Overall very impressed with the local cuisine, the level of the service, the number and level of the many hotels and resorts on this tiny island. Friendly, very friendly locals, great food. Travel by rented golf cart - what a fun and cozy place. Spectacular beaches, and all very clean! 3 hour ferry ride from Nassau. Will recommend it to everybody!

I don't know where to start to explain how "horrible" the trip to Harbour Island, in the Bahamas was. Let me begin to say "don't waste your time or money"! There are so many reasons not to travel to this island, first one would be that there is absolutely nothing to do (we were traveling the later part of September) and was told prior to booking that all restaurants,excursions, beaches, etc.. were fully operational. NOT SO!! We had reservations at the "Valetine's" Resort & Marina, which upon our arrival (Sunday) afternoon was told that their restaurant would be only be opened that night and would not reopen until Thursday, all other restaurants were closed. There was only "one" boat docked at the marina and it was in transit, there were at least 50 wet-slips vacant. I can understand "slow" seasons, I am a business owner of a marina myself but why was I not told this at the time of booking. I booked this trip with a travel agency and personally phoned myself to the island before arrival to assure that everything was "on go". We arrived on Sunday and left Monday morning as soon as air travel could be changed to another island. Not only was this an expensive trip but a wasted vacation.

I spent a week on the beautiful Harbour Island. It is my second trip there and I feel like a citizen. The warm, friendly and charming people truly make any vacation great. The main purpose of the vacation was to dive and we were treated royally by the Valentine's Dive Center. The staff made it feel like you belonged with them. I was highly impressed with the quality and skills of their boat captains and with the attention to safety of their PADI certified dive masters. The boutique staff went out of their way to make us feel welcome did thier best to give us the best possible dive experience. I obtained my open water diver certrification there and was throughly pleased with the training. Each reef we dove had its own separate and unique formations and I loved every one. The dive center is a must for anyone thinking about trying this wonderful sport. I am already palnning my next return trip. Valentine's Dive Center is attached to a marina, resort and resturant. I did not stay there, but the food and the view are first rate.

We weren't sure what to expect. The few reviews we found stated that it was beautiful, but seeing is truly believing.
We just returned Harbour Island. The island is magnificent.
The islanders were very friendly and they truly made us feel at ease.
The scenery is quite special. We spent hours walking around enjoying it.
We stayed in a private house that can be rent by contacting Island Realty. It was a 4 bedroom, 3 baths. One bedroom and a bathroom, was in the guesthouse. The house has a caretaker, and a housekeeper; the housekeeper will make meals for you and clean whatever needs to be done. The name of the house is "Rainbow's End." It is definitely worth it. Above the guesthouse is the treasure of Rainbow's End. It is a large gazebo, which we used at lunch and dinner and when we had all the sun we could take in a day. The views from there were splendid.
There is a safe in the wall for your passports and valuables. Use it!
We rented a golf cart from Ross Rentals. They delivered the cart to the house and picked it up when we left. You'll need a cart. You'll drive on the left side of the road. Golf carts are the main mode of transportation.
The beaches are the best. Or should I say, beach. It stretches from one end of the island to the other. It is so very soft, but great close to the water's edge, where its firm to walk from one end to the other. The sand is pink. The waves have been "broken" by the reef that extends the entire length of the island. The reef is about 300 yards off shore and the beach is gradual so you can walk quite far out into the water before it's over your head.
Dinning out is fantastic, although quite pricey. The tip is included at most establishments. When I asked one of the waitresses if it was included, she replied that it wasn't, but it fact it was. Just look over your bill before adding an additional gratuity.
The Harbour Lounge Restaurant has wonderful Conch Chowder. You can get it as an appetizer or a meal. I went back again just for another bowl. It is a must try.
The only bad thing I can report is the petty thievery. My brother-in-law lost a case of fishing flies, and my Dad left his camera in his golf cart, and it went missing. I personally didn't loose anything, but then I took it to heart to put my belongings anyway.
This island is very kid / family friendly. Families have been returning year after year. Once you've discovered this treasure there will be no reason to look elsewhere. This is an ideal family vacation destination, for all ages.
The Dilly Dally is a great little shop. It has much to browse. We found many things there to bring home as gifts and mementos.