Harbor Island Yacht Charter Guide

Escape is the word that comes to mind when thinking of Harbor Island. Only accessible by boat, this tiny island remains exclusive and a well-kept secret, favored by royalty and celebrities alike, nestled in the crystal clear waters of the Bahamas. Picture horses galloping over pink sands, New England houses buried in bougainvillea, high-end cuisine served in rustic luxury, and a laid-back but legendary nightlife and you have Harbor Island.

Best Time To Visit: The Bahamas can be visited all year round, but the most pleasant months are December to April – outside of hurricane season but not too humid.

Key Cruising Areas: Harbor Island itself is only three and a half miles by half a mile wide, but boasts almost uninterrupted beaches of a unique pinky hue. When you have explored the island you can sail the short distance to the neighboring Eleuthera, where you can dive into an abundance of natural wrecks and admire the natural wonder of the Glass Window Bridge.

Don’t Miss: The island's most popular mode of transport, the golf buggy.

Best Spots for Wining and Dining: Despite the island’s small size, the dining options are world-class. Try the resorts of Dunmore and Ocean View Club (a family-run Harbor Island institution) for beachside fine dining, or for something unique, visit the sushi and wine bar of a former Nobu chef, Da Vine Wine, and Sushi.

Best Local Dish: Make sure you sample some fresh conch. For a truly local experience, head to Queen Conch for conch served in every way imaginable.

Local Culture: Some say that Harbor Island is the birthplace of the Bahamas, with the original architecture of the Island’s British settlers copied throughout the country. There are stories of buried treasure, and of prohibition, but these days the island is more famous for its friendly people, who affectionately call the island ´Briland´.

Best Beach: Pink Sand Beach is regularly voted one of the world´s best beaches. The name speaks for itself.

IYC recommends: Embrace the island lifestyle, lose track of time sipping cocktails at a beach side bar, explore tiny boutiques, snorkel the transparent waters, feast on the plethora of seafood dishes the island's quality restaurants offer, and if after a long day relaxing you don’t fancy partying into the night, escape back to your yacht for a peaceful night’s sleep.