Harbour Island, Bahamas Guide

Know Before You Go...®

Why Harbour Island, Bahamas?

  • Harbour Island in the Bahamas is known for having the clearest water in the world.
  • Harbour Island is home to the exclusive and luxurious Pink Sands Beach.
  • The island was first settled by the Eleutheran Adventurers in 1648.
  • Harbour Island has a population of just over 1,500 people.
  • The island is served by the North Eleuthera Airport located on nearby Eleuthera Island.

Harbour Island, Bahamas Weather/Climate

Average Temperatures

January
78° F
° F
February
79° F
° F
March
80° F
° F
April
82° F
° F
May
85° F
° F
June
88° F
° F
July
90° F
° F
August
90° F
° F
September
89° F
° F
October
86° F
° F
November
83° F
° F
December
79° F
° F

Average Rainfall

January
0.84 inches
February
0.95 inches
March
1.29 inches
April
1.02 inches
May
2.05 inches
June
4.67 inches
July
2.99 inches
August
4.77 inches
September
3.46 inches
October
2.61 inches
November
1.87 inches
December
0.9 inches
Garden of the Groves

Enjoy exotic wildlife and botanical gardens

The Grand Bahamas Garden of the Groves is home to over 12 acres of exotic wildlife and botanical gardens. It's the most photographed spot in the Bahamas and frequently used for weddings ceremonies. Children come for the farm animal petting zoo. There are also parrots, alligators, ducks and turtles and hundreds of tropical plants. Garden of the Groves is located on the corner of Magellan Drive and Midshipmann Road on Grand Bahama Island. It is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m., and Sundays from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Admission is $3.95 for children 3 through 10 and $9.95 for adults.

Straw Market

Bargain hunting at the Straw Market

Venture into the heart of Nassau, near Bay Street Shopping Center and George Street, and you'll find the Straw Market tent. Here you can shop for handcrafted Bahamian treasures including signature straw hats, beautiful handmade woodcarvings, tubs of Guava Jelly and other island souvenirs. You might also run into vendors selling knock-off Rolex, Prada, and other luxury items. Just don't be shy about bargaining. Those that don't usually over pay. Open 7 days a week from about 7am to 8pm.

Out Islands

The seclusion of the Out Islands is unbeatable

Bahamas is a collective term for the 2000 cays and 700 islands 50 miles off the coast of Florida. The main cities of Nassau and Freeport are on two of the smaller islands in the chain. The other populated islands and cays are known as the Out Islands. These remote gems are not hard to get to if you're looking for a secluded vacation spot where you won't find cruise ships, high-rise hotels or crowds. It's the perfect romantic get-away or honeymoon spot for beach-lovers and sun-gods. You'll find excellent snorkeling and diving, fishing, kayaking, boating and sailing, eco-tours and a unique, colorful culture that welcomes the relaxed Bahamian lifestyle. The Abacos Islands are known as the world's top boating and sailing destination. The islands of Acklins and Bimini lure fishermen, divers and snorkelers. Andros is a natural wonder boasting the third largest barrier reef in the world. Cat Island is a fishhook-shaped island that's only 48 miles long and 4 miles across. Though small, there's plenty to see and do with miles of hiking trails and clear water filled with coral reefs, blue holes caves and shipwrecks. Eleuthera Island is known for the high cliffs on the eastern side and also the pineapple plantations. If you're looking for pink sand and luxurious resorts, check out Harbour or Exumas Islands. And finally, Long Island has the deepest blue hole in the Bahamas (more than 600 feet). It's also a haven for fishing, sailing and yachting.

Transportation on Harbour Island, Bahamas

Getting to Harbour Island, Bahamas and getting around. Our transportation tips will help make your trip smoother. More good sand advice.

Entry Documents

  • Passport: Valid for the duration of your stay.
  • Visa: Not required for UK citizens and most other nationalities for stays up to 90 days.
  • Return or Onward Ticket: Proof of departure from the Bahamas is required.
  • Travel Authorization: No special pre-travel authorization is required for most visitors. However, travelers may need to complete a health declaration or entry form depending on current travel guidelines.

Departure Tax

A departure tax of US$18 is charged at the airport for international flights.

Driving

  • License: Visitors can drive with a valid foreign driver’s license for up to 90 days.
  • Permit: A temporary driving permit is required, obtainable at the airport or local police stations.
  • Driving Side: The right-hand side of the road.
  • Road Conditions: Generally good, with paved roads in urban areas and rural areas having less-developed roads.
  • Speed Limits: Typically 25-35 mph (40-56 km/h) in urban areas and 45-55 mph (72-88 km/h) on highways.
  • Traffic Rules: Be mindful of all traffic signals, pedestrians, and local driving customs, especially in more remote areas where animals or unexpected obstacles may be present.

Know Before You Go...® - Harbour Island, Bahamas Travel Tips

Before making their way to Harbour Island, Bahamas , vacationers like to know a little bit of helpful information to make them feel more at home during their stay. Take a look at our travel tips to make your time in villas in Harbour Island, Bahamas even more relaxing.

Capital: the BahamasDunmore.
Population: 20001. Unknown
Size: the BahamasSmall.
Electric Current: 120
Official Language: The official language spoken in Harbour Island is English, which is used in government and formal settings. However, the secondary language spoken by locals is Bahamian Creole, which is a dialect of English with influences from West African and Caribbean
Currency: Harbour Island is a small island located in the Bahamas, known for its stunning pink sand beaches, crystal clear waters, and laid-back atmosphere. As a popular tourist destination, it is important to understand the currency and payment options available on the island to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip. The official currency of Harbour Island is the Bahamian dollar (BSD). It is pegged to the US dollar at a fixed rate of 1:1, meaning that both currencies are accepted and used interchangeably on the island. US dollars are widely accepted in most establishments, including hotels, restaurants, and shops. However, it is recommended to exchange some currency to Bahamian dollars for smaller purchases and to avoid any confusion with exchange rates. When it comes to payment options, most businesses on Harbour Island accept major credit cards such as Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. It is always a good idea to inform your bank and credit card company of your travel plans to avoid
Tipping and Taxes: Harbour Island is a popular tourist destination in the Bahamas, known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant culture. As with most travel destinations, tipping and taxes are an important part of the local economy and culture. Tipping is a common practice in Harbour Island, and it is generally expected in the service industry. This includes restaurants, bars, hotels, and other tourist activities. It is customary to tip between 15-20% of the total bill, depending on the level of service provided. However, some establishments may include a service charge in the bill, so it's always best to check before leaving a tip. In addition to tipping, there are also taxes that visitors should be aware of when visiting Harbour Island. The Bahamas has a value-added tax (VAT) of 12%, which is added to most goods and services. This includes food, drinks, accommodations, and activities. Some establishments may also charge a resort fee, which is a tax added to the final bill for
Dress Code: The dress code in Harbour Island is typically casual and relaxed with a beachy vibe.
Topography: Harbour Island is a small, flat and low-lying island with sandy beaches, turquoise waters and a narrow strip of land between the Atlantic Ocean and the Great Bahama Bank.
Telephone: Country code: +1 Area code: 242

Harbour Island, Bahamas Weddings and Honeymoons

In the Bahamas, the marriage process is simple. Couples must apply for a marriage license at the Registrar General’s office in Nassau. Required documents include:

  • Valid passports or national ID cards for both parties.
  • Birth certificates for both parties.
  • Proof of marital status: If divorced, a final divorce decree; if widowed, a death certificate of the spouse.
  • Proof of residence in the Bahamas (if applicable).
  • Affidavit of no impediment to marriage (a statement affirming both parties are legally eligible to marry).

The marriage license costs approximately US$100. There are additional fees for the officiant, which can range from US$50 to US$150, depending on the location and type of ceremony. It is recommended to apply for the license at least 24 hours before the intended wedding date.