Dunmore Town City
Main settlement on Harbour Island, Bahamas
A ribbon of pastel houses and boats, Dunmore Town on Harbour Island is famous for its Pink Sands Beach, intimate guesthouses, and seafood shacks-perfect for barefoot walks, bonefishing outings and evenings at tiny rum bars.
Dunmore Town at a Glance#
Costs: Expensive: $200-400/day - luxury resorts and high-end dining make Harbour Island pricey.
Safety: Generally safe; tourist-focused - low violent crime; watch petty theft and sea-safety precautions.
Best Time: December-April - dry season, best time for beach weather and sailing.
Why Visit Dunmore Town?#
An icon of Harbour Island, Dunmore Town draws visitors with its pastel colonial architecture, narrow streets and easily walkable boutique scene. The island’s famous pink-sand beach and clear turquoise water are magnets for sunbathing and snorkeling, while local shacks and upscale restaurants serve conch salad and fresh seafood. Travelers come for an intimate mix of old Bahamian charm, beach life and small-island hospitality.
Best Things to Do in Dunmore Town#
Dunmore Town Bucket List#
Pink Sands Beach - Wide, famously pink-hued beach ideal for long walks and relaxed swimming.
Dunmore Town Main Street - Charming main street lined with pastel cottages, boutiques, and waterfront cafes.
Harbour Island golf cart tours - Rent a golf cart to explore island beaches, landmarks, and hidden coves at leisure.
Hatchet Bay Cave (nearby) - Limestone cave system reachable on short excursions for adventurous visitors and guides.
Glass-bottom snorkel sites - Shallow coral patches off Harbour Island for snorkeling and casual marine viewing.
Local rum shops - Small local spots serving island rum cocktails and classic Bahamian snacks.
Eleuthera mainland (Governor’s Harbour) - Short boat or drive to Eleuthera offering additional beaches, shops, and dining.
Spanish Wells - Nearby island town reachable by ferry, known for fishing and narrow streets.
Best Time to Visit Dunmore Town#
Best December-April when trade winds cool the islands and beaches are picture-perfect. Hurricane season (June-November) risks storms and travel disruption.
December - April
22°C - 28°C (72°F - 82°F)
Blue waters, pastel buildings and steady trade winds-perfect for beach strolling and snorkeling, though prices rise during peak winter holidays.
May - November
24°C - 29°C (75°F - 84°F)
Warmer, wetter months bring frequent showers and greener landscapes-fewer tourists and better off-season deals but more humidity and sporadic storms.
June - November
24°C - 29°C (75°F - 84°F)
High risk of tropical storms-plans can be disrupted by hurricanes; book flexible travel, monitor warnings, and consider travel insurance during this period.
Subtropical climate with hot summers (peaking in August) and warm winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 18°C to 32°C. Abundant rainfall (1010 mm/year), wettest in October.
January
January is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 18°C. Moderate rainfall (39 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 18°C. Moderate rainfall (50 mm).
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March
March is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 19°C. Moderate rainfall (36 mm).
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April
April is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 21°C. Moderate rainfall (40 mm).
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May
May is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 22°C. Significant rainfall (105 mm).
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June
June is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 24°C). Significant rainfall (149 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is hot, feeling like 32°C due to high humidity. Regular rainfall (91 mm).
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August
August is the hottest month, feeling like 32°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (109 mm).
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September
September is hot, feeling like 31°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (133 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). The wettest month with heavy rain (161 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 21°C. Moderate rainfall (52 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 19°C. Moderate rainfall (45 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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How to Get to Dunmore Town#
Dunmore Town (Harbour Island) is reached via North Eleuthera Airport plus a short water taxi; many visitors route through Nassau with a domestic flight. Once on Harbour Island small taxis and golf carts are the principal local transport.
North Eleuthera Airport (ELH): North Eleuthera is the closest airport to Harbour Island. From ELH a taxi to the water taxi dock in North Eleuthera takes about 10-15 minutes (roughly US$8-15), then a short water taxi to Dunmore Town (about 5-10 minutes; fares typically US$6-10 per person).
Nassau Lynden Pindling International (NAS): Many visitors fly into Nassau and connect to North Eleuthera by domestic carrier (flight ~20-30 minutes) or by ferry/boat transfers; domestic flight fares vary but are commonly US$100+ one-way when booked close to departure.
Train: There is no train service in The Bahamas.
Bus / taxi / water taxi: Road buses are not used for inter-island travel; on Eleuthera and Harbour Island the standard sequence is taxi from the airport to the dock, then a short water taxi across to Dunmore Town. Taxis and golf carts are the main on-island transport in Dunmore Town.
How to Get Around Dunmore Town#
Most visitors arrive via North Eleuthera Airport and a short water taxi to Dunmore Town; domestic flights from Nassau are common. On the island, golf carts and walking are the dominant modes for getting around.
- Domestic flight (Nassau → North Eleuthera) (US$100+) - Regular regional flights link Nassau to North Eleuthera; these are the fastest way to reach Harbour Island from Nassau. Book early during peak season-seats and prices vary widely.
- Taxi + water taxi (Taxi US$8-15; water taxi US$6-10) - From North Eleuthera airport take a taxi to the dock, then a short water taxi to Dunmore Town. This combined transfer is quick and the standard arrival route-taxis and water taxis accept cash (USD) and fares are reasonable.
- Boat / ferry - There are occasional private boat transfers and charter options from other islands or resorts; these are useful for groups or special schedules but cost more than public transfers. Confirm pickup points in advance.
- Golf cart / local taxi (Golf cart hire US$30-70/day; taxi short rides US$5-15) - Dunmore Town is small and most visitors get around by rental golf cart or in small taxis. Golf carts are widely available and are a signature way to see the island; traffic is light but watch for pedestrians.
- Walking - Dunmore Town is extremely walkable-its streets, shops and beaches are within easy walking distance. Walking is often the fastest and most pleasant way to explore the town.
Where to Stay in Dunmore Town#
Dunmore Town - $80-200/night
Limited low-cost choices on Harbour Island; most budget stays are small guesthouses or seasonal rooms. Book early in high season to secure a basic place.
The Dunmore (small rooms option) - Simple rooms, central Dunmore Town
Romora Bay Resort & Marina - Marina-side, basic cottages available
Harbour Island (Dunmore) - $180-400/night
Small boutique hotels and guesthouses dominate. Expect colorful inns near the harbor and easy access to Pink Sands Beach; mid-range rooms rise in season.
The Dunmore - Boutique hotel, near Pink Sands Beach
Romora Bay Resort & Marina - Waterfront, good mid-range value
Pink Sands Beach area - $400+/night
Luxury options are few but real - beachfront resorts and upscale boutique hotels. Prices spike during holidays; book well ahead for seaside suites.
Pink Sands Resort - Upscale beachfront resort
The Dunmore (premium rooms) - Higher-end suites, personalized service
Where to Eat in Dunmore Town#
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Dunmore Town’s restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Shopping in Dunmore Town#
Shopping along Bay Street and the main lanes focuses on resort wear, local crafts and boutique goods aimed at visitors. Expect a mix of clothing shops, galleries and souvenir stores; for larger purchases you’ll need to visit Nassau or order ahead. Many shops are seasonal, so the selection is best during the high tourist season.
Nightlife in Dunmore Town#
Nightlife in Dunmore Town is relaxed but pleasant: a handful of bars, restaurants and hotel lounges stay open in the evenings, and beachfront venues come alive in high season. There isn’t a large club scene, but you’ll find lively dinner spots and casual bars along Bay Street.
