Ahhhh the Bahamas. I love the name Bahamas, it just sounds like it should be in the Caribbean. It just sounds colorful, tropical, and full of life with amazing beaches. That’s pretty much accurate too! The Bahamas are made up of hundreds of islands spread out over a pretty vast area not too far off the east and south coast of Florida. This was my second trip to the Bahamas and first stop was for a day on Harbour Island.
I was originally supposed to have two days on the island but because of the disaster with my flight I only had a day on Harbour island. However, I did make the best out of it!
The only way to get to Harbour Island is to arrive by boat. We flew into North Eleuthera Island and took a small boat that cost $5 to Harbour Island then a golf cart to the Dunmore Hotel.
The Dunmore is a great property located right at the beginning of Pink Sands Beach and is a great spot to stay because it’s close to town and the rooms are stellar. The beds also happen to be out of this world.
Harbour Island is a small island but it is bigger than you think. As a playground for the rich, it is not a cheap place. The hotels are expensive and the food is outrageously priced. However, price aside, it is a great place to chill out for a bit. But you must also take a tour of the island. Don’t worry-it won’t take long!
Golf carts are the way to get around the island if you’re not just casually strolling up the beach. There is a cute town and a main road that hugs the water that features lots of little conch bars and souvenir shops. The locals are always hanging out and are very friendly.
You can also get out to the ends of the island and actually do some off road golf carting. Yes I am serious and it is pretty cool. I really wish I had been driving, although then we likely would have crashed. But you get some really nice views at the edges of the island where nobody lives.
My distinguished group went to dinner at The Landing; which is an excellent restaurant right in the center of town off the main road. It is said to be the best on the island. The selection of seafood, pasta and wine at The Landing is excellent. Just make sure you ask your friends at the table if they prefer red or white before ordering bottles-trust me on that one!
After a great dinner, there is only one place to go on Harbour Island for some nightlife and that is Gusty’s. Gusty’s is a cool little place up the hill. It is nothing special or flashy but has a pool table, some chill Caribbean music and a nice terrace to relax on with a drink. But they are apparently very serious about not wearing hoodie sweatshirts so be mindful of that!
So that’s basically my abbreviated time on Harbour Island. I don’t think I could’ve done much more there under the unfortunate circumstances with the flight being diverted so I am quite pleased with the visit and would definitely go back.
As I said, Harbour Island isn’t a cheap destination. If you want cheap Bahamas, go elsewhere. But if you want a cool, chill place with a great atmosphere and don’t mind spending a few bucks then Harbour Island may be for you! Besides, there’s even a Starbucks there!!!
A Day on Harbour Island
January 31, 2013 by 21 Comments
I was there with my parents years ago. I remember I loved it, I also remember they were complaining about the prices!
Awesome it is and expensive it is…glad you got to go!
I knew I’d heard of Harbor Island before, but couldn’t place it. A friend has a house there and a big group went last year for NYE. Looks like I missed out. Here’s hoping that invitation comes around again. Your pics are nice. Thank GAWD you told me about the hoodie though. That would have been so embarrassing for me. 😉
Gotta be careful, they look out for Texas gangsters in hoodies like you!
I too only spent one day on Harbour Island. Though that one day has made an impression on me and I think of the island often. We explored the island via golf cart, ate at Romona Resort Grill and had drinks at Sip Sip over looking the beach. There’s so much more to see and do, I guess that just means a return trip in the future.
Cheers!
Ryan
It’s small enough island where you can really get a feel for the island in a day as long as you go around it. If you just stay at your resort or hotel you won’t get that feel plus you’ll miss out on some good scenery.
Amazing pictures Lee, I would love to go here…sounds a bit out of my budget though…have you been to Nassau?
I have been to Nassau, only once but I enjoyed my time there. Different kind of place than Harbour Island.
Lee these beaches look fabulous. I have never heard of the island myself, I wonder if my husband has. He has traveled all over the Caribbean for work. He works in oil. You may have given me our next idea for a holiday! Cheers.
Haha nice! Let me know if /when you guys go!
I have been there! I love Harbour Island! We stayed at the Pink Sands Hotel right off the beach, it was great! Thanks for making me smile this morning!
I actually visited the Pink Sands hotel on the island tour. Nice place although I must say I prefer the Dunmore.
I want to drive a golf cart around my everyday life. I feel like going to work would be better if I arrived in a golf cart.
You should do that! Maybe big auto will listen and make Prius golf carts or something!
Good report. Sounds interesting for a couple days.
Every time I think of Harbour Island I think of that 19-yr-old Washington State kid with the genius IQ, Barefoot Bandit, that stole planes all over the US (which he learned to fly by flight simulator games). His last one was in Ohio and he crashed in the water offshore Harbour Island and was arrested there a couple days later after police shot out his engine on a stolen boat trying to flee to Cuba! They’re making it into a movie.
I don’t know that story but will have to check out the movie when it comes out.
Lee I live in Quebec and see your troubles with the airplanes on Facebook. Looks like you need to go back to Bahamas. One thing though, can I come too?
Haha, yes I do and sure come on! haha…
Looks like a nice spot, great beaches
that it is and that it does have!
My family and I have been visiting Harbour Island since the late 70’s. The island has changed much over the years but the overall feel of the island is still there. This is an island to go to when you want to get away and relax. True, there is Gusty’s and the other bars and lounges for your evening cocktails and refreshements. And yes, the island is expensive. However, you don’t always have to spend a fortune for each meal. There is Ma Ruby’s on this island, which is lesser priced than The Landing and the other resort restaurants. And you cannot beat the “grease shack” (as we have always called it) oln the corner of Church and Bay Street at the start of the Government Dock for the best damned Conch Burger in the world. The island is great for walking and relaxing and running around on your golf cart. When we vacation there, we always rent a house for the week. Best way to go. I could go on for pages about Briland, but I will leave it for others to discover and fall in love with.