Harbour Island

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City/Settlement

Dunmore Town

Location

Lies off the northeast end of Eleuthera, 200 miles from Miami

Size

Three miles long and half a mile wide

Population

Approximately 1,500

History

The island’s first major settlement of Dunmore Town, originally the capital of The Islands Of The Bahamas, was named after the 18th century royal governor of the islands, Lord Dunmore.  Harbour Island was actually founded before the United States was even a nation.  At one time, Harbour Island was second only to Nassau in terms of prosperity.  In the late 1800s, Dunmore Town was a noted shipyard and sugar refinement center, both of which lent itself to a profitable secondary industry—rum.

Shopping

Harbour Island offers a quaint variety of shopping opportunities, from the traditional street-side straw vendors, to the work of local painters, fashion and jewelry designers.  With items ranging from high-end home décor to a variety of local music stores, there is a shop for almost every need.

Activities

For vacationers, Harbour Island’s popularity is founded on its spectacular three-mile powdery pink sand beach, charming New England style, intimate inns and hotels, vibrant night life, glamorous residents and visitors and, last but not least, the warm hospitality of its inhabitants – the Brilanders.  Visitors to Harbour Island enjoy strolling through the quaint town’s tree lined narrow streets, exploring the settlement onboard a golf cart, bonefishing in the pristine water off Harbour Island’s coast and frolicking on the  sandy coastline.  The Plateauand the Arch, both giant coral structures densely populated with marine life, attract divers from around the world.

Airline Service

North Eleuthera airport serves Harbour Island with visitors transferring to the island via water taxi.  The following airlines connect Harbour Island/Eleuthera with the U.S.:  

Continental Connection (800-525-0280)
USAirways Express (800-428-4322)
Island Express (954-359-0380)
Lynx Air (888-596-9247)
Twin Air (954-359-8266)

The following airlines fly to Harbour Island/Eleuthera from Nassau:
Bahamasair (800-222-4262)
BH Charters (242-377-0017)
Southern Air (242-377-2014)

The high speed ferry Bo Hengy offers daily round-trips from Nassau:
Bahama Fast Ferry (242-323-2166)

Accommodation options on Harbour Island include:
Pink Sands (800-OUTPOST)
Coral Sands (800-468-2799)
Rock House Hotel (242-333-2053)
The Landing (242-333-2707)
Bahama House Inn (242-333-2201)
Dunmore Beach Club (242-333-2200)
Tingum Village (242-333-2161)
Sea Shell Inn (242-333-2361)

Attractions

Sip Sip: This traditional-styled restaurant serves mouth watering lunches, such as conch curry, coconut cakes and grilled shrimp, as well as an eclectic mix of world cuisine. The name “Sip Sip” actually derives from the Bahamas patois word for “gossip;” no wonder, since the spot boasts regulars such as model Elle McPherson.

Dunmore Town: Named for the 18th century royal governor of The Bahamas who helped develop the town, this picturesque seafront village provides a haven away from more hectic tourist areas. Navigate through narrow winding paths without ever encountering a motor vehicle, while gazing at traditional, wooden, brightly painted houses, with neat yards overflowing with tropical flowers and trees.  A popular stop is the Loyalist Cottage, built in 1797 after the Revolutionary War by settlers from the American colonies still loyal to the Britain.

Current Cut Dive: Judged among the top ten dive sites in the entire world at nine knots, Current Cut is also one of the fastest dives in the world. This part of The Bahamas is actually among the most diverse in the region in terms of aquatic life; divers are swept up in currents with schools of stingrays, mako sharks and reef fish.

Dilly Dally: This bright green and yellow striped building in the middle of town run by local photographer Val Albury, offers diverse images of Harbour Island.  Dilly Dally also carries a wide selection of Bahamian music.

Other Information

U.S. currency is accepted and is interchangeable with the Bahamian dollar.In September through May, the temperature on the Island averages 70 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit; the rest of the year is warmer, with temperatures between 80 and 85 degrees. Nighttime temperatures are generally cooler by 5-7 degrees. The entry requirement for U.S. and Canadian residents is proof of citizenship, in the form of either a passport or an original, raised-seal birth certificate and a photo ID (e.g. a valid driver’s license). All U.S. citizens and foreign nationals traveling to the United States from The Bahamas are required to present a valid passport or another secure, accepted document to enter or re-enter the United States. For more information please visit Bahamas.com.