Eleuthera and Harbour Island

Travel Guide
Photo provided by The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation
Pink beaches and rolling pineapple fields are just some of the delights awaiting you in this corner of the beautiful Bahamas.

Stay in a luxurious beach resort, snorkel or scuba dive around colorful coral reefs, have a conch salad for lunch, explore hidden caves and secluded coves in the afternoon, and watch the sunset from rocky bluffs when you visit Eleuthera and Harbour Islands.

Eleuthera is not just an island, but also the name of the entire island chain, including Harbour Island, Windermere Island, Current Island and Man Island. These “Out Islands” of the Bahamas are so relaxed and free-spirited that it inspired Lenny Kravitz to write a reggae song, Eleutheria.

While British Loyalists first settled here as early as the 17th century, tourism was only introduced some 50 years ago and the locals are exceptionally welcoming and friendly.

The vibrant Pineapple Festival in Gregory Town brightens up Eleuthera’s southern shores each June. You have to drive along across the Glass Window Bridge to get there. This narrow strip of rock is wedged between the wilder, sapphire waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the calmer, turquoise waters of the Bight of Eleuthera.

Not far from here is Governor's Harbour, the administrative capital. It has rows of charming, pastel-colored colonial cottages in Victorian and Caribbean style. Visit the nearby pineapple fields or tour the Leon Levy Native Plant Preserve with its “bush medicines.”

Once the capital of the Bahamas, Harbour Island (or Briland) is just a spit of land off the northeast coast of Eleuthera Island. It’s famous for its pink sand beach, which looks magic. Rent a cottage or beach villa to enjoy Harbour Island’s friendly people a while longer. The only town here is Dunmore Town and you can buy the locally grown sugarloaf and other fresh tropical fruits everywhere.

From Fort Lauderdale and Miami, fly into Nassau, then take a connecting flight to North Eleuthera Airport. You can also sail here from Nassau, since its just 50 miles (80 kilometers) away. Car rental is available locally. To travel to Harbour Island, take a taxi to the docks, then hop on a watertaxi to Government Dock. To really get away from it all, arrange a boat trip to nearby Man Island and have a picnic on a deserted beach.

Tingum Village Hotel
Tingum Village Hotel
3 out of 5
Colebrook St, Dunmore Town, Harbour Island
The price is CA $249 per night from Nov. 9 to Nov. 10
CA $249
CA $335 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 9 - Nov 10
Stay at this 3-star spa hotel in Dunmore Town. Enjoy free breakfast, a full-service spa, and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (283 reviews)
"Very nice and accommodating staff."

Reviewed on Aug. 26, 2024

Tingum Village Hotel
Pink Sands Resort
Pink Sands Resort
4 out of 5
Chapel Street, Dunmore Town, Harbour Island
The price is CA $1,460 per night from Nov. 6 to Nov. 7
CA $1,460
CA $1,927 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 6 - Nov 7
Stay at this 4-star beach resort in Dunmore Town. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 restaurants. Popular attractions Pink Sand Beach and Dr. Albert Johnson ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (115 reviews)
"Staff was great- location was awesome!"

Reviewed on Sep. 2, 2024

Pink Sands Resort
Coral Sands Inn & Cottages
Coral Sands Inn & Cottages
4 out of 5
Chapel St, Dunmore Town, Harbour Island
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Dunmore Town. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (321 reviews)
"Great!"

Reviewed on Aug. 28, 2024

Coral Sands Inn & Cottages
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Sea Shanty -  Ocean view, Private pool, Walk to Beach, Prime Central Location.
Sea Shanty - Ocean view, Private pool, Walk to Beach, Prime Central Location.
governors harbour
Stay at this vacation home in Governor's Harbour. Enjoy a garden, patios, and an in-room coffeemaker. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (99 reviews)
Comfortable Island Cottage
"Sea Shanty was just what we needed for a quick weekend stay. Conveniently located on the island and our absolute favorite beach is right down the path across the street."

Reviewed on Sep. 18, 2024

Sea Shanty - Ocean view, Private pool, Walk to Beach, Prime Central Location.
Salt Box: an Enchanting Historical Property with a Pool
Salt Box: an Enchanting Historical Property with a Pool
Dunmore
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Dunmore Town. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
10/10 Exceptional! (60 reviews)
Perfect house for families with kids!
"We absolutely loved our stay at Salt Box! It was in the middle of town, yet it felt very private secluded in the backyard! The kids loved the nice sized pool, and getting to the beach was a breeze! Sofia was an excellent host! Highly recommend!"

Reviewed on Aug. 1, 2024

Salt Box: an Enchanting Historical Property with a Pool
WATERFRONT W/POOL, STARFISH
WATERFRONT W/POOL, STARFISH
Gregory Town
Stay at this cottage in Gregory Town. Enjoy air conditioning. Popular attractions Surfers Beach and Hatchet Bay Cave are located nearby.
WATERFRONT W/POOL, STARFISH
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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