A Guide to Harbour Island, Bahamas

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President & CEO at Better Homes and Gardens MCR Bahamas

Carey is recognized as one of The Bahamas’ most respected real estate professionals. He holds the record of selling the largest beachfront property of $21 million (vacant land) in the Bahamas and has also been the Top Producer of real estate transactions in Ocean Club Estates. With over 30 years of sales experience, Carey founded MCR in 2008 and now employs an elite team of 25 highly skilled associates.

A Trip to Harbour Island: Is It Worth It?

Harbour Island is absolutely worth a visit for travelers seeking an exclusive Caribbean experience that perfectly balances luxury with authentic island charm. Often called the “Nantucket of the Caribbean,” this tiny 3.5-mile-long island delivers an experience that justifies both the journey and the expense.

What truly sets Harbour Island apart is its rare combination of sophisticated amenities and preserved Bahamian culture. Unlike larger, more commercialized destinations, Harbour Island maintains its authentic character while offering world-class dining, boutique accommodations, and personalized service. The island’s exclusivity attracts celebrities and high-net-worth individuals who appreciate the discrete luxury and absence of large resorts or cruise ships.

Dunmore Town, with its preserved colonial architecture and picket-fenced cottages in pastel hues, offers a glimpse into The Bahamas’ rich history as you explore by foot or golf cart. While Harbour Island commands premium prices, the exceptional quality of experiences delivers value that discerning travelers find worthwhile.

MCR Bahamas can be your ultimate partner in planning an unforgettable trip to Harbour Island. Our team makes it easy to tailor your getaway to match your style with their deep local knowledge. From securing exclusive vacation rentals to providing insider tips on the best places to dine, explore, and relax, MCR Bahamas takes care of every detail to ensure you feel like an insider.

Key Tips for Visiting Harbour Island

Before embarking on your Harbour Island adventure, consider these essential tips to enhance your experience:

Currency considerations: While credit cards are accepted at most establishments, bring cash (US dollars work throughout The Bahamas), as ATMs are limited and sometimes unreliable.
Transportation planning: Golf carts are the primary mode of transport—reserve yours well in advance, especially during high season when demand may exceed supply.
Packing appropriately: Pack resort casual attire for daytime wear, but include some elegant options for upscale restaurants with dress codes.
Island pace adjustment: Embrace “island time”—service moves at a relaxed pace that reflects the laid-back lifestyle.
Travel buffer: Build flexibility into your schedule, as delays at North Eleuthera Airport are common, particularly during peak travel periods.
Advance reservations: Book accommodations, dining, and activities months ahead, as options fill quickly, especially for luxury vacation rentals in Harbour Island.

The Best Times to Visit Harbour Island

When planning a trip to Harbour Island, timing can make all the difference in the kind of experience you’ll have. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect during the high, shoulder, and low travel seasons to help you choose the best time for your visit:

High season (late November to mid-April): During these months, the island buzzes with energy as restaurants, shops, and activities operate at full capacity. The peak occurs between Christmas and New Year’s, when celebrities and island regulars flock to their island homes.
Shoulder seasons (mid-April to May and October to early November): The Pineapple Festival in early June celebrates the island’s agricultural heritage with music, food, and cultural performances, making it an exciting time to experience local traditions. Many regular visitors consider May one of the best-kept secrets for Harbour Island travel.
Low season (June through September): The low season coincides with hurricane season and brings significantly reduced prices—often 50-60% lower than peak rates. Visitors during this period enjoy a more authentic experience with mostly locals.

How to Get to Harbour Island, Bahamas

Reaching Harbour Island requires some effort, which contributes to its exclusive atmosphere and helps preserve its charm. The journey typically involves multiple transportation modes, but the pink sand beaches and turquoise waters make every transfer worthwhile.

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Air Travel

Most international visitors fly into North Eleuthera Airport (ELH), which offers direct flights from several Florida cities, including Miami (55 minutes) and Fort Lauderdale (70 minutes). American Airlines, Bahamas Air, and Southern Air operate these routes with varying frequency depending on the season. Alternatively, visitors can fly into Nassau’s Lynden Pindling International Airport and connect to North Eleuthera via a 20-minute domestic flight.

Private air charters are another option for those seeking maximum convenience, with companies like Maker’s Air and Tropic Ocean Airways providing direct service from various US departure points. Upon arrival at North Eleuthera Airport, a five-minute taxi ride (approximately $5 per person) takes you to the water taxi dock at Three Island Dock, where water taxis operate continuously during daylight hours.

Sea Travel

For those already in Nassau, the Bahamas Fast Ferry provides service to Harbour Island, though the journey takes approximately 2-3 hours and can be rough sailing in windy conditions. The ferry operates several times a week, with one-way fares costing about $70-90 per person. Private boat charters offer a luxurious alternative, allowing for a customized journey with stops at secluded cays along the way.

All visitors must take the water taxi from North Eleuthera to Harbour Island—a brief five-minute ride across the harbor costing $5 per person. These boats run continuously during daylight hours (approximately 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM), with more limited service after dark. The crossing offers your first glimpse of Harbour Island’s picturesque waterfront and historic Dunmore Town.

How to Get Around in Harbour Island

Harbour Island’s compact dimensions—just 3.5 miles long and half a mile wide—make it easily navigable regardless of your preferred transportation method. The island’s small scale contributes to its charm and community feel, so you’ll quickly become familiar with the layout and recognize familiar faces. Here are a few options for travel within the island:

Walking: An excellent way to explore Dunmore Town’s historic district, the relatively flat terrain makes walking pleasant.
Golf carts: This primary mode of transportation gives the island its distinctive relaxed atmosphere. Remember to drive on the left side of the road, as in all of The Bahamas.
Bicycles: Bikes provide an excellent option for reaching more secluded beaches and exploring the island’s interior paths.

Where to Stay in Harbour Island

Harbour Island distinguishes itself with intimate, boutique accommodations rather than large-scale resorts. The island’s limited inventory of rooms creates an exclusive atmosphere where personalized service and attention to detail are paramount. Advance booking is essential, with many properties filling up 6-12 months ahead of the high season.

Hotels and Resorts

Harbour Island pioneered the concept of “barefoot luxury” in The Bahamas—a travel concept that blends high-end comfort and service with a relaxed, unpretentious atmosphere. The island’s best properties reflect this philosophy through thoughtful design, exceptional service, and stunning settings.

The Dunmore: The Dunmore epitomizes Harbour Island’s colonial-chic aesthetic with its iconic blue and white color scheme. Beachfront cottages and garden suites feature rattan furnishings, China Seas prints and island memorabilia that transport you back to the 1960s.
Bahama House: This Eleven Experience property blends historic charm with contemporary luxury in a restored 1800s building centrally located in Dunmore Town. The property’s rum bar has become a gathering spot for guests and locals alike.
The Ocean View Club: The bohemian-chic boutique Ocean View Club embodies Harbour Island’s relaxed sophistication with unique rooms and cottages. Family-owned and operated for generations, the property maintains a laid-back atmosphere where guests quickly feel at home.

Private rentals and vacation homes

For families, groups, or those seeking additional privacy, Harbour Island offers an exceptional selection of private homes and villas. These properties range from historic cottages in Dunmore Town to sprawling beachfront estates with private pools, staff, and direct beach access. The benefits include added space, full kitchens, and the flexibility to create your own schedule.

MCR Bahamas specializes in connecting visitors with exceptional rental properties across various price points, from charming two-bedroom cottages to luxurious compounds that accommodate large groups. Our Harbour Island real estate experts maintain relationships with property owners throughout the island, providing access to homes that may not be listed on public rental platforms.

Best Places to Eat on Harbour Island

Harbour Island’s culinary scene punches far above its weight for such a small island, blending Bahamian flavors with international influences. Reservations are essential during high season, when restaurants frequently book out weeks in advance. Many establishments close during parts of September and October for annual renovations.

Here are some of the most popular places to eat on Harbour Island:

The Clubhouse at The Dunmore offers an elegant dining experience, featuring a blend of contemporary Mediterranean cuisine that highlights fresh seafood, tropical fruits and local ingredients.
The Landing features a contemporary menu using freshly caught fish and local produce.
Rock House Restaurant, with its panoramic views, features a menu that highlights local seafood specialties like lobster bisque with a hint of brandy and a Bahamian lobster tail.
Queen Conch provides authentic Bahamian cuisine at its freshest, operating from a casual beachside shack with a deck overlooking the ocean.
The Pink Mermaid at Coral Sands features a Mediterranean-inspired menu of pizzas topped with fresh local ingredients, grilled seafood, and creative salads in a stunning seaside bistro.
Bar 480 has quickly established itself as a sophisticated addition to the dining scene, offering craft cocktails and chef-driven plates in a stylish setting.
Ma Ruby’s provides a Bahamian twist to classic American dishes in a friendly, casual atmosphere. The restaurant’s claim to fame is being the home of Jimmy Buffett’s ‘Cheeseburger in Paradise.’
Arthur’s Bakery has become an island institution for morning pastries, coffee, and breakfast sandwiches. Many visitors establish a morning routine of stopping by Arthur’s before heading to the beach, since favorites often sell out.

Things to Do in Harbour Island, Bahamas

Despite its small size, Harbour Island offers diverse activities ranging from relaxation to adventure.

1. Visit Historic Dunmore Town

Dunmore Town is named after Lord Dunmore, who served as governor of The Bahamas from 1786 to 1798, and is one of the oldest settlements in The Bahamas. The town’s charming colonial architecture dates back to the 1700s, with pastel-colored clapboard houses featuring white picket fences and bougainvillea-draped verandas. Make sure to stop by St. John’s Anglican Church (built in 1768), the Commissioner’s Residence with its distinctive colonial design, and numerous historic cottages along Bay Street and Murray Street.

2. See Queen’s Bath

Located on nearby Eleuthera, the Queen’s Bath is composed of natural rock formations that create stunning tide pools filled with crystal-clear water. These natural swimming holes, carved by centuries of wave action, offer a unique experience that combines the drama of crashing waves with tranquil pools perfect for soaking. The contrasting textures of smooth, water-worn stone and jagged volcanic rock create a dramatic landscape unlike anywhere else in The Bahamas.

3. Unwind at Pink Sands Beach

Pink Sands Beach stretches for three miles along Harbour Island’s eastern shore, consistently ranking among the world’s most beautiful beaches, and it is famous for its soft pink sand. The distinctive pink hue comes from crushed red shells of foraminifera organisms—microscopic marine creatures with red shells that wash ashore and mix with the white sand. The beach’s protected location ensures calm, crystal-clear turquoise waters perfect for swimming year-round.

4. Arrange a Boat Tour Excursion

Exploring the waters surrounding Harbour Island provides some of the most memorable experiences. Fishing charters target bonefish in the shallow flats, deep-sea species like marlin and tuna in the deeper waters, or reef fish closer to shore. Explore Man Island, which is a protected cove, for swimming and snorkeling or the Devil’s Backbone reef, which is a historic shipwreck site with abundant marine life.

5. Plan a Day Trip to Eleuthera or Nassau

Harbour Island’s proximity to Eleuthera makes day trips easily accessible and highly rewarding. Glass Window Bridge, where the dark blue Atlantic Ocean and turquoise Caribbean Sea are separated by just 30 feet of rock, offers one of The Bahamas’ most dramatic vistas. Day trips to Nassau require more planning but offer shopping, historical sites like Fort Charlotte and the Queen’s Staircase, and attractions like the Straw Market and Pirates of Nassau Museum.

6. Enjoy the Outdoors While Snorkeling, Scuba Diving, or Paddleboarding

Harbour Island’s crystal-clear waters provide ideal conditions for water sports of all kinds. Snorkeling directly from the beach allows you to observe colorful reef fish, occasional stingrays, and vibrant coral formations.

Scuba diving reveals The Bahamas’ underwater treasures in greater detail, with sites suitable for all experience levels. Paddleboarding has also become increasingly popular on Harbour Island, with the calm waters of the harbor providing ideal conditions for beginners.

Where to Live in Harbour Island, Bahamas

Harbour Island presents compelling opportunities for those considering property ownership, whether as a vacation home, rental investment, or permanent residence. The island’s limited size creates natural real estate scarcity, contributing to strong property values and consistent appreciation over time. The robust rental market, particularly during high season, allows owners to offset expenses when not in residence.

Different neighborhoods offer distinct advantages depending on your priorities:

Historic Dunmore Town: Charming colonial cottages on smaller lots, with walking access to restaurants and shops
Beachfront properties: Premium-priced homes with unparalleled ocean views and direct beach access
Harbor side: Water views combined with proximity to town, often at more accessible price points
Interior locations: Larger lots with more privacy, typically at lower price points than waterfront properties

The real estate market on Harbour Island ranges from vacant land lots averaging $400,000 to private islands starting around $42 million. Mid-range properties typically fall around $600,000, offering a balance of location, amenities, and space. The buying process for international purchasers involves government approval through the Bahamas Investment Authority, typically taking 2-3 months to complete.

MCR Bahamas specializes in guiding international buyers through the entire purchase process, from identifying suitable properties to navigating legal requirements and closing procedures. For those interested in exploring ownership opportunities, we recommend beginning with a rental stay in different areas to experience the island’s various neighborhoods. Our team can arrange viewings of luxury homes for sale in Harbour Island during your visit, tailored to your specific preferences and requirements.

Contact MCR Bahamas today to find your perfect Harbour Island property.

Learn More About Traveling to Harbour Island, Bahamas

Where is Harbour Island in The Bahamas?

Harbour Island is located off the northeast coast of Eleuthera Island, approximately 60 miles east of Nassau. This small 3.5 x 0.5 mile island is one of the Out Islands of The Bahamas, distinct from the more developed New Providence (Nassau) and Grand Bahama islands.

Harbour Island in The Bahamas is often mistaken for Harbor Island in Tampa, Florida, but the first is a tranquil Caribbean paradise while the other is a bustling urban neighborhood.

What makes Harbour Island, Bahamas, famous?

Harbour Island is famous for its three miles of pink sand beaches, perfectly preserved colonial architecture, and exclusive atmosphere that attracts celebrities and discerning travelers. The island earned its reputation as “Briland,” a nickname among locals, and was once the capital of The Bahamas.

Why is Harbour Island so expensive?

Harbour Island’s high prices reflect its limited space, costly imports, and appeal to luxury-seeking travelers. The island’s boutique nature means there are limited accommodation options, driving up demand—particularly during high season.

What’s the weather like in Harbour Island?

Harbour Island enjoys a tropical climate, with average temperatures ranging from 70 to 85°F year-round. The winter months (December–April) offer warm days with low humidity and cool evenings. The rainy season spans May through October, typically bringing brief afternoon showers rather than prolonged rainfall.

From June to November, the region enters its official hurricane season, during which storms are possible, though not guaranteed. While you can’t control Mother Nature, taking proper precautions (including hurricane insurance) can help ensure your safety and preparedness in the event of a hurricane.

What famous people live on Harbour Island?

Harbour Island draws high-profile owners, including British designer India Hicks, supermodel Elle Macpherson, and other discreet celebrities and executives. The island’s discrete atmosphere and absence of paparazzi make it particularly appealing to celebrities seeking privacy on their getaways.

Is Harbour Island worth the trip?

Harbour Island absolutely justifies the journey for travelers seeking a unique combination of natural beauty, refined luxury, exceptional dining, and authentic charm. The island offers an unparalleled experience that balances sophistication with genuine Bahamian culture, creating memories that last a lifetime.

Plan Your Next Trip to Harbour Island

Harbour Island delivers experiences that larger destinations simply cannot match, from the moment your feet touch the pink sand to your first sunset cocktail overlooking the harbor. Every corner of the island offers a blend of laid-back charm and understated luxury. It’s time to plan your next stay to uncover hidden gems that are sure to make your visit unforgettable.

To truly experience all that Harbour Island has to offer, local insight makes all the difference. The MCR Bahamas team’s deep local connections provide insider access to the best accommodations, dining experiences, and activities that many visitors never discover.

MCR Bahamas ensures a seamless transition when you buy or rent, offering personalized advice and support throughout the entire process. From choosing the right neighborhood to securing your dream home, you’ll have someone on your team every step of the way.

Contact MCR Bahamas today to start planning your dream vacation property investment!

A Guide to Exploring Harbour Island, Bahamas [2025]