Make a Day of It! Take a Harbour Island Day Trip From Eleuthera

(Better yet: Book a few overnights at the Conch Shell House from Eleuthera Vacation Rentals!)

From some of the best pink sand beaches in the world to incredible dining experiences to unforgettable excursions like beach horseback riding and scuba diving, Harbour Island is a daydreamy Caribbean gem you’ll want to admire in full gleam. 

Known as the “Home of Friendly People,” Harbour Island is colloquially referred to by locals as “Briland” (pronounced BRY-land), which is what “Harbour Island” sounds like when you say it fast.

Originally inhabited by the Arawak, one of two Lucayn tribes, it was taken over by Spanish conquistadors, then deserted, and later occupied by British Puritans who called themselves the “Eleuthera Adventurers.” It became a popular spot for “wrecking,” a practice that involved salvaging and auctioning cargo of distressed ships. Eventually, that ended amid allegations of piracy, and fruit farms began to sprout everywhere, yielding an abundance of citrus, tomato, and pineapple crops. Since then, the island’s untouched natural beauty has drawn captivated tourists from around the world. 

Today, Harbour Island is accessible from North Eleuthera by water ferry, about five minutes from the North Eleuthera Airport.

On the way, be sure to stop for a moment to take in the arresting view from the Glass Window Bridge. It’s the narrowest strip of Eleuthera, spanning just 30-feet - the dark, churning waters of the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the calm, turquoise shallows of the Bight of Eleuthera on the other. 

For a quick bite en route to the ferry, stop at Monica’s Dis and Dat for an ambrosial assortment of tropical tarts and pies - coconut, pineapple, mango and more! There's also Pam’s Island Made Gift Shop if you're looking splashy souvenirs with island flare. 

Once you reach the Three Islands Ferry Dock. Drop just a few dollars a person to take a five-minute water taxi to Harbour Island. On arrival, grab a golf cart (usually less than $50/day for a 4-5 seater). You can book these in advance, but they’re typically easy enough to secure without a reservation. You can also opt for a cab to take you into town. 

Among the must-sees on Harbour Island:

• Horseback Riding. Riding a steed along the surf of the seashore is a sublime adventure everyone should have at least once. It’s also an incredible photo op. You’ll need reservations, which you can make either at BB’s Horseback Riding or OceanView Farms. 

• Visit the Lone Tree. This local landmark is a large piece of driftwood from a 50-year-old tree that rooted itself whole into the sand during Hurricane Andrew. There it has remained, its striking silhouette iconic against a backdrop of endless sky, sand, and water.

• Boating, Snorkeling, Scuba Diving, Kayaking, and Jet Skiing. Harbour Island boasts amazing boating, snorkeling, and scuba diving excursions. Take a private boat charter on crystal clear Caribbean waters. Swim with pigs, sea turtles, and fish in every shade of the rainbow. Check out colorful coral reefs. Explore shipwreck remnants (both Harbour Island and Eleuthera Island have the most natural wrecks in the Bahamas). Top diving locations include Split Reef, High Head, Fairyland, and Black Shoals. Check out Valentine’s Dive Center, Lil Shan’s Watersport, and Padi Scuba. 

• See the Loyalist Cottage. One of the most-photographed buildings on the island, this privately-owned, historic Harbour Island landmark was built in the late 18th Century, housing subjects loyal to the British Crown seeking refuge during the Revolutionary War. Many homes in the area were built by loyalists, and have been preserved by the Bahamas National Trust. 

• Stroll on Pink Sand Beach. Harbour Island’s pink sand beaches are legendary, silky smooth, nicely packed, and a stunning sight (especially in the morning). 

• Shop til you drop. (Just make sure you aren’t shopping on Sunday, as most shops are closed that day.) Check out Sugar Mill, Pink Sands, and Princess St. Gallery. 

• Waterfront dining. For lighter fare, you can check out Arthur’s Bakery (breakfast and light lunch, sandwiches, pastries, and tarts), or Queen Conch Shack. For great food with an amazing view, check out Rock House (hip hotel vibes), Valentines Marina (overlooking the marina), Aqua Pazza (casual Italian food on the waterfront), or The Landing. 

This should be enough to get you started on your Harbour Island trip planning, but if you need some more specific insight, our Eleuthera Island exports are happy to help!

Interested in booking a Harbour Island or Eleuthera vacation rental? Contact us today to find the perfect spot for your island getaway!