Harbour Island is one of the most asked about places in the Bahamas! It’s most known for its beautiful pink sand beaches, colorful original style cottages, cruising around in golf carts, and horseback riding through the turquoise waters. Harbour Island is all of this, plus much more! If you are a food lover, this is definitely where you want to be. Believe me when I say that every meal I have eaten in Harbour Island has been delicious!
I’m here to guide you through an amazing Harbour Island experience. From tips and info on how to get there to what to do, what food you should eat, and where you should stay. I got you covered!
Traveling to Harbour Island, Bahamas
Where the heck is Harbour Island? It is a small island located off of the most northern tip of Eleuthera and accessible only by boat. Don’t let this discourage you, as it’s quick, affordable, and easy to access. As mentioned in my previous post, Travel Guide to an Eleuthera Adventure, North Eleuthera is only 200 miles away from Miami, making it a quick and easy flight! There are daily flight options from Miami directly into North Eleuthera, via American Air, Silver Airways, and BahamasAir. If you are already in Nassau, you can take a quick 15-minute flight over via Southern Air, Pineapple Air, or BahamasAir. You also have the option to jump on the Fast Ferry, which will take you about 1.5 hours. The cost is the same, but I always prefer flying!
Once you’ve arrived at the North Eleuthera Airport, hop in a quick 3-minute cab ride to “Three Island Dock”. Upon your arrival at the dock, you will get on the ferry and jet over to Harbour Island in less than 5 minutes! Once you’ve docked you can either walk, rent a golf cart or take a quick cab ride to your accommodation. The cab ride to the dock, the ferry, and a cab in Harbour Island will cost you $5 per person, per transport.
Where to Stay in Harbour Island
Whether you’re an Airbnb person or a hotel person, there are plenty of amazing options for you! I suggest reserving well in advance, as they book quickly! The Dunmore Hotel is hands down the most beautiful and high-end hotel on the Island. With luxurious beach cottages, luscious greenery throughout the property, amazing staff/service, and phenomenal food you’re sure to be amazed! There are many other hotel options as well as plenty of cute, quaint Airbnb Cottages that will do the trick. I would say the average nightly rate on the island is about $400. Prices go up from there.
Hotel options to research (in no particular order):
- The Dunmore | (242) 333-2200
- Ocean View Club | (242) 333 2276
- Coral Sands Resort | (242) 333-2350
- Valentines Resort | (242) 333-2142
- Pink Sands Resort | (242) 333-2030
- The Landing | (242) 333-2707
- Romora Bay | (242) 333-2325
You might also consider a few Airbnb options mentioned below, just click on the photo to take you directly to the listing!
*A small side note: Once you arrive in Harbour Island, you can either walk, bike, or rent a golf cart. My suggestion is to rent a golf cart, it’s more convenient, and it makes exploring a breeze! When you set up your accommodations, just ask for a golf cart rental as well, this will usually cost you about $50 a day.
Things To Do In Harbour Island, Bahamas
Harbour Island is quite small, and you can basically see everything in one day, however, the more time you have, the less you have to rush around and the more you get to explore.
This is an obvious activity, but you must spend some time on the pink sand beaches! Take a walk, read a book and just enjoy the beauty of the pink sand against the bright blue waters. It will be an eye orgasm!
Grab your golf cart and take Bay Street north, until it starts curving around. You will find a beautiful sandbar, with jaw-dropping photo ops! You can walk out a half a mile or so, and still only be ankle-deep in the water! Try finding the sweet spot in the time of the day when the tide is super low, you will see the sandbar at its peak of beauty!
Go shopping! Especially for you girls that love resort wear, this is the absolute best place to shop! There are so many cute boutiques. From Dakes to Sugarmill to Blue Rooster, you will for sure find some excellent items to wear on your vacay!
You must go on some sort of excursion. There are some great dive spots, snorkel spots, and amazing full-day excursions that you will not want to miss out on! Stop into Valentines Marina to get some more info on diving & snorkeling, or shoot me a message to schedule an all-day excursion!
Finally, eat. A lot. But that deserves a whole section, see below!
Where to Eat: Harbour Island Dining
I can honestly say that you can go anywhere and your tastebuds will be happy with your decision! Here are my favorite places and the items I ordered that really shocked me with their excellence!
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The Queen Conch: Bahamian Food; Dolphin Dip
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Arthur’s Bakery: Bahamian Baked Goods; Coconut Bread & Raisin Bread
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Da Vine Sushi: Japanese Food; Best Crispy Spicy Tuna I’ve ever had!
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Sip Sip: Bahamian with a twist; Ahi Tuna & Watermelon Salad, Lobster Quesadilla
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The Dunmore: Bahamian with a twist; The Dunmore Breakfast, best-scrambled eggs I’ve ever had!
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Ocean View Club: Bahamian with a twist; Ribs with Macaroni & Delicious Burgers & Sandwiches
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The Landing: European; Goat Cheese Ravioli
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Sweet Spot Cafe: Fresh Pressed Juices
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Cocoa Coffee House: Coffee & Pastries
You’ve got the inside scoop, now start booking! Harbour Island is such a magical place and I am sure you’ll have an amazing time. It’s safe, good for families, couples, singles, everyone! It’s one of those vacations you will continue to book year after year and never get sick of! As always, if you have any questions at all, you can always reach out, I’m happy to assist!
