According to Kyrillos Ghaly a pink sand nirvana in the arms of the Bahamas, Harbour Island is rated as one of the best Bahamas beaches by Fodors, Frommers and the Travel Channel. Apart from being an island it also serves as an administrative district in the Bahamas. The one and only town on this island is Dunmore Town. The island is colorful with its New England style buildings and flower delineated streets.
The quiet and hush charm over the island seem countless. None of the islands in Bahamas offer greater allure than this tiny island’s heavenly stint of pink sand beach. This beautiful and astounding Harbour Island, also known as “Briland” to locals is closer to the better known island o Eleuthera. One of the best part of this island is people over there are friendly in nature and the island is easy to navigate. Harbour Island is a popular vacation destination for families and couples.
Harbour Island Map
The following given map of Harbour Island will help you locate the points of interests.
Harbour Island Location
Harbour Island is located off the northeast coast of the dazzling Eleuthera Island.
Harbour Island Direction
There is no direct access to this ever charming Harbour Island but it is really easy to navigate this island. Those coming from United States will have to fly into Nassau, Miami or Fort Lauderdale. After reaching any one of this destination, take a connecting flight to North Eleuthera airport. After reaching the North Eleuthera Airport, hire a taxi to the dock or a water taxi to the charming Harbour Island.
If you are coming by sea, there is the high speed Bahamas Fast Ferry that runs from Nassau to Eleuthera. It starts its journey from Nassau and takes 2 hrs to reach Governor’s Harbour. From Governor’s Harbour it takes more two hours to reach Eleuthera Island.
Golf Cart is one of the primary choices of transportation on Harbour Island. There are approximately 800 golf carts on the island. Golf Carts are accessible of various sizes to choose from. The golf cart rentals vary and so it is better to check certain details before reserving one.
Harbour Island Airport
The nearest airport to Harbour Island is North Eleuthera Airport. The airport is comprised of 6,000 feet landing strip and modern lights that permits night landing. You can land to North Eleuthera Airport either from Fort Lauderdale or Miami or From Nassau.
Harbour Island History
This dazzling and ever charming Harbour Island’s history can be followed through Dunmore Town, the only town on this island. It dates back to 18th century and is said to be one of the oldest settlements in the Bahamas. It was when the great Revolutionary War broke out in the United States, the Governor of Virginia fled to the Bahamas and there he was awarded the title of Lord Dunmore, Governor of the Bahamas. This was a huge achievement for him. It was he who represented Dunmore Town as what it is today at the centre of the Harbour Island, shaping the village.
Harbour Island became a popular tourist destination in the year 1941 under Bahamasair’s predecessor. The Bahamas Airway started in the year 1941 and all the credit goes to the weekly flights that begin. History of Bahamas Island is as fascinating as the island itself.
Harbour Island Weather
It is difficult to say something about the weather over there because the weather is exceptional. Average temperature fluctuates between mid 70s and 80s and the temperature becomes low and remains in the range of 60s and 70s. Less rainfall occurs throughout the year and is less than 4’’. But the breezes over there will keep you comfortable both day and night.
Harbour Island Activities
Tourists love this island because of its bunch of activities that everyone can take part in. whatever you want to do in the water; you are allowed to do each and every bit of what you like. Plethoras of activities are there and all of them are exciting and enthralling. Several uninhabited islands within an hour offer perfect places for picnics. The famous Current Cut Off offers one of the best spots for a superb speed drift drive. Though there are more to do over here apart from viewing the natural beauty.
Valentines Dive Centre
Situated at the Valentine’s Marina, the dive centre offers plethoras of ways to splash around like snorkeling, reef running, underwater sports, classes in the pool and a special Bubblemaker program filled with fun and amusement.
Ocean Fox Dive Shop
There is a fox dive shop located on the local dive scene. Their operation is currently running out on the Harbour Island Marina at the south end of the Harbour Island. The dive shop offers deep sea fishing, scuba diving, and the other entire equipment rental.
Boatmen and Rentals
The island is known for having experienced local boatmen who help the tourists explore the natural beauty of the island. This island serves as a popular boating spot. Tourists come over here to take part in this activity to know about this island in depth. The boatmen are there to guide and share with you the knowledge of the delights of local waters.
Bonefishing and Fishing
Bonefish is considered as one of the best sports fish in the islands of Bahamas. The shallow waters off Harbour Island offer ideal environment for fish culturing and bonefish is known to be present in vast amount. There are guides who will help you out in your task. People refer to this island as one of the greatest “Sportsfishing centre” of the Bahamas. A number of great fishing sites in Harbour Island are Dutch Bar, Shallow Ground, the Pinnacle and James Point.
Diving
Diving is of great fun in Harbor Island. Miller’s Reef is one of the diving sites that feature 50 foot long tunnel and segmented archway cutting through the spur and groove formation reaching a depth of 50 long feet. There are many more diving sites to name such as Split Reef, Fairy Land, Black Shoals, Twin Heads and much more.
Lilshan’s Water Sports
Devon Stuart is the owner who offers scuba, skiing, and jetskii as well. He is the person who rents boats, water-skis, boats, and other equipment as well.
Shopping
There are many shops to check out. There is the Miss Mae on the well known Dunmore Street. This is one of the best Clothing boutiques in the Bahamas. You can also check out Briland’s Androsia on King Street. This shop offers the best bathing suits. Blue Rooster located in the centre of the town offers the most stylish collection of men’s and women’s clothing accessories. At the Landing Resort, there is another shop named Shop at the Landing offering stylish sportswear and much more.
Pink Sand Beach
Harbour Island is well-known as Pink Sand Beach and sometime is also known as Three Mile Beach. This pink sand beach is one of the gorgeous beaches in the world and it serves as a main attraction for those visiting the island. The best part of this island is that it is never seen to be crowded because the length of the beach is too long. The access to the crystal clear water of the island is pristine and is totally sandy with no drop-offs.
Harbour Island Hotels
Before reaching the island it is important to book a hotel in advance so that you don’t have to face any kind of trouble. Accommodation is not a problem here because plethoras of hotels and resorts are there for you. Following given are the names of some of the luxurious resorts and inns to check out
- Pink Sands Resort
- Coral Sands
- Romora Bay Club
- Dunmore Beach Club
- Tingum Village Hotel
- Rock House
- Adventures Resort
Harbour Island Restaurants
Finding out a good restaurant nearby the dazzling Harbour Island is not that difficult. Bunch of restaurants are located nearby the island for the tourists. Some of the best ones that one should surely check out are: