Tourist Information: 800-688-4752 or 800-224-3681, or www.bahama-out-islands.com.
Location: Harbour Island is a small island approximately one mile off the northeast tip of Eleuthera, which is about 40 miles east of Nassau, Bahamas.
Topography: Just three miles long and a half-mile wide, Harbour Island, like most of the Bahamas, consists of a thin layer of soil and sand atop hard limestone rock. Most of the farming is done on North Eleuthera. The famous "pink sand" beach stretches along the eastern side of the island, while the western portion, or bay side, is more estuarial and looks out on the fish-filled flats.
Currency: The Bahamian dollar changes on par with the U.S. dollar, which is accepted everywhere.
Language: English.
Climate: It can get hot in the summer - mid-90s:F - but afternoon showers usually cool things down and the evenings dip into the 70s:F. In winter, the temperatures usually top out in the high 70s:F to mid-80s:F, and some evenings can be as chilly as the upper 50s:F.
Electricity: 110V, no converters necessary.
Time Zone: Eastern Standard Time.
Area Code: 242.
Taxes and Tipping: There is a 10-percent government and resort tax, plus a 15-percent service tax on restaurant bills. The departure tax is US$15.
Ground Transportation: If you arrive on a major airline, you'll land at Governor's Harbour on Eleuthera. From there, expect a 45-minute taxi ride (US$50) to North Eleuthera. There are commuter airlines and charters that arrive at North Eleuthera Airport. From there it is a US$10 taxi ride to the docks where a water taxi (US$4 per person) takes you to Harbour Island. While you can easily get most everywhere on Harbour Island by foot, renting a golf cart is recommended at a cost of about US$45 per day. Bicycles can also be rented.
Ferries: Bahamas Fast Ferry offers regular service aboard a high-speed catamaran from Nassau and also stops at North Eleuthera and Governor's Harbour. Fare: US$90 for adults. 242-323-2166.
Airlines:There are direct flights to Governor's Harbour from Miami and Orlando. Other flights are available from Nassau. Some carriers that offer flights to Eleuthera are Continental (800-525-0280), American Airlines (800-433-7300) and U.S. Airways (800-428-4322). Sample round-trip airfares at press time to Eleuthera were: Atlanta - US$473; Chicago - US$492; Dallas - US$492; Denver - US$597; London - US$890; Los Angeles - US$618; Miami - US$200; Montreal - US$270; Newark - US$466; New York - US$466; Paris - US$1,774; San Francisco - US$618; Seattle - US$639; Toronto - US$270. Air fares courtesy of New World Travel. For travel arrangements, call 800-308-SURF.
HOTELS:
Coral Sands, 800-468-2799. Located on eight beachfront acres, this popular 23-room resort recently underwent an extensive renovation. Web site: www.coralsands.com.
The Landing Hotel, 242-333-2707. Built in 1800 and operated for years as a private club, this historic enclave is located on Bay Street, by the foot of Government Dock. Its five rooms all have air conditioning and private baths. Fax: 242-333-2650.
Pink Sands, 242-333-2030. High end but inimitable in its style, Pink Sands offers 25 cottages with one or two bedrooms. Web site: www.islandoutpost.com.
Runaway Hill Club, 800-728-9803. Built as a private home in the 1940s, this beachfront estate features 10 air-conditioned luxury rooms, all different in size and decor. There's a small swimming pool and an intimate dining room. Fax: 242-333-2420.
RESTAURANTS:
Many small places and private homes offer "take-away" meals. On Bay Street look for Queen Conch, which is open only when there's fresh conch available. Conch salad is the only thing on the menu, and it goes for US$5.
The Landing Hotel & Restaurant has created a buzz with its Sydney fusion cooking. Toby and Tracy Tyler, who once lived in Australia, have attracted a series of chefs from their former home to perform culinary miracles with local fish and vegetables. The hogfish snapper on a bed of sweet-potato puree is a brilliant entrie and so is the Eleuthera-grown arugula salad with peccorino parmesan. The Landing is the best place on the island for Sunday brunch.
Angela's Starfish Restaurant, atop a hill in Dunmore Town, features a menu of Bahamian specialties like cracked conch, fried grouper and peas and rice. Open for lunch and dinner.
Arthur's Bakery brews up the best coffee on the island along with fresh pastries, tarts and Key Lime pies. Omelets and pancakes are among its breakfast treats.
Harbour Island Marina, at the south end of the island, serves reasonably priced lunches and dinners. A fine place for having a cocktail and watching a sunset.
Posted online 11/01/99.
