Harbour Island, The Bahamas Travel Guide

Discover Harbour Island in The Bahamas, renowned for its pink sand beaches, rich history, vibrant marine life, and charming colonial architecture.

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Harbour Island

Harbour Island, a small gem in The Bahamas, offers a tranquil escape with its pink sand beaches and crystal-clear waters. Known for its vibrant marine life and charming colonial architecture, this island promises a unique blend of relaxation and adventure. Stroll through the narrow streets of Dunmore Town, where pastel-colored cottages and friendly locals create a welcoming atmosphere. Don't miss the chance to explore the island's rich history, including the Loyalist heritage that dates back to the 18th century. For those passionate about nature, Harbour Island provides excellent opportunities for snorkeling and diving. The island's coral reefs are home to an array of sea creatures, making it a paradise for underwater enthusiasts. Additionally, the island’s calm waters are perfect for kayaking and paddleboarding. Dining on Harbour Island is a treat in itself, with many seaside restaurants offering fresh seafood and local delicacies. Whether you're seeking a romantic dinner or a casual meal, the island's culinary scene will not disappoint. Harbour Island's laid-back vibe and scenic beauty make it an ideal destination for those looking to unwind and experience the best of Bahamian culture.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Harbour Island.

Visit the Pink Sands Beach early in the morning for the most serene experience.
Rent a golf cart to explore the island easily.
Try the local Bahamian dish, conch salad, at one of the beachfront eateries.
Book snorkeling or diving trips in advance to secure your spot.
Bring cash as some smaller establishments do not accept credit cards.

Explore Harbour Island: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Best attractions in Harbour Island

Top-rated picks

Best Attractions

Pink Sands Beach

Experience the enchanting beauty of Pink Sands Beach in Isla Harbour, Bahamas, where turquoise waters meet soft, pink sands for an unforgettable getaway.

4.8

Valentine's Resort Beach

Experience romance and tranquility at Valentine's Resort Beach, a picturesque destination in Dunmore Town with stunning sunsets and crystal-clear waters.

Best landmarks in Harbour Island

Top-rated picks

Best Landmarks

Pink Sands Beach

Discover the mesmerizing Pink Sands Beach in Harbour Island, Bahamas, where soft pink sands meet crystal-clear waters for a truly unforgettable getaway.

4.8

Romora Bay Resort and Marina

Experience the perfect blend of luxury, relaxation, and adventure at Romora Bay Resort and Marina in Dunmore Town, Bahamas.

4.6

La Palmeraie Villa 2 Harbour Island

Experience the ultimate Bahamian retreat at La Palmeraie Villa, a luxurious holiday home in enchanting Harbour Island, perfect for relaxation and adventure.

5.0

Runaway Hill Inn

Experience the enchanting beauty of Runaway Hill Inn, a premier resort hotel in Dunmore Town, where luxury meets island charm.

4.7

Best restaurants in Harbour Island

Top-rated picks

Best Restaurants

Arthur's Bakery

Discover the delightful flavors at Arthur's Bakery in Dunmore Town, where fresh pastries meet local charm in every bite.

4.7

Runaway Hill Inn

Discover exquisite Thai cuisine amidst breathtaking views at Runaway Hill Inn in Dunmore Town - your ultimate culinary escape.

4.7

Rock House Hotel and Restaurant

Discover the perfect blend of relaxation and fine dining at Rock House Hotel and Restaurant in beautiful Dunmore Town.

4.6

Da Vine Wine Merchants

Experience exquisite dining at Da Vine Wine Merchants in Dunmore Town—where local flavors meet global wines.

4.6

Best bars in Harbour Island

Top-rated picks

Best Bars

Rock House Hotel and Restaurant

Discover the enchanting Rock House Hotel and Restaurant on Harbour Island, where fine dining meets luxurious accommodations in a tropical paradise.

4.6

Gusty's Bar

Experience the vibrant atmosphere and local culture at Gusty's Bar, the ultimate destination for relaxation and socializing in Dunmore Town.

4.9

Acquapazza Wine Bar & Ristorante

Discover the essence of Italian cuisine at Acquapazza Wine Bar & Ristorante, where every dish tells a flavorful story amidst breathtaking marina views.

4.4

Vichum Club

Experience the vibrant nightlife at Vichum Club in Dunmore Town, where craft cocktails and live music create unforgettable moments.

4.5

Best nightclubs in Harbour Island

Top-rated picks

Best Nightclubs

Runaway Hill Inn

Discover the serene beauty and luxury of Runaway Hill Inn in Dunmore Town, where relaxation meets adventure in the heart of the Bahamas.

4.7

Gusty's Bar

Experience the vibrant spirit of the Bahamas at Gusty's Bar, a lively spot in Dunmore Town perfect for cocktails, music, and unforgettable sunsets.

4.9

Daddy D's

Dive into the vibrant nightlife at Daddy D's, the ultimate night club experience in Dunmore Town with electrifying music and exquisite cocktails.

4.9

The Ocean View Club

Discover the tranquility of The Ocean View Club in Dunmore Town, where stunning ocean vistas meet Bahamian charm for an unforgettable escape.

4.5

Best shops in Harbour Island

Top-rated picks

Best Shops

A and A Hidden Treasures

Explore the enchanting world of Bahamian craftsmanship at A and A Hidden Treasures, your go-to souvenir store in Dunmore Town.

4.7

Bristol Wine and Spirits

Explore Bristol Wine and Spirits in Dunmore Town for a diverse selection of local and international liquors, wines, and unique spirits.

4.8

Pigly Wigly

Explore the vibrant local flavors at Pigly Wigly, Dunmore Town's favorite grocery store for fresh produce and Bahamian delicacies.

4.4

bluwatur bakery

Experience the charm of Bluwatur Bakery in Dunmore Town, where delicious pastries and a warm atmosphere create unforgettable memories.

4.6

Explore Harbour Island on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Harbour Island, mapped for you.

Harbour Island Essentials

Harbour Island is located off the northeast coast of Eleuthera in The Bahamas. The most common way to reach Harbour Island is by flying into North Eleuthera Airport (ELH). From there, you can take a taxi to the ferry dock, followed by a short ferry ride to Harbour Island. The entire journey from the airport to Harbour Island typically takes around 20 minutes. Alternatively, you can also arrive via private boat or yacht.
Once on Harbour Island, the primary mode of transportation is golf carts, which are available for rent from several local vendors. Bicycles are also a popular option for getting around. Walking is feasible as the island is small, and many attractions are within a short distance. Taxis are available but less commonly used due to the island's compact size.
The official currency of The Bahamas is the Bahamian Dollar (BSD), which is pegged to the US Dollar (USD) at a 1:1 ratio. US dollars are widely accepted, so there's no need to exchange currency if you are carrying USD. Credit cards are accepted at most hotels, restaurants, and shops. However, it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and tips. ATMs are available on the island.
Harbour Island is generally considered safe for tourists. However, it is wise to take standard precautions like not leaving valuables unattended and avoiding poorly lit areas at night. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but staying vigilant and aware of your surroundings is always advisable.
In case of emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. Harbour Island has a local clinic for minor health issues, and more comprehensive medical services are available on the nearby Eleuthera Island. It is strongly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are also available for over-the-counter medications.
Fashion: Do pack light and breathable clothing appropriate for a tropical climate. Swimwear is fine at the beach, but cover up when away from the shore. Religion: Do respect local customs and dress modestly when visiting religious sites. Public Transport: Do use golf carts and bicycles responsibly. Don't assume that pedestrians have the right of way. Greetings: Do greet locals with a friendly 'Good Morning' or 'Good Afternoon.' Eating & Drinking: Do try local Bahamian dishes like conch fritters and fresh seafood. Don't forget to tip, as it is customary.
To experience Harbour Island like a local, visit the Pink Sands Beach, a unique attraction with its stunning pink-hued shoreline. Engage with local fishermen in the morning to get fresh seafood. Attend local events and festivals to immerse yourself in Bahamian culture. Don't miss out on the island's nightlife, where local bars and restaurants offer live music and a lively atmosphere.

When is the best time to visit Harbour Island?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Harbour Island

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Harbour Island. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- HelloHey
  [Hey]
- GoodbyeGoodbye
  [Goodbye]
- YesYes
  [Yes]
- NoNo
  [No]
- Please/You're welcomePlease/You're welcome
  [Please/You're welcome]
- Thank youThank you
  [Thank you]
- Excuse me/SorryExcuse me/Sorry
  [Excuse me/Sorry]
- How are you?How you doin'?
  [How you doin'?]
- Fine. And you?I good. And you?
  [I good. And you?]
- Do you speak English?You speak English?
  [You speak English?]
- I don't understandI no get it
  [I no get it]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseLet me see the menu, please
  [Let me see the menu, please]
- I don't eat meatI don't eat meat
  [I don't eat meat]
- Cheers!Cheers!
  [Cheers!]
- I would like to pay, pleaseI would like to pay, please
  [I would like to pay, please]
- Help!Help!
  [Help!]
- Go away!Go 'way!
  [Go 'way!]
- Call the Police!Call the Police!
  [Call the Police!]
- Call a doctor!Call a doctor!
  [Call a doctor!]
- I'm lostI lost
  [I lost]
- I'm illI sick
  [I sick]
- I'd like to buy...I want buy...
  [I want buy...]
- I'm just lookingI just looking
  [I just looking]
- How much is it?How much dis is?
  [How much dis is?]
- That's too expensiveDat too much
  [Dat too much]
- Can you lower the price?Lower the price?
  [Lower the price?]
- What time is it?What time it is?
  [What time it is?]
- It's one o'clockIt one o'clock
  [It one o'clock]
- Half past (10)Half ten
  [Half ten]
- MorningMornin'
  [Mornin']
- AfternoonAfternoon
  [Afternoon]
- EveningEvenin'
  [Evenin']
- YesterdayYesterday
  [Yesterday]
- TodayToday
  [Today]
- TomorrowTomorrow
  [Tomorrow]
- 1One
  [One]
- 2Two
  [Two]
- 3Three
  [Three]
- 4Four
  [Four]
- 5Five
  [Five]
- 6Six
  [Six]
- 7Seven
  [Seven]
- 8Eight
  [Eight]
- 9Nine
  [Nine]
- 10Ten
  [Ten]
- Where's a/the...?Where's the...?
  [Where's the...?]
- What's the address?What the address?
  [What the address?]
- Can you show me (on the map)?Show me (on the map)?
  [Show me (on the map)?]
- When's the next (bus)?When the next (bus)?
  [When the next (bus)?]
- A ticket (to ....)A ticket (to ....)
  [A ticket (to ....)]

History of Harbour Island

Before European contact, Harbour Island was inhabited by the Lucayan people. They were the original settlers of the Bahamas, living in harmony with the natural environment. The Lucayans were known for their advanced maritime skills, and they thrived on fishing and agriculture.
In 1492, Christopher Columbus arrived in the Bahamas, marking the beginning of European exploration in the region. Harbour Island, like the rest of the Bahamas, became a point of interest for European explorers. The island’s strategic location made it an ideal stopover for ships travelling between the Old and New Worlds.
By the mid-1600s, British settlers began to arrive on Harbour Island. They established the town of Dunmore Town, named after the Earl of Dunmore, who was the Governor of the Bahamas from 1786 to 1798. The British settlers brought their culture, architecture, and governance to the island, leaving a lasting impact.
During the late 1600s and early 1700s, the Bahamas became a haven for pirates. Harbour Island was no exception, with infamous pirates like Blackbeard and Calico Jack using the island as a base for their operations. The natural harbors and coves provided perfect hiding spots for their ships.
In the late 18th century, American Loyalists fleeing the American Revolution settled on Harbour Island. They brought slaves and established plantations, contributing to the island’s development. The Loyalists also influenced the architectural style, with many of their buildings still standing today.
In the mid-1600s, a group of English Puritans known as the Eleutheran Adventurers sought religious freedom and settled on nearby Eleuthera island. Some of these settlers eventually moved to Harbour Island, further shaping its cultural and social landscape.
Harbour Island is renowned for its Pink Sands Beach, a stunning natural phenomenon. The pink hue comes from microscopic coral insects known as Foraminifera. This unique feature has become one of the island’s most famous attractions, drawing visitors from around the world.
Today, Harbour Island is a blend of historical charm and modern luxury. The island has become a popular destination for tourists seeking pristine beaches, vibrant culture, and rich history. Despite its small size, Harbour Island boasts a unique blend of colonial architecture, local Bahamian culture, and natural beauty.