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Harbour Island - Bahamas
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Harbour Island, or 'Briland, as it is known by residents, is
situated one mile off the northern coast of Eleuthera (just five minutes away by
water taxi) and is just three miles long and a half mile wide. The island's
first major settlement of Dunmore Town, originally the capital of The Islands of
the Bahamas, was named after the 18th century royal governor of the islands,
Lord Dunmore. Harbour Island was actually founded before the United States was
even a nation!
Today, Dunmore Town is renowned for its three mile pink sand beach and charming
New England-style architecture. Visitors to Harbour Island enjoy strolling
through the quaint town's tree lined narrow streets, exploring the settlement
onboard a golf cart, bonefishing in the pristine water off the island's coast,
and frolicking on the island's sandy coastline. The Plateau and the Arch, both
giant coral structures densely populated with marine life, attracts divers from
around the world.
At one time Harbour Island was second only to Nassau in terms of prosperity. In
the late 1800's Dunmore Town was a noted shipyard and sugar refinement centre,
both of which lent itself to a profitable secondary industry - rum.
The island's charming New England architecture, which is reminiscent of the
island's Loyalist history, is still very much in existence. The pastel-coloured
clap-board homes edged by white picket fences and tropical flowers line the old
streets of Dunmore Town. For vacationers, Harbour Island's popularity is founded
on its spectacular three-mile powdery pink sand beach, its intimate inns and
hotels, and the warm hospitality of its inhabitants.
Map courtesy of Harbour Island Bahamas Guide
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