Harbour Island was the actual best and is becoming one of my favorite spots to vacation. I originally created this post back in 2019 after a trip with girlfriends this year; but wanted to updated it with new recommendations from this past trip. It’s the perfect little getaway, especially from the East Coast. This was only my second visit so I’m not an expert; but I do have some favorites!
Harbour Island Travel Guide
Things to know before visiting Harbour Island!
- I’d definitely recommend staying 4 nights if you can. The first time I visited, I stayed 3 nights and it felt too short. This past trip was 4 nights which was perfection. Though honestly I could have stayed longer!
- To get there, I flew Delta to Atlanta and then Atlanta to Eleuthera. From Eleuthera, it’s just a quick ten minute ferry ride. You can also take a longer ferry from Nassau. I definitely recommend the Delta or American flights. The first time we came, we flew Silver and it was a bit of a mess.
- Bring cash! There aren’t very many ATMs on the island, and a lot of places were cash only (ferry rides, boat excursion, coffee, pastries, taxis)
- Rent a golf cart. We have rented from Dunmore Rentals and Michael’s Cycles and both were great. The island is more spread out than a lot of other islands I’ve been to so I would say you definitely need one!
- Prepare for a rough day getting back. The airport is very small and under construction. There was a lot of waiting and the room you go into after security is cramped + has no food or water. So also: hydrate before you go through security!
Where to stay.
On my first trip, we stayed at The Ocean View Club. To be totally honest, I was just medium on it. I loved my room, and the overall vibe/decor of the hotel… it’s VERY pretty. It’s right on the beach and reminded me a lot of one of my favorite hotels in Tulum. The service was not great and we were only medium on the food. And my bathtub didn’t really work.
Hotels in Harbour Island can be very pricy so another good option can be renting a house. My friend Chassity actually has a gorgeous house in Harbour Island, Coral House and that is where we stayed on this trip! It was absolutely perfect. This post has more photos and info.
I am dying to stay at The Dunmore at some point. I was supposed to stay there two years ago for Chassity’s birthday but I got COVID and had to cancel the trip. I’ve also heard amazing things about Bahama House!
No matter what you do; book WAY in advance as this time of year, things fill up. I’m dying to go back!
See what I mean about my room at the Ocean View Club? It’s very pretty!!!!! I rented the “Kitchen Cottage.”
the photos above were taken at The Dunmore. I love the preppy, beachy vibe and all the stripes!
Where to Eat:
Every time I go to Harbour Island I eat at The Landing. It’s a great spot. The grilled lobster was exceptionally good!
The food at The Dunmore is always so good. I highly recommend the poké bowl if you go for lunch.
Coral Sands has a great lunch. I loved their Greek salad (I added shrimp!)
We had a truly excellent dinner at Da Vine! Such great sushi.
Romora Bay was nice for a really easy dinner. Live music, good cocktails, very relaxed.
Ocean View Club has a fun dinner. We closed it down!
Coffee and Pastries!
On my first trip, we went to Bahamas Coffee Roasters EVERY DAY for iced coffee. It was very good. They also have a really cute cat.
And Arthur’s Bakery was great. Someone told us we had to get the cinnamon roll (apparently they sell out of them by 8:30am) but we didn’t love the cinnamon roll. It was pretty dry. We did however LOVE both the breakfast sandwiches and the donuts! Live and learn. (You guys were all freaking out about their donuts in my DM’s, thanks for the suggestion!)
This past trip, we were at Cocoa’s every single morning. It’s a 2 minute walk from Coral House and really great. Excellent coffee and juices, but also bagels and pastries.
Things to Do!
A boating adventure is a must. We rented a charter via TyMan and it was amazing. It is expensive, so definitely do it with a group to amortize the cost. I believe we paid $800 (plus a 20% gratuity) for a 3.5 hour cruise but Chassity gets a special rate as she’s referred so many people to them. It can cost upwards of $1,200 usually but it is SO worth it as you get to see the pigs, swim with the sea turtles, the sandbar, and of course the fun swings in the middle of the ocean.
Karaoke at Daddy D’s is of course a must-do. So much fun! And Elbow Room is a really fun bar with great drinks
It’s really fun to take a boat over to The Other Side and have lunch there. We had a really great leisurely lunch and it was fun to wander around and see the property.
You make me so jealous with all the trips you go on, Grace! I’m glad you enjoyed yourself! ❤️✨
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
What a great spot! I definitely would check this resort out! I love the tropical dress!
I would check out Coral Sands to stay at for next time as well. It’s much larger than the Dunmore and has great lunch while also being right on the beach! Dinner at the Rockhouse is also great
I love the Carter dresses – I love casually or dressed up a bit for dinner, and the material is the best – no wrinkles!!! Love the Kelp pattern. My insta handle is nicoledrogers.
Also recommend flying American through Miami to/from when going from nyc. Much more reliable than the jetblue/silver airways option in my experience!
Your vacation posts are THE BEST. Always love your honesty!!
I LOVE persifor! I love their little crop pants the most! My ig is megspivak, your trip looked so so fun!!
Love the botanical shirt!!
@s_espo
Love the Rory Shorts and definitely want a pair!
Looks amazing! Love your pink sunnies, too!
Whoops forgot my IG @bronweny. I want the button down shirt, perfect for our annual Hawaii trip!!
I love Persifor!! My fav are the Rory shorts you wore- perfect for the beach and pool! My ig is @sturn513!
I’m OBSESSED with that perisfor dress!!! And would wear it on a trip to Brasil this winter! – @fiona_hogan
I would love to get the botanical shirt and shorts you are wearing and if I win and get overnight shipping I would wear it when I get to Harbor Island on Wednesday! Luckily not flying Silver on the way out to Eleuthra but on the way home we are taking Silver and have heard similar horror stories!
@reebu
Love what I’m seeing from persifor! Especially the kilpatrick dress. Would be perfect for a backyard dinner party
IG: @kellyqbyrne
I would love the palm dress you wore! Going to Miami in February and need some fun tropical pieces! @jesswan26
love & want that floraly maxi! @jenningspbarnes
The Carter dresses are legit the best summer dresses! Dreaming of warm weather….
IG: alihew86
I love the print but the straps on the dress make it my favourite …already googled it for Cuba!
@amybeme
My IG handle is @jenni_brooks. My family is headed to Hawaii for Christmas and I’d love to grab a few more pieces for the trip, especially the Anna dress!
Obsessed with the Clementine dress. Love a midi that I can wear a regular bra with
IG- @shamrockkennedy
I’d wear Persifor when we go to Turks and Caicos in January to celebrate my daughter’s birthday! I love the Winpenny Dress! And the Rory shorts look so versatile!
Love this dress and would wear it out to dinner with friends: https://persifor.com/products/louise-dress-foxglove-22054?variant=30691054059597
IG is katemariecooper
@machetastic- Love love love the Clementine dress! It might just inspire me to book a trip somewhere tropical for myself when winter seems to keep dragging on
@chelseagilliland // Loving the Clare dress for holiday parties!
I love the shorts!! I’d wear them to the lake this summer 🙂
IG: alexiswanderlusting
This vacation looks so relaxing and fun! All of Persifor’s clothes look so fun. You look amazing in the Clementine Dress. I’m dreaming of their Clare Dress. I want to go on a tropical vacation and go out for a fancy dinner date and wear that dress. ig is @annie_e_willis
@libinpreppy I am new to the Persifor brand, but I LOVE the dress in your pictures. I am going to Italy for the first time in July next year and would love to win and buy that dress to take with me.
My instagram is @samanthamilles….I’d love to get a pair of the rory shorts in valby….they look comfy and perfect for a tropical vacation!!
I love the Carter dresses – I love casually or dressed up a bit for dinner, and the material is the best – no wrinkles!!! Love the Kelp pattern. My insta handle is nicoledrogers.
I LOVE the tropical print blouse!! The trip looks amazing. I also love the Louise Dress Valby I saw on the website—the wrap is so nice and creates shape while still being flowy! I would definitely wear the shirt and dress in Brazil—always trying to go back there!
My IG handle is linnea_books_it.
@jennvachon , I love the persifore clare flutter dress! would be perfect for post beach drinks next summer!
I have had a navy blue and white printed winpenny dress for several years now and it remains one of my favorite pieces in my closet. I would like to get another one! My handle is @erabbitt
Love the dress for an upcoming trip to Florida!
@lbee29
@kocripe. I love the Bamsie Dress and would wear in on vacation anywhere warm…especially Mexico!
Ooh, the Poppy Dress is so cute! I’m aiming for more fun next year – I’d wear this on a fancy date night! My IG handle is @heyashjp.
I love their classic 3/4 sleeve dresses!!
@manuwai808 I’d wear it to Hawaii and Cabo next spring!!
The tunic Grace is wearing would be perfect for my 40th birthday trip to Mexico in February!! So would the matching dress!! @leslielinn1
I love those shorts! Would be perfect for my Christmas beach trip!
IG @ceciliabroerman
@hiphopgrli
Love the Poppy dress! I have the floral print and the fit is perfect. Sadly I’ve only been wearing it to work but would love to wear on vacay!
Thanks for all you honest reviews. So helpful.
My favorite piece is the Clementine Dress Tropic! I would love to wear it at my best friend’s bachelorette party in Sarasota this spring! It would be a great piece to wear to dinner or on an excursion.
@rayshsha
@meganlynnharris
Their Poppy dresses look so cute for a casual Saturday outing.
@bevviebrigade
I would wear those adorable geometric Jersey print shorts to ride bikes on the boardwalk! Perfect for any outdoor activity – and anything with pockets is a WIN in my book!
So so happy to hear you loved Harbour Island! It’s such a special place and very near and dear to me. And thanks for the Coral House shout out!! You’ll have to come back with me and I’ll show you some more spots 🙂
love those shorts and the tropical print button down! instagram is @kharrington12
YOU WON! announcing on IG now! xo
Love your posts! Love the tropical shirt which would be great to wear when I visit Beaufort, SC
@kimcrummett
This is great, Grace! Harbour island has been on my list for a while! And, OMG all the pretty Persifor pieces! I have had my eye on the Louise dress in the Foxglove! So gorgeous!
@libbylovespearls
xx Libby
I LOVE the Clementine dress! Need for my cruise in March and pretty much anytime when it gets warmer! @danserdani
@alliezodin – that adorable floral dress to a rehearsal dinner in sanibel I have coming up!
I love the Clementine Dress! I would wear it it visit my sister in Miami 🙂
IG: @jenndare
I’d wear that beautiful Persifor dress all over Harbour Island! Favorite place ever and can’t wait to go back.
@alvareap
Love the poppy dress in wildflowers! Perfect for a bachelorette party in Puerto Rico in Feb.
@blaircwinston
I’d wear those shorts on family vacation at Grace Bay Beach! @beaupre
My favorite is the Anna dress! I’d wear it to an outdoor mall.@annadr31
Looks like a great trip! @wendysuecupcake
Love the poppy dress in polka dot
Those shorts seem amazing, but I think the Clementine dress would be perfect for my upcoming trip to Key West. First trip away from my twin toddlers!!
Ig- rach_summers
These pieces look wonderful on you and the trip looked terrific. I love Persifor! I would love to have the Clare dress in the embroidered leaf pattern as well as some Rory shorts! My ig handle is jif13! Thanks for the fun giveaway. Welcome home!
Ig handle @shoffman86. I love the separates, I’d love to wear for summer date nights and hopefully on a tropical vacation
I love the Georgie Crop pants, especially the print ones! @jessbaird16
Love the Persifor LBD with eyelash trim! I’m spending New Year’s in Paris and would be tres chic! Ig: maryamelia26
The kitty Kate Spade I love Persifor’s Louise dress as an everyday dress. ig: Meg.rivera
I really like the Winpenny Dress Solid in Rainforest from Persifor. Your vacation photos are so good! @LizO830
@alidagostino I need that beautiful printed dress! It would be a perfect summer soirée staple!
Your trip looked so fun! I’ve never been to Harbour Island (heard great things!), but I’ll definitely check it out since The Bahamas is such a short flight from a ATL!
I love the Winpenny dress is my favorite (all of the patterns are so cute!), but I would definitely splurge and get the Clementine Dress if I were to win the gift card!
My IG handle is @tereenasaurusrex
Thank you for sharing this guide! The Clementine Dress (tropic) is amazing. We are spending that holidays at The Other Side on Eleuthera. It is The Oceanview Club’s sister property, which we love! @lauraannestrickland
LOVE the clementine dress!!! Unfortunately I live in western ny, so I would have to wait for June to wear it . My ig is @khoenig10
@melinda_eva
I would LOVE to have that Palm dress for a wedding I’m attending over Cinco de Mayo weekend
Love those shorts….I need them for my next key west trip
IG: kellieguinan
Loving the Clemetine Dress in the tropic print!
@cmstraub
Eek! I’m loving the Clementine dress! Looks great. @bethany529 🙂
Great recommendations on harbor island.
I love the winpenny dress because of the print (reminds me of Beverly Hills hotel).
I would wear the dress in Marco Island. Going there with my newborn daughter to celebrate the Christmas.
Ig: kavyas
Hi Grace. I’d definitely love that blouse to wear at Martha’s Vineyard. I’d wear it with white cuffed jeans and flip flops.
Instagram = rmpotterfield
Your trip looked lovely and the advice is noted.
I can’t decide between the Jersey shorts or that colorful buttons down top! Love that you made it an outfit! That says a lot for me since I’m known for not whereing color, just lots of black and grays.
My IG Handle is travelist_tracy
I enjoyed reading this travel guide- it looks like a beautiful vacation spot! I love the Persifor Louise dress in Foxglove; it’s so different. my ig is @gabbiejanehall
I love the terry beach shirt! Would love to have a quick drying short for trips! @lizwesm
The Clementine dress would be amazing for a beach vacation! IG: @alex_r_becker
@emilyroseschmitt
I LOVE the Clare Dress. Forever #daytonight looks
Loved reading this! My handle is @katagories and my favorite Persifor item is the Rory shorts.
Those shorts are so cute! They are my favorite !!@navera_
Love Persifor! The Winpenny dresses are my favorite and I actually wore one in Harbour Island when I went in January! We stayed at Coral Sands next to the Dunmore and I really loved it there!
IG @sweetteaheather
Looks like you had fun! Love the Stella Top Solid in Bright White, I would wear this on my next beach vacay 🙂 @novona4
Love Eleuthera and Harbour Island! My IG is @elizabethchills ; my favorite is the Persifor Winpenny dress! I would wear it at home in Charleston 🙂
What a great trip! Planning my next one to Sri Lanka and I think the Winpenny dress would be perfect.
IG handle – @emily_kellert
IG: @azulskies
My fave piece is the poppy dress in flowers and I would definitely wear it dinner after a day at the beach!
I would def love those cute shorts!! @kendrabannish
Hi, I have been holidaying in Eleuthera for 20 years. Although we rent a house on the main island we always visit Briland for a few days. December is a tricky time to visit. Anyone that owns a home there goes at Thanksgiving to open the house for the season. Christmas is magical there. It’s better to fly from JFK to Nassau and take Bahamas air to North Eluethera. Flights from FFL are notoriously late or cancelled. The weather is also much cooler Nov-Feb. The perfect months are March – Early June. Pink Sands is by far the most beautiful hotel and has some of the best food on the Island. If you are an adventurer and don’t mind roughing it a bit the main island has some of the best beaches in the Bahamas.
This trip looked amazing!
My insta handle is @minkle6. I love the Poppy Dress from Persifor- it’d be great for a summer wedding!
It’s too bad the hotel was just okay but the room is adorable and the water looks A-mazing- I’m sure such a nice treat to get away somewhere warm this time of year! I Iove the Clare dress! Ig:laurais
Love the Clementine dress! Would be perfect to wear on my trip to Hawaii in January! ☀️
IG: @emilyhundtgolden
I love the Clare dress. I Always wear them on vacay. I’m dying for the black one for a cute, comfortable dress for the holidays
@cet6
My IG handle is @dreejay and I LOVE the Georgia pant. They’re definitely work appropriate but easily can be made part of a nighttime look.
Love these shorts and the tropical dress, would wear on an upcoming trip to the Dominican! Have been trying to get my husband to go to Harbour Island for a while! Looks like such a fun trip for you gals.
Would love to wear these on a spring trip to the Dominican! Shorts, dress, cover up – ALL right up my alley. Looks like such a fun vacation! @gabrielajnagy (forgot to add on previous post!)
I love the clementine dress and I’d wear it to Puerto Rico when I go in August! Awesome photos and great guide!
IG: kparthum
I love the winpenny dress. I’m not sure about which print is my favorite because they are all so cute! I would wear it on my honeymoon which we are finally taking after two years of marriage and two kids!
@meridithrollins
I love the botanical dress, I would wear it on vacation with my family in St Thomas USVI, got married there in 2013 and hope to return 2023 for our ten year anniversary! Insta handle is @chantals630
My ig handle is @kmarylynch and I would love to wear persifor clare dress striped in San Diego and Palm Beach. Both destinations that I will be going to in January!
I love the Rory shorts – I may need to pick up a pair to wear if we make it back to Jamaica this year for our honeymoon!
IG: @beckag
I love my carter shifts! I wear them all over Europe. The best staple and can be dressed up or down! @preppy_lizzy
I’m going back to harbour island this summer for my one year anniversary with my husband 🙂 that clementine dress would be perfection there! @caitportrie
I’d love to try those shorts in Palm Beach for New Years Eve. @emgnyc
IG: emmahlman. I have a Tyler dress and a Clare dress a basically wear them ever Saturday and Sunday all summer long! Brunch, beach, cocktails!
You said the Rory shorts had pockets and I immediately wanted them. So cute!
@coolestofchristys
I love the clementine dress and the tropical print shirt you’re wearing! @leighinyc
I am in love with your Persifor Botanical dress! Looks like a relaxing trip! My Instagram handle is MBKrampitz. Thanks!
The Persifor Clementine dress is so stunning. Definitely could see me planning a 2020 summer getaway around it! Thank you for the travel guide, Grace – as always, super informative, thoughtful, and helpful.
IG: @dadesinajd
I love the botanical dress – such fun detailing – and would wear it when visiting my family in Florida. IG: @rwlevy
My husband and I went to Harbour Island for our honeymoon! Fun to see you recap all the hot spots. You didn’t try the lobster quesadilla at Sip Sip though?!
I love the Carter dress and hope to be wearing it somewhere sunny on vacation next summer. (Hard to think about warm destinations this time of year!) @atownshendpena
I would love to wear the Poppy Dress on my honeymoon to St. Lucia!
Insta: LexieKimball
The Carter Dress Greenhouse would be perfect for a September weekend in Newport! @lizzy9886 What a fun trip!
Love the embroidered Clare dress! I’d wear it to med school “prom” with shiny shoes. @mays_anatomy_
@scoopstweet love the Rory shorts in the valby print! They look chic, durable and comfy, no wonder they are the unsung heroes!
@scoopstweet Rory shorts in valby are my favorite and I’d wear them in Florida and to the beach and islands.
Thanks for the giveaway, Grace! My Insta handle is @amycjes82. I loved the botanical print shirt you wore on vacation, it looks perfect for my upcoming vacation to the Keys!
I would totally copy this entire experience! It sounds amazing. Love the Persifor maxi you wore. Looks so stylish and comfortable. IG is @ascavanna
I adore the botanical dress you wore with the cat purse! Would love to wear it to my Bachlorette brunch in New Orleans this spring! ❤️
@babyweed
Looks like a wonderful time! I love the georgie crops and the palm button down you featured. So cute!
@deniseadelek
Looks like a great place and a fun trip. I know some people love them but it saddens me that things like those swings are installed in the ocean. It’s already so beautiful there is no need to ruin the natural beauty with that kind of eyesore.
Curious what the water temp was like and what times of years you’ve visited? I stayed on Eleuthera a few years ago in Feb and while the water looked spectacular, it was far too cold to go into!
we were there in mid-may and it was perfect!