Harbour Island Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Harbour Island with this comprehensive tour guide that covers everything from places to visit, best things to do, where to stay and eat, culture and customs, safety and health, and transportation options.


Introduction to Harbour Island

Harbour Island, located in Eleuthera, in the Bahamas, is a small yet beautiful island that attracts tourists all over the world. Harbour Island, also known as Briland, is known for its pink sand beaches and crystal clear waters, making it a perfect destination for a relaxing vacation. Apart from the beaches, the island is home to various historical and cultural attractions, outdoor adventures, and water activities. This comprehensive tour guide covers everything you need to know to plan your trip to Harbour Island.

List of Places to Visit in Harbour Island

Harbour Island has many cultural, historical, and natural attractions worth visiting. The list of must-visit places is as follow:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Albert Johnson Memorial

Albert Johnson was a Bahamian soldier who fought in both World Wars. His memorial is located in Dunmore Town and is worth visiting to learn about his life and contributions to the Bahamas.

  • Sir George Roberts Memorial Library

This library is over 100 years old and provides visitors with access to an extensive collection of Bahamian literature and history.

  • Dunmore Town

Dunmore Town is the historic, downtown area of Harbour Island. Here, visitors can experience a slice of Bahamian history through its colorful buildings and cobblestoned streets.

Natural Attractions of Harbour Island: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Pink Sand Beach

A visit to Harbour Island would be incomplete without visiting Pink Sand Beach, named after the unique hue of its sand. The beach stretches for three miles and is popular for sunbathing, swimming, and snorkeling.

  • Glass Window Bridge

This natural bridge separates the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea and the deep blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean, offering a stunning view and a must-visit spot for photographers.

  • Lonny’s Museum

Lonny’s Museum is a unique collection of maritime memorabilia and art that showcases the island’s deep connection to the sea.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Harbour Island

Harbour Island is only three miles long and a half-mile wide, which makes it a perfect destination for hiking and biking. Visitors can rent bikes and explore the island at their own pace, making stops at various beaches and attractions along the way.

Best Things to Do in Harbour Island: Activities and Tours

Apart from visiting historical and natural attractions, Harbour Island offers a range of activities and tours for visitors, including:

  • Snorkeling and scuba diving
  • Fishing
  • Jet skiing
  • Paddleboarding
  • Golf cart tours
  • Horseback riding on the beach

Week-Long Itinerary for Harbour Island

A week-long itinerary for Harbour Island is as follows:

Day Activity
Day 1 Arrival and relaxing on the beach
Day 2 Rent a golf cart and tour Dunmore Town
Day 3 Snorkeling and scuba diving
Day 4 Fishing excursion
Day 5 Horseback riding on the beach
Day 6 Paddleboarding excursion
Day 7 Departure

Food and Drink Scene of Harbour Island

Harbour Island has a diverse food and drink scene, with many options for visitors. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Conch: A Bahamian specialty that can be prepared in various ways, including fritters, salads, and chowders.
  • Fried fish: Served with sides like peas and rice, coleslaw, and mac and cheese.
  • Guava duff: A dessert made of guava and served with rum sauce.

Local Beverages

  • Goombay Smash: A cocktail made with rum, pineapple and orange juice, and coconut rum.
  • Bahama Mama: Another popular rum-based cocktail that includes pineapple and orange juice.

Where to Stay in Harbour Island: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Harbour Island offers a range of accommodations, including luxury hotels, rental homes, and guesthouses. Some popular options include:

  • Pink Sands Resort: A luxury resort offering comfortable rooms and cottages, spa services, and private beach access.
  • The Dunmore: A chic boutique hotel with ocean-view rooms, modern amenities, and a restaurant.
  • Rock House Hotel: A luxury hotel featuring a spa, two swimming pools, and a fine-dining restaurant.
  • Airbnb: Visitors can also opt for rental homes and apartments on Airbnb.

What to Buy in Harbour Island: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Visitors can bring home a piece of Harbour Island by purchasing local souvenirs and products, including:

  • Handmade straw bags and hats
  • Bahamian spices
  • Rum cake
  • Local art and crafts

Local Culture and Customs of Harbour Island

Bahamians are known for their friendly and welcoming nature. Visitors should be prepared to say “Good morning” or “Good afternoon” to passersby, as this is a common custom. Additionally, visitors should respect the island’s locals and follow the island’s dress codes when visiting public places.

Best Time to Visit Harbour Island

The best time to visit Harbour Island is from mid-November through mid-April when the weather is pleasant and there is less chance of rain. However, this is also the peak travel season when the island is crowded and prices are high. Visitors who don’t mind the heat and humidity can visit during the summer months, from May to October.

Do’s and Don’ts of Harbour Island

Do:

  • Respect the island’s dress codes
  • Harbor Island’s protected parks and beaches
  • Carry cash as many establishments, particularly local ones, do not accept credit cards

Don’t:

  • Wear revealing clothing outside of the beach or pool
  • Touch or climb on coral reefs or any marine life

Safety and Health

Safety in Harbour Island

Harbour Island is a relatively safe destination for visitors, but as with any destination, visitors should be aware of their surroundings and take basic safety precautions. Visitors should avoid walking alone on remote beaches or areas without much activity.

Health in Harbour Island

Visitors planning on traveling to Harbour Island should take all necessary vaccinations and medications, particularly Hepatitis A and B, and to update all routine vaccinations. Visitors should also follow basic food safety guidelines, including drinking bottled water and avoiding street food.

Getting to Harbour Island: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Harbour Island

Travelers can fly into either North Eleuthera Airport (ELH), which is 10 minutes from Harbour Island by water taxi or Governor’s Harbour Airport (GHB), which is 45 minutes away by water taxi.

Other Options

Visitors can also travel to the island from Nassau by ferry or by private boat.

How to Get Around in Harbour Island

The best way to get around in Harbour Island is by golf cart or bicycle, which can be rented at various locations throughout the island. Visitors can also hire the services of local taxi drivers.

Where to Go Next from Harbour Island: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Visitors can continue their exploration of the Bahamas by visiting these nearby destinations:

  • Nassau
  • Freeport
  • Eleuthera Island
  • Cat Island

Conclusion

Harbour Island is a beautiful destination with something to offer everyone. From beaches and outdoor adventures to cultural and historical attractions, visitors are sure to have a memorable experience. With this comprehensive tour guide at your fingertips, you’ll have everything you need to plan your trip to this Caribbean paradise.