Harbour Island Guide
TABLE OF CONTENTS
FIRST IMPRESSIONS OF HARBOUR ISLAND
Whether you’ve been before or this is your first time, what strikes visitors about arriving on Harbour Island is the feeling that you’re arriving on a private island. There are no crowds, the airport process is a breeze (more on that later), and it has just the right amount of chaos (cue the wild chickens roaming the airport parking lot) to remind you that you’ve landed somewhere wonderfully unhurried, charmingly timeless, and completely its own.
WHY GO TO HARBOUR ISLAND
You go to Harbour Island if you’d rather start your morning with a golf cart ride to a local coffee shop in the morning for a locally roasted espresso latte instead of hunting down carafes of stale coffee at a hotel’s buffet. You go if your idea of nightlife is dancing barefoot on sand to a chill DJ at Gustys, instead of rocking out at a pounding disco-ball’d nightclub. You go if you want some of the most pristine, uncrowded beaches you’ve ever seen.
We went as two couples, rented a house and a golf cart, and spent our days exploring, laughing, and soaking up every moment. Proof of how much fun we had? We barely took any photos—so what you see here is just a small glimpse of the magic that is Harbour Island.
WHERE TO STAY ON HARBOUR ISLAND
There are a lot more places to stay on Harbour Island than you might think for just a small island. There are around a dozen hotels. The most popular ones are: The Dunmore Hotel, Coral Sands, Pink Sands, The Landing, and a whole sweet collection of boutique hotels by the folks who founded Ocean View Club. We love each of these for different reasons, and choosing the right one depends entirely on your travel style. If you want to know which one is best for you, get in touch and let’s work together on planning an incredible trip.
Beyond the hotels, the island is home to an incredible selection of private villas—everything from colorful, storybook cottages to sleek, multi-bedroom beachfront estates. Whether you want something cozy and tucked away or grand and social, Harbour Island truly has it all.
WHERE TO EAT ON HARBOUR ISLAND
One thing that truly surprised us on this island was the food. (Do I say that about every island? Probably!) For such a small place, the dining scene is incredible—from laid-back local spots like Back Road Gal to the refined, clubhouse-style setting at The Dunmore. A standout bite? The famous lobster quesadilla at Back Road Gal has the perfect balance of lobster and cheese. Every dish at The Landing Restaurant was unforgettable—I was still talking about that dinner weeks later. Whatever you do, don’t skip the coconut pie for dessert. Think island flavors elevated with fresh, thoughtful finesse. Also worth mentioning: a conch salad lunch at Queen Conch—it’s the freshest you’ll ever taste, I promise—and early-morning croissants from Bluwater Bakery.
WHAT TO DO ON HARBOUR ISLAND
When you visit Harbour Island, your days are going to be filled with rest, relaxation, and incredible food and beverages. Your nights are filled with chilled nightcaps and dreams under star-filled skies. Be sure to look up at night —since this is a smaller island, light pollution is low, and you’ll actually get to see some stars!
Harbour Island has one main beach, Pink Sand Beach, which goes on forever (forever = 3 miles), and there’s plenty of room for all. Don’t want to simply lie on the beach? You can arrange an idyllic horse ride.
Save time in the afternoon to walk around Bay Street for a little shopping. Shine was worth a pop-in. It was the off-season, so a few others we’d hoped to visit were closed, but we did manage to do some damage in the Dunmore Hotel’s boutique.
HOW TO GET TO HARBOUR ISLAND
Getting to Harbour Island is part of the adventure—and absolutely worth it. You’ll first fly into North Eleuthera Airport (ELH), which is just a short hop from Miami, Fort Lauderdale, or Nassau. I think we were in the sky for 40 minutes max. From there, it’s a quick 10-minute taxi ride to the dock, followed by a five-minute water taxi across the bay to Harbour Island. As you glide over turquoise waters and spot the pastel cottages lining the shore, you’ll feel the pace of life slow instantly—the perfect welcome to island time.
COMPLIMENTARY VACATION CONSULTATION
Click here to complete our contact form, and we will reach out to schedule a complimentary 15-minute consultation. During this call, we will help you decide if Cabo is a good choice for your vacation and explain our planning process.
FINAL THOUGHTS // Harbour Island is one of those rare places that captures you quietly. It’s not about flashy resorts or over-the-top itineraries—it’s about slowing down, connecting with the people you’re with, and savoring the kind of moments that don’t need a camera to be remembered. The island has a way of reminding you what vacation is really meant to feel like. Come for the pink sand, stay for the rhythm of island life, and leave already dreaming about when you’ll return. I hope you enjoyed our Harbour Island Guide!
Cheers,
Laura Sangster
HA R B O U R I S L A N D G U I D E F A S T F A C T S ::
When to visit Harbour Island?
Harbour Island is a year-round destination, but remember, the Bahamas are farther north than Caribbean islands, so temperatures can be cooler in the winter months. The off-season is a great time to travel if you want the most value for your trip investment as hotels offer lower rates.
Who is Harbour Island best for?
Because golf carts rule the roads, the island has a slower, more relaxed rhythm that seems to speak to grown-ups. Families with little ones might prefer the comfort of a resort, but teens and young adults love the independence here.
C H E C K O U T T H E S E O T H E R B L O G P O S T S :
