Best Tour Guide for Harbor Island Bahamas Tour
Harbor Island Bahamas is located on the central island of Eleuthera. One of my friends suggested Harbor Island as a family friendly destination so we were ready to give it a go!
This was our first visit to Harbor Island, Bahamas. It is undoubtedly a unique location. It was really so family-oriented. There were many children at every restaurant. From the stunning building colors to the delightful food we tested, from the pink sand beaches to the friendliness of people, our first trip to Harbor Island was nothing short of spectacular. Now, we are considering making it an annual spring break affair.
Recommendations of Resorts for a Memorable Stay at Harbor Island Bahamas
Thank God there are so many beautiful Harbor Island Bahamas hotels to pick from. Our first travel destination was to stay at Bahama House which is owned by the Eleven Experience. This picturesque, historic house, built in the 1800s, centers around a courtyard with a pool and offers a choice of lodging, from formal rooms sized like hotel rooms to cottages ideal for larger parties. Quite a few common areas are gardens. The staff was so incredibly kind, I’d like to note June and Shun who always become very bright.
Bahama House is in Dunmore Town. This resort is on the bay side of the island, just below the Landing and Rock House, and has real estate on Pink Sand Beach with their own umbrellas and loungers. The latter was within a 5 minutes walking distance from where we used to get. Also, carry the stroller along the sand beach besides the Ocean View Club. Everyone gets golf carts to zoom around Harbor Island but we didn’t because everything we wanted to see was within walking distance. We enjoyed our stay at the Max and would absolutely revisit and likely suggest others do as well!
Famous Eateries at Harbor Island Bahamas
Let’s talk about some famous food and Harbor Island Bahamas hotels.
The Landing
This restaurant is located just two blocks down the street away from our hotel in Dunmore town. To make your dinner extra special, get a table on the terrace which overlooks the sand beaches at sunset. You can only get a reservation with them by sending an email. We were informed that dinners were fully reserved for the week but then we got a table in the dining room. Dinner guests really get dressed for a night out here, to enhance the beautiful atmosphere in The Landing.
Goat cheese as well as spicy crab capellini seemed to be particularly mouthwatering to us. If you think ahead The Landing also has some of the cheapest accommodation on Harbor Island, with India’s influenced tropical style.
Rock House
Just round the corner from Bahama House, Rock House is more low key with a beautiful balinese feel that makes a wonderful place to enjoy a sunset. Their professional chefs made the best Manhattan on Harbor Island. We also enjoyed sitting in their entry courtyard to enjoy the magnificent view of sunset.
Ocean View Club
Another of my favorite dining places in Harbor island is the Ocean View Club with an actual terrace directly on the pink sandy shore promising views of the ocean from the restaurant. It was one of those places we visited over and over again. Moreover, I have to say, the food was probably the best on the island. The lobster lunch was great but make sure to try the goat cheese and onion tart and the steak frites. It is the perfect place to have a tasteful lunch. Cherry on top, the rooms are fairly cheap for Harbor Island. In fact, I am tempted to come back for a holiday again!!
The Dunmore
The Dunmore is located at the Southern end of Harbor. The restaurant they are most famous for, with black and white photos and splashes of coral is best on Saturdays when there is live music. Luckily, you don’t need a reservation for lunch, and it’s a great location to have a sandwich or some other meal after spending the day at one of Elfers’ famous pink sand beaches. The only thing I was shocked about was the fact that there is no view of the water from 95% of the tables. They are so polite to guests and if you want to dress up to the occasion this is the place to be.
Tom’s Bar
Tom’s Bar has a very relaxed offering for lunch or coffee which overlooks the Pink Sand Beach. Their building gives the best view, on the ocean side of the island!
Arthur’s Bakery
This is a historic building that already occupies a significant place in the history of Harbor Island. Arthur’s Bakery specializes in breakfasts and lunches. If it’s morning meal time or simply a midday snack, do not forget to pay a visit to Arthur’s Bakery.
Queen Conch
Queen Conch is a restaurant with an outdoor dining area with just a few seats on the bay side. The Conch fritters were yummy though I’d suggest just going here for drinks before heading somewhere else for dinner since the blackened fish was just average and once the sun sets everybody leaves pretty quick. Also, it seems to close earlier than their posted times.
Things to do in Harbor Island Bahamas
Following are some fun things to do in Harbor Island.
Shopping
There isn’t much to buy on Harbor Island, though there are some boutiques. We went to the A&A Hidden Treasures which is a friendly place for straws and any kind of accessories that are made of it. India Hicks, world famous fashionista, owns a shop in Harbor Island called The Sugar Mill which sells international brands. There are two small shops near Tom’s Bar, one with ladies wear and other is of newborns’ accessories. And the other at the entrance to the resort with children’s wear.
Boating
We did not go for a boat ride because the sun was really hot at that time, but will try to do this next time. Visiting Surfers is one of the must see attractions on Harbor Island, but several friends told me that water there is full of dirt. They also told me that sea turtles are also present which is something I would prefer. Everyone enjoys fishing so the next time, we might attempt to go fishing as well! You can get out on the water if you want, otherwise rest on your boat.
Some useful tips for traveling to Harbor Island Bahamas
As you arrive in North Eleuthera by flight, the airport greets you with its interesting features. The terminal is a string of little buildings on the side of the runway and there are only two agents who check passports when you come in. It’s the small airport in north Eleuthera which is why most flights arrive here at one time.
After getting out of North Eleuthera airport, you will find many taxis and drivers willing to drive you to the dock to get on a boat to Harbor Island. Boat and taxi fees are $5-10 per person (cash only). Also, the boats can vary in terms of cleanliness. Once you reach Harbor Island, you’ll discover its beauty! It is advisable to get a pick up from Harbor Island to the airport at least 3 hours before your flight time when leaving North Eleuthera airport. Many times, people miss their flights due to slow processing.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for some peaceful and charming destination for your next trip, Harbor Island Bahamas is your go to place. Because on this island, you’ll find numberless activities to do as mentioned above. Our previous tour guide (Complete Guide for Your stay at Costa Linda Aruba) is also available for enhancing your knowledge. For further queries, visit us at gownder.