The Bahamas group of islands conjures up images of a tropical paradise, nestling in a clear, turquoise ocean. Harbour Island is a very small island in the group, a little gem and a terrific base for a vacation. It contains over three miles of pink sandy beach and reefs offer calm waters for swimming and snorkeling. Deep-sea fishing and scuba diving are also popular and the Current Cut Dive is famous amongst divers across the world, known for its extremely rapid current. Horseback riders like to gallop along the beach.
The island is so small that there is a feeling of being away from it all. Most tourists explore the island in one of the many golf carts that can be hired. Harbour Island is situated 60 miles from the capital, Nassau and Dunmore Town is its only town on the island. The town thrived as a center for shipbuilding and for its sugar refineries. The idyllic scenery isn't just a hit with everyday tourists. Celebrities are often spotted here and it's a popular location for models to pose for their photo shoots.
Accommodation is varied and includes top class hotel resorts, villas, cottages and houses for rent. Some people are fortunate enough to live right on the beach. Many hotels offer amenities to their guests, such as water sports, tennis courts and swimming pools. There are trips to other nearby islands or visitors can rent a boat.
American currency is accepted on the island and there is an ATM inside the Royal Bank of Canada building. The weather on Harbour Island is naturally tropical and can get very hot. The sea breezes however, keep everything refreshed. Restaurants are varied in their cuisine, ranging from formal to casual affairs, and some have tables out on the terrace, where diners can watch the sun go down. Several restaurants specialize in locally caught seafood and chicken is the favorite breakfast of the locals.
The island has something for everyone, whether they want to be adventurous or chill on the beach. It's a very romantic destination and wedding trips are popular on Harbour Island. Nightlife is dominated by various bars and clubs. Shopping is a really local experience that includes several straw stalls, as they are known, selling straw hats and bags etc. There are also vendors selling local arts and crafts and a record shop owned by record label owner, Chris Blackwell.
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