island hopping in The Bahamas?
With a keep at choose all-inclusive resorts in The Bahamas, you may e-book day journeys with ease and watch the great thing about this tropical archipelago come to life!
Image: Indulgence is unquestionably on the menu on the adults only all-inclusive resort, Sandals Royal Bahamian.
High 8 Causes to Go to Pearl Island, Bahamas
If discovering your calm on a blissful island seaside, snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, having fun with a contemporary Caribbean lighthouse expertise, and sampling flavorful Bahamian delicacies appears like your sort of day in The Bahamas, then Pearl Island is properly value a go to. Whether or not you’re going solo, as a pair, or with buddies or household, listed here are 8 strong causes to test it out:
1. It’s Only a Fast Hop from Nassau
Nassau on New Windfall Island is commonly on the heart of island-hopping expeditions in The Bahamas, and a visit to Pearl Island isn’t any exception. Only a brief ferry journey from the Paradise Island Ferry Terminal—positioned behind Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville on Paradise Island—Pearl Island is likely one of the extra accessible out-islands to go to. The ferry journey takes about 20–half-hour throughout turquoise waters, making it a straightforward escape from the bustle of Nassau. When you’re trying to spend extra time enjoying and fewer time planning, Pearl Island is a superb selection.
2. The Seashore Is All Yours (Nicely, Nearly)
The magic of the seashores in The Bahamas is simply how serene and distant so a lot of them really feel. Pearl Island showcases this in the easiest way doable, and on this little island, comfortable white sands, swaying palms, and scenic views are the one factor it’s good to take into consideration. This seaside is never, if ever, crowded, and you may deal with simply what you got here to The Bahamas to do—calm down.
3. Snorkeling That Hits Completely different
Snorkeling excursions in The Bahamas are really thrilling, with numerous unbelievable dive websites to discover—Pearl Island being among the finest. Throughout your go to, you’ll get the prospect to snorkel vibrant coral reefs simply steps from shore, the place colourful marine life thrives. Anticipate to see tropical fish like parrotfish, trumpetfish, and Bahamas grunts, together with fascinating creatures like moray eels, lionfish, porcupinefish, and even Bahamas shrimp. Expectantly, you may also spot a swish sea turtle gliding via the crystal-clear waters.
When you can carve out the time throughout your journey, Pearl Island is completely a snorkeling spot value experiencing. This island is good for each guided and solo snorkeling. And if, by the top of your trip, you’re nonetheless craving extra underwater magic, a return go to is all the time on the desk!
4. That Lighthouse View Is Subsequent Degree
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The lighthouse on Pearl Island is each historic and iconic—an enthralling spot that attracts many guests. It contains a courtyard perfect for particular occasions and a comfy lounge space that may simply be remodeled right into a dance ground, making it a singular and welcoming gathering place on the island. This is likely one of the greatest locations to soak up the great thing about The Bahamas from above (and seize high tier selfies!).
Distinct from the basic British Imperial Lighthouse Service towers discovered elsewhere in The Bahamas, the Pearl Island lighthouse provides to the island’s allure as a non-public and scenic vacation spot. Guests can get pleasure from sweeping panoramic views from the lighthouse space, which provides a serene contact to the expertise. Not like lots of the older Bahamian lighthouses constructed within the nineteenth century, this one is a contemporary addition—designed extra for ambiance and visitor enjoyment than for navigation.
What’s on the menu on Pearl Island? That’s definitely value discovering out about earlier than getting there. In The Bahamas, there’s all the time somethings delicious to attempt, whether or not we’re speaking juicy grilled rooster or fish, island-style rice and peas, candy fried plantains and even recent conch salad. On Pearl Island, you may convey alongside your personal meals, or join a tour that features lunch, filled with taste and island aptitude.
Professional Tip: If you are going to be in Pearl Island, dig into these
32 food and drinks to try while in the Bahamas.
6. Non-public Cabanas for the Final Chill
Non-public cabanas are overrated- till you attempt one on Pearl Island. There’s nothing like absorbing the pleasures that include a seaside day within the cool and luxury of an opulent cabana, notably one with comfortable seating, shade, and little extras that make it straightforward to simply fall into the rhythm of the islands and luxuriate in each second. On Pearl Island, you may select between a non-public 2-person cabana and a non-public group cabana. Whichever possibility you go for, the views out of your private cabana on Pearl Island shall be half of the enjoyable!
Some personal cabana choices could be booked as a part of a package deal that features roundtrip ferry transportation, loungers or day beds, a private server, complimentary welcome cocktail, a guided snorkeling journey, lunch, water sports activities, and extra. With sure excursions, you’ll additionally get entry to the Pearl Island Lighthouse. This is usually a nice possibility in the event you’re on the lookout for a day tour with a distinction in The Bahamas.
Good to know: The personal cabana expertise on Pearl Island can value round USD$180. Typically a standard Bahamian lunch is served (BBQ rooster, fish fingers, peas and rice, coleslaw, plantains) on the seaside or in your cabana.
7. Pearl Island for {Couples}: Romance on the Water
Romance flows in locations the place all it’s good to deal with are the views and the individual proper in entrance of you. On Pearl Island, you may soak in ocean views from a secluded seaside cabana, get pleasure from a considerate beachside lunch, or just benefit from the dreamy photograph ops which are certain to occur. On the subject of a pair’s day journey, few locations in The Bahamas are extra becoming—excellent for proposals or only a romantic escape for 2.
8. Good for Each Form of Vibe
We love that islands like Pearl Island include that castaway really feel—the sort that makes you consider something’s doable, even in the event you’re, properly, in the course of nowhere. You possibly can discover, picnic, snorkel, sightsee, sunbathe, or simply dance round in your swimsuit with a coconut in hand. This island isn’t right here to say no.
Whether or not you’re a pair searching for romance, a solo traveler on a soul-searching escape, or a household with youngsters in tow, Pearl Island strikes with no matter rhythm you convey.
What to Pack for a Day at Pearl Island
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Now that you simply’ve received a really feel for what to do throughout your Pearl Island go to, it’s nearly time to start out packing. There are just a few necessities you’ll need to add to your Bahamas packing listing that’ll turn out to be useful—not only for Pearl Island, however for any island tour in The Bahamas. Assume reef-safe sunscreen, a towel, sun shades, ID, waterproof pouch, and a change of garments.
For a go to to Pearl Island, extras like a snorkeling masks, flip-flops, and a chill playlist are all the time good to have too—however in the event you’re occurring a guided tour, likelihood is the snorkel gear is already coated. Greatest to double-check forward of time. And that playlist? Completely your name.
The right way to E book Your Pearl Island Tour
There are a number of tour operators in The Bahamas you may e-book your Pearl Island journey with. Most excursions depart from the Paradise Island Ferry Terminal (East Dock, behind Margaritaville on Paradise Island). You should definitely test your affirmation particulars, as some personal charters or cruise excursions could use totally different docks. From there, it’s a 20–30 minute roundtrip ferry journey throughout turquoise waters to Pearl Island, just some miles from Nassau. The journey itself presents scenic views and units the temper for a laid-back, sun-soaked day.
Good to know: Advance reserving is really helpful, particularly throughout peak journey seasons. Excursions sometimes embrace ferry transfers, lunch, entry to seashores and facilities, and optionally available actions like snorkeling or kayaking.
Tour Packages & Pricing
A number of Pearl Island tour packages can be found, together with choices with lunch and snorkeling. Costs sometimes vary from USD $95 to $115 per individual or extra, relying on the supplier. You can even e-book the favored Swimming Pigs Journey & Seashore Escape, which can be barely pricier. Cabana experiences are a visitor favourite on Pearl Island (extra on that later) and add to the vacation spot’s attraction.
Greatest Time to Go to Pearl Island
One of the best time to go to Pearl Island aligns with the best time to visit The Bahamas–peak season. Peak season in The Bahamas—sometimes mid-December via April— presents a few of the greatest climate situations. You should definitely e-book upfront to lock in your most popular date and time, particularly in the course of the busy winter and spring journey months.
On the subject of one of the best time of day to go, most individuals desire early morning. When you begin your exploration early, you’ll keep away from the height warmth of the day. Excursions often final round 4 to five hours, with choices for both half-day or full-day journeys. To make sure you’re on time to your boat journey, plan to reach at the very least quarter-hour earlier than departure for check-in. Most excursions provide free cancellation as much as 24 hours upfront.
Professional Tip: When heading to Pearl Island,
Rose Island, or some other day journey in The Bahamas, put on your swimsuit underneath your garments for comfort. Don’t neglect to convey a towel, reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, and comfy strolling sneakers.
Sunsets, Smiles, and Zero Rush on Pearl Island
The nippiness issue on Pearl Island is excessive and actually makes you are feeling as if you’ve received your personal little piece of The Bahamas to your self. When you’ve by no means really skilled island time, that is the place to ease proper into it. Ideally from the consolation of one of many all-inclusive resorts in The Bahamas. There’s no strain to do something particularly, no crowds to journey over—simply clear blue skies, inviting seas, and all the great vibes you’d count on from a Caribbean seaside getaway.
Professional Tip: E book your
all-inclusive beach resort in The Bahamas early throughout peak season for one of the best charges. The identical goes for excursions to Pearl Island, particularly if you’d like a non-public cabana or particular add-ons like kayaking or snorkeling excursions. And don’t neglect your sunscreen—reef-safe is greatest!
Image: Set off to your Pearl Island exploration from the all-inclusive Sandals Royal Bahamian. Every little thing you want to your trip—from lodging and eating to leisure, land and water sports activities, and extra—is included!