Picturesque New England–style architecture shapes the townscape of Dunmore Town, and its narrow streets can be explored by golf cart. Harbour Island provides the broader travel context for beach and water experiences. On Harbour Island, you can explore the landscape on foot or by bicycle; in Dunmore Town, you can explore the narrow streets by golf cart.
History and Cultural Sites in Dunmore Town
Dunmore Town is one of the oldest settlements in the Bahamas. St. John’s Anglican Church is the oldest religious institution in the Bahamas; its pink-and-white church building dates from 1768. In Dunmore Town, you can also visit the Harbour Island Historical Society Museum.
The Princess Street Gallery is on Princess Street, in the heart of historic Dunmore Town and one block from the harbour. The church, museum, and gallery offer different points of interest if you are weighing history and cultural sites when choosing your destination.
Getting Around and Arriving
Government Dock Harbour Island is in the centre of Dunmore Town. Arrivals by water taxi, ferry, and supply boat come in there. Services and schedules may change, so check the times for your travel dates.
Dunmore Town’s “Downtown” is just a few steps from Bay Street. Locals and visitors meet in Downtown. Government Dock and Downtown therefore answer different orientation questions: the dock marks the arrival point, while Downtown identifies the meeting place near Bay Street.
Harbour Island as a Broader Travel Destination
Harbour Island is accessible from mainland Eleuthera only by ferry or boat. Pink Sand Beach is on Harbour Island’s eastern Atlantic side. The beach stretches for more than three miles and is 50 to 100 feet wide. Its pale pink colour comes from microscopic coral organisms called foraminifera. The colour is more visible in the wet sand at the water’s edge.
The Landing on Church Street on Harbour Island is also a historic property dating from 1800. Another scenic landmark is The Lone Tree at Girls Bank on Bay Street: a large piece of driftwood that stands alone on the sand like an art sculpture and is considered a distinctive relic of the island’s history.
Water activities on Harbour Island include trips along the coast in local fishing boats, offered by Dex Adventures. Valentines Dive Center offers PADI scuba diving and snorkelling there. Private boat charters from Harbour Island may include snorkelling at colourful reefs and scuba diving at remote dive sites. Check the availability of specific activities and schedules for your trip in advance.
For a broader travel overview: Harbour Island.
