Where Ya Been: Harbour Island

Briland sweet eh. Nostalgia sets in whenever I think about this island. As a child, you always hear about the beauty of Harbour Island and their pink sand beaches. Yes, the sand actually does have a magenta hue! Just laying on the soft sand having the turquoise waves crash into you is my idea of perfect peace. However, this post is not about me.

Photo Credit: @bahamapapa

Kris, also known as @bahamapapa is an Education major and a fellow travel blogger. He successfully balances school life and extra circulars all while blogging full time. He went to Harbour Island last month and definitely plans on visiting again. Check out his reasons why:

1) In three words, sum up what Harbour Island means to you…

Heaven on earth

Harbour Island is idyllic. The very small island is extremely peaceful and very picturesque. Everyone knows everyone, as is the case with all out islands; they’re all warm and inviting. Most importantly, it is home. Eleuthera is my home. While I lived on the mainland, Harbour Island is still like home to me. It reminds me of everything that is truly “down home” Bahamian. Being able to see children jumping off of the dock, fishing on the rocks and so many other things reminds me of my own childhood and makes me feel home.

2) What is your favorite thing to do on the island?

The island itself never gets old to me. As such, as weird as this may be, I enjoy nothing more but to simply drive around and sight-see. Taking photos as I go.

3) What would you perfect day in Harbour Island look like? Where would you go for breakfast, lunch and dinner?

Breakfast – Bahamas Coffee Roasters-They have really good french toast & I love french toast. In between breakfast and lunch, it’s time to hit the world famous Pink Sands beach.

Lunch – Queen Conch – Here, you’ll have some of the best crack conch and fries that you’ve ever had. No contest. After that, I would visit the Princess Street Gallery. It’s an art gallery that features pieces of artwork that are inspired by Harbour Island and/or Eleuthera. There are usually some really amazing pieces on display and it’s a nice way to wine-down before dinner.

Dinner – Malcolm 51 – This is a restaurant that is all about fine dining. They offer a full menu, but you won’t find peas n’ rice here. Their options include things like charred octopus and an amazing eggplant confit fettucine. They also have really nice desserts.

4) What are your key essentials when visiting?

i) Sunblock – This isn’t only for Harbour Island, but for any out island. The islands are hot. The sun touches the out islands a little more intimately than it does in the city, so for things like boating, island exploration and beaching, sunblock is a must.

ii) Cash – While there is the presence of one bank, Royal Bank of Canada, cash is important because if you don’t bank with them you’d have to go to over to the mainland and drive quite a distance into town to visit the atm’s for the other banks. So, it’s a lot easier to just get cash (more than what you think you may need) before leaving New Providence to get to Harbour Island. Though, with the introduction of modern amenities, more and more places in Harbour Island are accepting credit/debit cards.

iii) Camera – Harbour Island is filled with beauty. From its harbourside to iconic white picket fence lined colourful homes to the famous pink sands beaches. Beauty abounds and is definitely worth documenting.

5) If you are visiting during Regatta, you must …

Be prepared to have a grand time. It is an almost nonstop party from start to finish and is one of the best experiences you can have. North Eleuthera Regatta is the third most popular regatta in the entire country.