Pearl Island, Bahamas: The Perfect Nassau Getaway

eNot a fan of cruise ship crowds? Spend the day on Pearl Island, a private island getaway full of sun, fun, food, drinks, and more. This island has all the water toys and tranquil spots you need to unwind in the fresh ocean air. Best of all, Pearl island is available by limited reservation only — which means although it’s not your own personal island, it’s the next best thing.

About Pearl Island

Pearl Island, Bahamas is a small, narrow island with a rugged coastline just eight miles off the coast of Nassau. It is 1/3 mile long and roughly 50 feet at its widest spot — but don’t let that fool you: there are plenty of things available for you to do while on this enchanting rock.

Formerly known as Spruce Cay, Pearl Island was originally developed by some locals in 1993. Sadly, the island sat idle for years before new developers renovated and reopened it in 2016 to offer cruisers the opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle, and admire the blissful beauty of the Bahamas. There are rumors that Pearl Island is owned by the comedian Eddie Murphy; he does not — though he actually owns nearby Rooster Cay.

On Pearl Island is a lighthouse you can climb for gorgeous panoramic views of the surrounding islands on one end, and a bar with private beach cabanas on the other. There are two separate beaches, two bars, a gift shop plus a lounge in case you want to mingle for a few minutes while here. And there are plenty of tiki huts and other shaded areas to take a break from the sun when you need to.

The calm, turquoise waters surrounding Pearl Island are perfect for swimming, paddling, and snorkeling. A protected coral reef just 50 feet offshore gives you a wonderful window into Nassau’s undersea world, and there are certified, experienced instructors on hand to guide you and help you out at every turn.

Other island amenities include:

• A protected beach and swim area
• All the water toys — stand-up paddle boards, single and tandem kayaks, snorkeling gear, water mats, and a water trampoline
• Full service bathrooms
• Freshwater showers
• Beach lounge chairs
• Water refill stations
• Locker rentals ($10 fee)

With its natural beauty, unparalleled service, and warm hospitality, Pearl Island is the perfect place to celebrate a birthday, anniversary, family reunion, employee appreciation, or any other special event. Or no special event at all. It is also a great option for families.

How to Get to Pearl Island from Nassau

The only way to reach this exclusive island is by boat or ferry, as it is completely surrounded by water. There are various Pearl Island excursions offering day trip packages that will provide you with the needed transportation as well as the special island access.

The excitement begins with a short ferry ride from Paradise Island, plying past the city’s colorful architecture and the luxury homes of celebrities and millionaires as you leave Nassau Harbor for the journey out to Pearl Island.

Activities and Adventures

Enjoy the white, sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters on this one-of-a-kind Pearl Island beach escape!

Once at the island you can step out onto the dock and just feel the stress melt away while you head over to a lounge chair, the Beach Bar, or your private cabana. Adventure seekers can go straight to the water with no shortage of water activities to keep them challenged and entertained. Whatever your pleasure, you will most likely find it here.

Beachside relaxation and water sports

The guided snorkeling at Pearl Island will help get you up close to lots of shimmering corals and colorful tropical fish such as Parrot fish, Trumpet fish, Bahamas Grunts, Lionfish, and Moray eels. You might even spot a stingray or starfish nearby! Participants will be divided into one of two groups — novice or expert — so that proper attention can be given and to match you with the snorkeling experience that will meet your skill level. In other words, no intimidation if you are a newbie, nor feeling like you are being held back because you are the only one in the group who has been snorkeling for years.

Paddling enthusiasts will enjoy exercising their kayaking or stand-up paddle board skills on Pearl Island’s crystal clear blue waters while exploring the shoreline. It’s always fun to paddle in new surroundings, and the Bahamas don’t disappoint. You might even see a finned friend or two as you look down through the water.

Afterward, take a quick dip in the warm waters, or stretch out on the sand and listen to the gentle waves lap your cares away.

Waterfront dining and beachside picnics

While at Pearl Island you will be treated to a delicious oceanfront lunch and cocktails that you can enjoy at the shaded lounge or one of the picnic areas. You will feast on Bahamian classics such as melt-in-your-mouth BBQ chicken, crispy fish fingers or conch fritters, beans and rice, and creamy coleslaw. After you’ve had your fill, you can kick back with a cold lemonade, Bahamian rum punch, or a Kalik beer while you enjoy the cool breezes.

Explore the Iconic Lighthouse

Follow along the island’s winding paths until you get to the pastel-colored lighthouse, checking out the curly-tailed lizards, snails, and other wildlife along the way.

Once at the lighthouse you can climb to the top and be thrilled with sweeping views of the island as well as the surrounding coral reefs and Nassau in the background. The lighthouse is only two or three stories high, so a relatively wide, easy climb compared to taller lighthouses with dozens of steps that narrow quite a bit as you get toward the top. While you’re up here, take advantage of the incredible scenery to get those picture-perfect Pearl Island, Bahamas photos.

Relaxation and Wellness

Beachfront lounging and sunbathing

Did you know that sunbathing helps manage stress, promote sleep, boost your immunity, and improve your Vitamin D levels? All the more reason to come to Pearl Island and stretch out on one of the many lounge chairs to relax and grab some of these benefits. Bonus: on hot days, the ocean waves splashing up against the rocky shoreline will “mist” you with water and help you cool off. Win win!


Experience Pearl Island like a VIP with this private cabana tour

Snag your very own private waterfront cabana and chill out on the daybeds as your server greets you with a complimentary welcome cocktail and attends to your needs. Each cabana has a ceiling fan, stocked cooler with waters and sodas, snacks, and a power outlet so you can truly hang out in comfort. While here, join in on one of the island’s many activities or just curl up with your favorite read, then savor a delicious lunch with standard Bahamian fare served to you in your cabana.

Practical Information

Here are some tips for making the most out of your visit to Pearl Island:

Packing and Beach Essentials

We suggest wearing light clothing over your beachwear, as well as a hat, sunglasses, flip flops or other flat-soled walking shoes, and keep an extra set of clothes with you (just in case).

Bring along some sunscreen, a towel, a camera, and a debit or credit card for cocktails or amenities (please note: the island operates on a “cashless” system).

You can bring a stroller, walker, or wheelchair as needed, but remember: while the island itself is stroller and wheelchair accessible, visitors will still need to be able to walk on/off the ferry and navigate a few steps.

Booking information and contact details

As previously mentioned, you can only access Pearl Island with a reservation. Here at Shore Excursions Group we offer day packages with all the needed logistics so you can just board the ferry and go enjoy some much needed downtime in one of the Bahamas’ most beautiful and serene settings. Reach out to us for more information on this perfect Nassau getaway. We also have some great options if you have your heart set on exploring Nassau (more on that by clicking here).

Ready for some pampering? Take your trip to the next level by reserving a spot at the secluded beachside destination of Pearl Island today.