Discover Harbour Island

Pink Sand Beach gives Harbour Island a distinctive coastal character: the long beach lies along the eastern Atlantic coast and stretches for more than three miles. It is 50 to 100 feet wide. Its pale pink colour comes from microscopic coral organisms called foraminifera. The hue is especially visible in the wet sand at the water’s edge. So if you want to notice the different shades of pink, be sure to look at the damp sand too.

Beach and reefs

The coast offers more than views of the sand: the Atlantic side has shallow and deep reefs, and the waters around Harbour Island offer great opportunities for diving. Snorkelling is another activity at the reefs. Devil’s Backbone is another draw for reef and wreck enthusiasts: this barrier reef is 13 miles long and has numerous shipwrecks. The Atlantic side and the sheltered bay also offer good conditions for stand-up paddleboarding.

Those who want to experience the coast from the water can choose from a range of boat trips. Dex Adventures offers excursions along the Harbour Island coast on local fishing boats, as well as snorkelling trips. Private charters can include snorkelling at colourful reefs or scuba diving at remote dive sites. Valentines Dive Center offers PADI scuba diving and snorkelling. The options therefore vary in format and focus, from coastal excursions to diving and snorkelling activities.

Getting there and finding your way around Dunmore Town

Harbour Island can only be reached from mainland Eleuthera by ferry or boat. Factor this leg into your stay and check the departure times for the ferry service you plan to take in advance. This helps you account for the journey as a separate part of your travel planning.

In Dunmore Town, practical navigation and local character go hand in hand. The town’s architecture is described as picturesque and New England-style. Bay Street offers harbour views; a golf cart is a convenient way to get around the narrow streets of Dunmore Town. The Lone Tree stands on Bay Street, at Girls Bank: a large piece of driftwood that looks like an art sculpture, standing alone on the sand. It is considered a landmark and a distinctive remnant of the island’s history.

Buildings and island history

The Landing, a historic estate dating from 1800, is on Church Street. St. Johns Anglican Church is considered the oldest religious foundation in the Bahamas. The former home of Dr. Thomas W. Johnson and his family was also once on Church Street. The original doctor’s residence is also located there: a white, two-storey wooden building that is about a century old. These places offer different ways to explore the island’s history and architecture.

Bahamian cuisine and evening experiences

The food offers its own reasons to linger on Harbour Island. The Boathouse Restaurant at Valentines Resort serves classic Bahamian dishes with a gourmet touch for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Beyond The Reef has two waterfront bars, one of which overlooks the harbour. The menu includes Cracked Conch, fried snapper and grilled lobster. Live entertainment by the local band 123 is offered there on weekends; if you plan to catch the performance, check the schedule before your visit.

Another beach experience is a sunset horseback ride along the fine sands of Pink Sand Beach. Together with the reefs, harbour views and historic sites, it offers a chance to see Harbour Island from several perspectives: on the beach, in Dunmore Town and on the water.

Discover more destinations: South Andros, Bimini Island, North Abaco, South Eleuthera, Marsh Harbour, Central Abaco, Exuma.

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