Pearl Island, Bahamas

 

“Changes in latitudes, changes attitudes.”

Jimmy Buffett

On our last cruise to Nassau, Bahamas, we chose a day trip to go to private island known as Pearl Island. After getting off the ship, we boarded a ferry right at Paradise Island Ferry Terminal with our friends Rusty and Diana and headed to this tropical island, a quick 30 minute trip. This tiny island is located a mere one mile from Paradise Island. As we pulled up to the island, the silhouette of the white lighthouse and palm trees stands out and seems to invite you onto the island.

We exited our boat and walked down the narrow winding path till we found some lounge chairs right near the beach and Tiki bar. We set up and jumped into the ocean. Oh my, it was lovely. Along the pathway there were many comfortable sitting places to sit a spell. There were many different excursions to this island, but we just chose the day at the beach and no snorkeling but hoped we could walk over to snorkel but you can not and needed to pay to be with a guide to do this as of the risk with the rocky jetties going out to the water. We did a little snorkeling near the rocks at our beach and were lucky enough to see some beautiful fish. I’m sure it was nothing like the other side of this island near the reef but it was enough to make us happy.

This stunning island is only 1/3 mile long and barely 50 feet wide. This beautiful island has lovely calm beaches to relax and enjoy on the Caribbean side of the island. The other side, the Atlantic Ocean side and is much more rocky with crystal clear water and is also great for snorkeling. The reef is only about 50 feet offshore. They only allow people to snorkel there if the weather conditions are right. If the water is too rough, they will not risk their customers safety, and close it so no one can get hurt.

Walking along the paved path that goes from one end of the island to the other, we saw a couple of beautiful small beaches with gorgeous white sands and lovely turquoise water, and even spotted a couple built in pools to go swimming in. There were also many pavilions if you want to get out of the sun and there are some cabanas to rent if you want total privacy. This island is beautifully designed. Our excursion included a nice Bahamian lunch which included chicken, fish, Bahamian peas and rice and coleslaw and included a water or lemonade to drink. I would recommend you go and get your food early. Some people went late and they were out of food and were packing up for the day. The food was good and they have tables to sit outside near the lighthouse. What a beautiful place to sit and have a nice meal.

The small white lighthouse is considered two or three stories high and you can climb up to the top. The views are nice from the top. The construction of this lighthouse began in 1816 and completed in 1817. This is the oldest lighthouse in all of the Bahama islands and the oldest in the West Indies.

There are a couple of bars that serve cold tropical drinks. The drinks run from about $4 to $12 a drink and you must pay by credit or debit as it is not part of any cruise drink package. The servers were all very friendly and make nice drinks.

This island is a little paradise and a great place to get away from it all and have a relaxing day. It was not crowded as they only allow a certain amount of people each day. We loved sitting and looking out over the water and seeing and hearing the palm trees blowing in the wind. We had a great day on this island and enjoyed the company of our friends and the beauty of the island. I would recommend this excursion.

Till next time. Bye for now.