City/Settlement: Dunmore Town

Location: Lies off the northeast end of Eleuthera, 200 miles from Miami

Size: Three miles long and half a mile wide

Population: Approximately 1,500

      Images Courtesy of: Bahamas Tourist Office 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. At one time, Harbour Island was second only to Nassau in terms of prosperity. In the late 1800s, Dunmore Town was a noted shipyard and sugar refinement center, both of which lent itself to a profitable secondary industry—rum. Harbour Island offers a quaint variety of shopping opportunities, from the traditional street-side straw vendors, to the work of local painters, fashion and jewelry designers. With items ranging from high-end home décor to a variety of local music stores, there is a shop for almost every need. For vacationers, Harbour Island’s popularity is founded on its spectacular three-mile powdery pink sand beach, charming New England style, intimate inns and hotels, vibrant night life, glamorous residents and visitors and, last but not least, the warm hospitality of its inhabitants – the Brilanders. 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 Harbour Island’s coast and frolicking on the sandy coastline. The Plateau and the Arch, both giant coral structures densely populated with marine life, attract divers from around the world. The following airlines connect Harbour Island/Eleuthera with the U.S.:

• Continental Connection (800-525-0280)
• USAirways Express (800-428-4322)
• American Eagle (800-433-7300)
• Island Express (954-359-6953)
• Twin Air(954-359-8266)

• Bahamasair (800-222-4262)
• Southern Air (242-377-2014)
• PineApple Air (242-377- 0140)

The high speed ferry Bo Hengy offers daily round-trips from Nassau.
Bahama Fast Ferry (242-323-2166)

• Pink Sands (800-407-4776)
• Coral Sands (800-468-2799)
• Rock House Hotel(242-333-2053)
• The Landing (242-333-2707)
• Bahama House Inn (242-333-2201)
• Dunmore Beach Club (242-333-2200)
• Tingum Village (242-333-2161)
• Valentines Resort & Marina (242-333-2142)
• Seashell Inn (242-333-2361)
• Runaway Hill Inn (843-278-1724)
• Romora Bay Resort & Marina (800-365-0519)

This traditional-styled restaurant serves mouth watering lunches, such as conch curry, coconut cakes and grilled shrimp, as well as an eclectic mix of world cuisine. The name ?Sip Sip? actually derives from the Bahamas patois word for ?gossip;? no wonder, since the spot boasts regulars such as model Elle McPherson. Named for the 18th century royal governor of The Bahamas who helped develop the town, this picturesque seafront village provides a haven away from more hectic tourist areas. Navigate through narrow winding paths without ever encountering a motor vehicle, while gazing at traditional, wooden, brightly painted houses, with neat yards overflowing with tropical flowers and trees. A popular stop is the Loyalist Cottage, built in 1797 after the Revolutionary War by settlers from the American colonies still loyal to the Britain. Judged among the top ten dive sites in the entire world at nine knots, Current Cut is also one of the fastest dives in the world. This part of The Bahamas is actually among the most diverse in the region in terms of aquatic life; divers are swept up in currents with schools of stingrays, mako sharks and reef fish. This bright green and yellow striped building in the middle of town run by local photographer Val Albury, offers diverse images of Harbour Island. Dilly Dally also carries a wide selection of Bahamian music. U.S. currency is accepted and is interchangeable with the Bahamian dollar. In September through May, the temperature on the Island averages 70 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit; the rest of the year is warmer, with temperatures between 80 and 85 degrees. Nighttime temperatures are generally cooler by 5-7 degrees. All U.S. citizens and foreign nationals traveling to/from the United States to/from The Bahamas are required to present a valid passport, passport card or WHTI-compliant document to re-enter the United States. All Canadian citizens traveling to/from Canada to/from The Bahamas are required to present either a valid passport, an official birth certificate or an original naturalization/citizenship certificate. For more information please visit Bahamas.