Photo of Harbour Island

About Harbour Island

Perched close to enthralling Eleuthera’s northern tip, tiny Harbour Island packs a punch when it comes to picturesque beaches and Bahamian charm. Brilliant for travellers looking to simply kick back on sparkling Pink Sand Beach, the island is also home to lively Dunmore Town, which features an appealing array of restaurants, independent boutiques and small-scale live music venues. Accommodation options range from heritage homes to glamorous seaside resorts with top-notch eateries of their own, fit for a whole host of tastes and budgets. Many of the best places to stay on Harbour Island are set either within pretty Dunmore Town, or on the sand — whichever you choose, the other is within easy reach.

Known as ‘Briland’ to locals, Harbour Island is just three miles long and half a mile wide. Dunmore Town is near the heart of the island, and can be an ideal base — or a great spot for an afternoon wander. Expect pastel-painted buildings housing intriguing shops, galleries and eateries. Princess Street Gallery is a particular highlight.

World-famous Pink Sand Beach sits to the east, and is perfect for strolls, swims and sunbathing. Out on the water, you’ll find top-notch snorkelling, diving, fishing, kayaking and sailing. Northern Eleuthera is a mere mile away by water taxi, making it well-suited to day or half-day trips. Striking Spanish Wells is also a fun destination for a boat ride, snorkelling, lobster fishing and swimming with pigs!

Whether you’re drawn to Harbour Island by its small size, charming architecture or hip reputation, do plan your trip well in advance. This is a particularly beautiful corner of the Bahamas, and the best places to stay on Harbour Island fill up fast.

The Best Places to Stay on Harbour Island

For a Dunmore Town Stay

  • Bahama House is an 11-room retreat in the heart of Dunmore Town. Spacious, individually decorated guestrooms feature four-poster beds and quirky artwork, plus there's a freshwater pool and hand-crafted tiki bar for an evening rum punch or two. There are heaps of lovely eateries in the area. An intimate stay for couples, friends or families — who can book a two-bedroom cottage — in a historic building.
  • Rock House offers ten inviting guestrooms and suites on Dunmore Town's historic Bay Street. Open since the 1940s, this boutique spot is a bit of a Harbour Island classic. Highlights include the sophisticated vibe, excellent cuisine and lovely swimming pool. A grown up property, with the feel of a private residence rather than a hotel.
  • The Landing is a hip, India Hicks-designed boutique pad in Dunmore Town. Expect 13 characterful, plantation-style rooms in a 200-year-old heritage house, a generous wine cellar and delicious dishes crafted by Chef Madelene Pedican in the world-class restaurant. A quirky choice for foodies and explorers.

For a Beach Break

  • Pink Sands features 25 chic rooms, suites and villas set along superb Pink Sand Beach. The two-bedroom cottages and villas are ideal for families, and little ones will adore exploring the 26 acres of gardens, building sand castles on the beach, playing tennis or sampling the many water sports. The slick bar and locally-sourced menu of outstanding restaurant dishes will be a sure-fire hit with the grown ups! Small and luxurious.
  • The Ocean View Club is a lovely beach property for couples or families. Family-run, small and relaxed, this is a brilliant spot to unwind amidst marvellous design in a tented cottage or room just steps from the sand. A laid-back pick for travellers who will appreciate a chilled vibe and fabulous interiors.
  • The Dunmore has the feel of an exclusive beach club, with glamorous suites, cottages and villas set across 10 acres of beachfront grounds. This is a wonderful place to hide away as a honeymoon couple or families on holiday together, with the advantage of venturing out to a 1960s-inspired clubhouse, beach-facing bar and smart fitness centre. Expect watersports and soothing massages, too.
  • Coral Sands is a striking seaside hotel set on nine beautiful acres of gardens just outside Dunmore Town. There are three miles of white sand on your doorstep, as well as 39 elegant rooms and suites featuring cool tiled floors and dark wood furniture. Stroll from the pool to the library, the billiards room, the tennis court and the superb French-Bahamian restaurant. A charming choice for active couples, families or friends.
  • Runaway Hill Club sits on a bluff overlooking Pink Sand Beach. Choose to stay in the main house or a nearby cottage to enjoy picturesque ocean views, feast on locally-grown produce, and embark upon an abundance of activities organised by the club's friendly team. A simpler stay for families or groups, with lashings of classic Bahamian style.

For Keen Sailors, Anglers & Divers

  • Valentines Resort & Marina is a wonderfully family-friendly choice for active travellers, with heaps to do on both land and water. Accommodation options are flexible and offer space for children or groups, whilst the marina is the largest on Harbour Island. There's excellent diving and sports fishing, too. One for outdoorsy adventurers.

FOR AN APARTMENT OR VILLA

  • If you'd prefer a self-catering option, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.

Travel Information

  • Fly to North Eleuthera International Airport and take a short water taxi ride across to Harbour Island, just 4 miles from the airport. Most hotels will be happy to coordinate an airport pick up for you in advance, although affordable water taxis also leave regularly.
  • There's so much to see in the Bahamas! Contact our online partner Rentalcars if you would like to hire a car.
  • Travel between November and mid-April for warm, dry weather. The hurricane season — July to October — is best avoided. The Christmas and New Year season is especially busy, so book your trip well in advance. Travel in late April or May for great hotel deals.

STILL NOT SURE?

Best Hotels in Harbour Island

  • Coral Sands Harbour Island 39 rooms from €225

    Beach Life  -  Three miles of white sand, multitude of watersports from the doorstep, candle lit beach dining and chic decked sun terraces
    Sailing  -  From Fisherman's Dock and Government Dock
    Tennis  -  Floodlit courts in the gardens
    Seaside  -  Ideal for a seaside holiday.
    Air conditioningTennisRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenParkingNo pets
    Recommended by  -  Fodors, Kiwi Collection

    Stunning beach front hotel in 9-acres. Elegant rooms have wooden furniture, modern tropical print furnishings and white shutters. Outdoor pool, gardens, library and billiard room. Superb French-Bahamian menus and laid-back bar. Charming, opulent and peaceful. See More

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  • The Landing Harbour Island 13 rooms from €268

    Beach Life  -  Located just a short walk from the pristine beaches of Harbour Island
    Honeymoons  -  This elegant island getaway is the perfect destination for newlyweds
    Families  -  The Landing is welcoming to families with large family rooms
    Diving  -  Local dive shops across the island offer equipment and certification, find out why this is one of the world's best diving spots
    Air conditioningRestaurantSwimming Pool
    Recommended by  -  Tablet

    A stylish hotel set in a 19th-century house blending plantation style with contemporary Caribbean chic. Rooms are elegantly designed with mahogany furniture and linen sheets, and come with ocean views. Chef Madelene Pedican curated the restaurant's world-class menu and the wine list is extensive. See More

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  • Runaway Hill Club Harbour Island 8 rooms from €292

    Beach Life  -  Chic interiors, turquoise pool overlooking the ocean, fishing trips and dive from the beach itself
    Restaurant  -  Bahamian and international cuisine with an emphasis on fresh locally grown ingredients and seafood.
    Fishing  -  During your stay at Runaway Hill Inn, you can reserve a fishing adventure with Captain Rich Helmuth
    Seaside  -  Ideal for a seaside holiday.
    RestaurantSwimming PoolGarden
    Recommended by  -  Fodors

    Chic beach front hotel. Interiors are contemporary with dark wood furniture, seaside touches and enormous bathrooms. Outdoor pool and library, direct beach access. Excellent Bahamian cuisine in the ambient restaurant. Romantic, laid back and cool. See More

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  • The Ocean View Club Harbour Island 9 rooms from €337

    Beach Life  -  Perched on the iconic pink sands of the Bahamas, Ocean View Club is deserving of its name with gorgeous views of the Atlantic
    Weddings  -  Get married in paradise, The Ocean View Club can arrange the perfect ceremony on the beach
    Diving  -  The Bahamas is home to some of the world's best diving spots
    Great walks  -  Explore the surrounding Bahamas and Dunmore town on foot
    RestaurantViews

    A charming family-run hotel nestled on the beach. Guests can choose from authentic private beach shacks under coconut trees, 'tent cottages' or rooms with an ocean view in the hotel itself. The restaurant serves authentic Bahamian cuisine including delicious seafood. See More

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  • Rock House Harbour Island 10 rooms from €351

    Beach Life  -  Orchid gardens surround the poolside daybeds, picnic baskets are filled for beach trips and Pink Sand beach is on the doorstep
    Great walks  -  With the hotel's personalised packed picnic baskets
    Restaurant  -  Highly recommended restaurant
    Diving  -  Valentine’s Dive Center
    Air conditioningRestaurantSwimming PoolGarden
    Recommended by  -  Fodors

    Luxurious beach hotel. Individually designed rooms have creamy walls, modern artworks and mahogany furniture. Heated outdoor pool, direct beach access, orchid gardens and gym. Outstanding modern cuisine and slick bar. Effortlessly chic and boutique stay. See More

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  • The Dunmore Harbour Island 19 rooms from €423

    Total relaxation  -  Lounge by the pool, stroll to one of the nearby beach restaurants, and sip rum cocktails - life here is perfectly slow
    Beach Life  -  Located right on Pink Sands Beach, a picture perfect Caribbean stretch of sand
    Restaurant  -  An informal restaurant serving exceptionally good (but unfussy) cuisine
    Fishing  -  There's an option of reef fishing or big game fishing
    RestaurantSwimming Pool

    An oldie but a real classic. This Harbour Island hotel offers guests a secluded stay with casual luxury. Rooms are set in low-rise cottages and have a distinctly Caribbean feel with whirring fans and pops of candy colours. Complete with a superb restaurant, pool, friendly service and beach access. See More

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  • Valentines Resort & Marina Eleuthera, Harbour Island 41 rooms from €441

    Families  -  With accommodation of various sizes, babysitting, and plenty of activities for children — this is an idyllic family destination
    Total relaxation  -  With an expansive spa, bars, restaurants, a beach near by, and pool — there is hardly a need to leave all holiday!
    Restaurant  -  A choice of two restaurants (one serving Bahamian classics and the other a grill) and a coffee house
    Diving  -  A scuba centre can accommodate beginners, children, and experienced guests
    Air conditioningSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenParkingNo pets

    A luxury resort located near arguably Harbour Island's best beach, Pink Sand Beach. Elegant suites and villas are traditionally designed with hardwood floors, whirring fans, and antique-style furniture. Well suited to families with several restaurants, a large pool, and endless activities. See More

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  • Pink Sands Harbour Island 25 rooms from €445

    Romantic Break  -  Fragrant jasmine grown throughout hotel gardens, opulent bedrooms, private terraces and romantic dining
    Sailing  -  Plenty of day trips from Fisherman's Dock and Government Dock
    Birdwatching  -  Surrounding gardens are a bird sanctuary
    Tennis  -  Two courts in the gardens
    Air conditioningTennisRestaurantSwimming PoolGarden
    Recommended by  -  Fodors, Tablet, Kiwi Collection

    Sumptuous beach front resort. The cottage interiors have mahogany furniture, wooden floors and shutters and lovely private decks. Outdoor pool, gym, 26-acre garden, private beach and library. Superb locally sourced menu, slick bar with wow-factor chandelier. Romantic, luxurious and chic. See More

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  • Bahama House Harbour Island 11 rooms from €540

    Beach Life  -  Located a stone's throw from the sea on a coveted island in The Bahamas, this hotel makes a luxury beach getaway
    Local exploring  -  With easy access into the colourful Dunmore Town, this hotel is in a great location for local exploring
    Romantic Break  -  Couples love this cosy and refined beach lodge, with its grown-up rum bar and chic freshwater pool
    Views  -  Great views from hotel
    Air conditioningSwimming PoolGardenViewsNo pets
    Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith

    This luxury beach lodge occupies a heritage property on Harbour Island in The Bahamas. Spacious rooms boast plantation-style interiors, four-poster beds and unique design pieces; book a cottage for separate living space. Unwind by the freshwater pool before drinks at the rum bar; a chic beach stay. See More

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