Harbour Island

Harbour Island as a Destination

Maybe you are wondering why you would vacation on Harbour Island. First and foremost, it is quite unique among the main islands of the Bahamas. It is a very small island at approximately 3.5 miles long and only 1.5 miles wide.

Harbour Island sits just North of Eleuthera and is known as Briland to its residents.

Harbour Island is known for its historic pastel colored cottages, boutique hotels and a soft, pink, sandy beach that runs the entire Atlantic coast of the island(on the East side).

When to go?

November to March (spring break) is peak season. After that the island gets much quieter through to September. Couple might find that the best time to visit is late April or May when the island is quietest and the Atlantic water is warm. September to mid- November is hurricane season, so that is probably not a good time to visit and many establishments close their doors until mid-November and the risk has passed.

Getting There

Most people fly into North Eleuthera Airport (ELH) followed by a water taxi boat ride to Harbour Island’s ‘Government Dock’. Then golf cart or taxi to your accommodation, depending on the distance AND how much luggage you have.

Also worth mentioning – you can fly into Nassau on Caribbean Airlines. There is a daily ferry service from Nassau to Harbour Island. So, if you’ve never been there, you could make a stay in Nassau if you like.

Once You’re There

Most people prefer to rent a golf cart. Some accommodations have them available but in peak season you could be disappointed if you can’t book ahead.

Harbour Island is very small but still has several good choices for accommodation (there are no chains here):

• The Dunmore Beach Hotel
• Coral Sands – next to The Dunmore
• The Oceanview Club
• The Landing – boutique hotel