Located off the northeast coast of Eleuthera Island, Harbour Island forms part of the Out Islands of the Bahamas. The island, along with neighbouring spots like Jacobs Island, Man Island, Pierre Island, and others, creates a natural barrier resembling a reef that encloses a lagoon off Eleuthera's northeast corner. Visitors can reach this destination by flying into North Eleuthera Airport, followed by a short water taxi ride from neighbouring North Eleuthera.
The standout feature of Harbour Island is its famous pink sand beaches, which run all along the island's eastern coastline. The unique pink hue of the sand comes from a species of foraminifera, a microscopic organism with a reddish-pink shell. Local residents affectionately refer to the island as Briland, and the destination is renowned for its charming English Colonial-style architecture in its only settlement, Dunmore Town.
Harbour Island is a popular vacation spot for Americans looking for a scenic coastal retreat. It features Dunmore Town, which was named after John Murray, 4th Earl of Dunmore, a governor of the Bahamas from 1786 to 1798 who kept a summer residence here. With historical hospitality roots dating back to the mid-1960s when the Coral Sands Hotel was established, the island is well suited for travellers seeking a relaxing beach holiday.
01 Highlights & things to do
What makes this stretch of coast worth the trip — from the water to the walks, wildlife and the views.
Compiled from Wikipedia · conditions vary with weather, tides and the season.
Beach map & the area
The free OpenStreetMap layer below shows the beach and its surroundings — the coastline, access roads, nearby towns and where to park. Zoom in for detail, or open it live in a full map.
Map: © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL, free).
02 Getting there
| Option | Detail |
|---|---|
| Flight | Fly into North Eleuthera Airport. |
| Water Taxi | Take a short water taxi ride from neighbouring North Eleuthera to reach Harbour Island. |
Getting there · Last updated: 2026-09-12 · always double-check access & ferries
03 Where to stay
Resorts, towns and areas near the beach — the closer you stay, the easier the early-morning and sunset hours when the light is best and the crowds are thin.
Established in the mid-1960s by American actor Brett King and his wife, Sharon.
04 Nearby & around
Other beaches, coves, towns and sights within easy reach — worth stringing together into a coastal day.
Good to know
- The island is known locally as Briland.
- Dunmore Town is the only town located on Harbour Island.
