Plan a Harbour Island day trip with a local who lived there for five years: the ferry or flight, golf carts, the pink sand beach and lunch, timed so you make it back
A Harbour Island day trip from Nassau is one of the best days you can have in The Bahamas. However, it takes some planning. The ferry doesn’t run every day, flights connect through North Eleuthera, and you only have a few hours on the island. So one wrong move can mean missing the boat home.
I lived on Harbour Island for five years before moving to Nassau, so I know how to make the most of a single day there. I’ll plan your route, your golf cart or taxi, the best stretch of pink sand beach and where to eat. Then I’ll time it all so you’re back at the dock with time to spare.
Want more time? Arrive in the morning and stay overnight, or choose a day trip to mainland Eleuthera instead.
Plan your day trip
Mix and match these into your perfect day on “Briland”, as locals call it.
Walk, swim and relax on the famous three-mile pink sand beach on the island’s ocean side.
Golf carts are the main way to get around. Cruise the island at your own pace and stop wherever you like.
Stroll past pastel cottages, historic churches, local shops and art galleries in the island’s colourful little town.
From casual local spots to beachfront tables, I’ll pick the best lunch for your budget and timing.
Have a little more time? Add a boat trip to nearby sandbars and cays for clear turquoise water.
Flying in? Then you can add stops on Eleuthera, like the Glass Window Bridge or Preacher’s Cave.
The ferry from Nassau takes around two and a half to three hours each way and doesn’t sail every day. It’s a long day, but easy and scenic.
Take a short flight from Nassau to North Eleuthera, then a taxi to the dock and a quick water taxi across. It’s the best way to make the most of your day.
Arrive in the morning and leave the next day. That way, you get a sunset dinner, a slower pace and more time on the pink sand.
Not sure which? Schedules and prices change by season, so I’ll check your dates and recommend the best route for you.
Morning: leave Nassau by ferry or flight and arrive on Harbour Island.
Late morning: pick up your golf cart and head straight to the pink sand beach.
Afternoon: lunch, then a slow drive through Dunmore Town for shops and photos.
Late afternoon: back at the dock in good time for your trip home to Nassau.
Choose the option that fits your trip, or send your plans and I’ll recommend the best one.
$150
Ferry or flight times, golf cart or taxi, the best beach, lunch spots and timing so you make it back.
$350+
Everything in a custom itinerary, plus ferries and flights between Nassau and Harbour Island mapped out for you.
$75
Ask me anything about Harbour Island and get my local picks, plus a written recap after.
Planning it yourself? Get my Harbour Island Insider Guide ($29).
Bringing a group? Group Trip Planning starts from $500 for up to 8 people. See all trip planning services.
Tell me your dates, where you’re staying in Nassau and who’s coming, using the form below.
I’ll reply with the best route for your day and a quote.
Once you’ve paid, I plan your day and send it over.
Book your ferry or flight, then enjoy the pink sand.
Yes. You can go by fast ferry or by a short flight to North Eleuthera and a water taxi. It’s a full day, so good timing makes all the difference.
The fast ferry takes around two and a half to three hours each way. It doesn’t sail every day, and schedules change by season, so always check your date first.
Flying is the best way to make the most of your day, since it’s just a short flight. The ferry takes longer but is scenic and easy. I’ll recommend the best option for your dates and budget.
Yes. Arrive in the morning and leave the following day for a more relaxed trip with a sunset dinner. I can plan a one-night stay with my Multi-Island Itinerary.
Golf carts are the main way to get around and the most fun way to see the island. That said, taxis are available too, and the island is small enough to walk around Dunmore Town.
The pink colour comes from tiny pink shells of marine creatures called foraminifera, mixed in with the white sand. It shows best near the water’s edge.
Our free WhatsApp group connects travellers with locals in real time. Plan link-ups (especially if you’re here solo), ask for things to do, and get service recommendations from Bahamians who know the islands.
Join Cousins Abroad Travel on WhatsAppTell me your dates, who’s coming and where you’re staying, and I’ll get back to you with the best option and a quote.
Money, tipping, which island to pick, what to eat and the slang you’ll hear. Everything I’d tell my cousin before their first trip home.