Traveling to Harbour Island is a scenic and exciting journey, but the logistics can vary depending on where you're coming from. The most popular and efficient route, especially for U.S. travelers involves a short flight, a taxi transfer, and a quick water taxi ride. Once you understand the steps, Getting to Harbour Island becomes straightforward and even enjoyable.
The journey begins with a flight to North Eleuthera Airport (ELH), which serves as the main entry point for visitors. Several airlines now offer direct Harbour Island Flights, including American Airlines, Silver Airways, and Tropic Ocean Airways, which recently launched scheduled flights from Fort Lauderdale. For those already in the Bahamas, a 20-minute hop from Nassau with Bahamas Air or Southern Air Charter also brings you to ELH.
Upon landing, take a 5–10 minute taxi ride to the dock, usually Gene’s Bay or Three Island Dock. These taxis are readily available outside the airport and cost around $5–$10 per person. From there, you’ll board a water taxi—just a 5-minute ride across to Harbour Island. These run frequently throughout the day and early evening.
Private options are also available. Charter flights like those offered by Makers Air or Tropic Ocean Airways provide direct Harbour Island Flights for travelers looking for a premium experience. You can also arrive by private yacht and dock at facilities like Briland Club Marina or Romora Bay.
To simplify Getting to Harbour Island, try to coordinate your flight and transfer times so they align with the last water taxi of the day, which usually departs by 6:30 PM. Booking flights and accommodations in advance—especially during peak season—helps avoid delays or availability issues.
With a bit of planning, your arrival to Harbour Island will be smooth and stress-free. Whether you're flying commercial or charter, the views on approach and that first step onto pink sand make the journey worth every minute.