Harbour Island is a popular tourist destination as well as an administrative district in the Bahamas. The island is situated off Eleuthera Island's northeast coast, and it boasts just one town which is called Dunmore Town. Dunmore Town was named in honor of the governor of the Bahamas, John Murray--the Fourth Earl of Dumore--who lived there each summer during his reign as governor from 1786 to 1798.
Once an obscure location that attracted few visitors, Harbour Island experienced considerable prosperity between 1950 to 1980, and during that time it received attention from several prestigious American industrialists such as Juan Trippe and Arthur Vining Davis. The island was also frequented by celebrities during this time period, such as Robert De Niro, Elizabeth Taylor, and the Prince of Wales.
When the Bahamas became independent in 1973, many of the agricultural businesses were abandoned due to unfavorable United States tax laws. However, the area still thrives as a highly popular holiday destination.
Harbour Island's topography is quite diversified, more so than many of the world's other island destinations, and ranges from unspoiled, pink beaches to vast crops of ancient coral reefs. Harbour Island is famous for its salmon colored sand and pristine beaches that cover its entire east side. Those traveling to Harbour Island typically fly to the North Eleuthera Airport, and upon arrival, it is only a short water taxi ride to Harbour Island. Harbour Island is called Briland by the local population and is a popular holiday destination for people who prefer peace and quiet when enjoying their break. The island features colorful New England-style structures and landscaped streets that boast a wide variety of tropical flowers. One of the Bahamas' "Out" islands, Harbour Island offers stunning panoramic scenery, and beaches that are regarded by some to be the most picturesque in the world.
Many people described their first glimpse of Harbour Island's beaches as breathtaking. This is due to the fact that the island's sand is the result of powdered coral from the nearby reefs. The unusual, vibrant, pink beach, combined with the deep turquoise tone of the water creates a stunning effect, especially at sunset.
The ocean is exceptionally warm and the water is clear, which makes Harbour Island excellent for fishing, boating, and scuba diving. The outlying reefs of the island offer swimming and snorkeling that are both safe and child friendly. The locals are friendly and helpful, and getting around the island is easy. Many holiday makers utilize golf carts, which can be rented from various locations, as they make sightseeing on the island more relaxing and enjoyable.
Harbor Island's weather is ideal, with an average high temperature of 84 degrees, and lows in the high 60s. Monthly rainfall is less than four inches during the peak season, and one can typically enjoy continual breezes from the ocean regardless of the time of year he or she is visiting. Those considering travelling to the Bahamas will not want to overlook the possibility of spending their holiday on the lush, tropical beaches of Harbour Island.
