Bahamas Ferry from Nassau to Harbour Island
Bahamas Ferries sails from Nassau to Spanish Wells and then on to Harbour Island on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. The ferry leaves Nassau at 8:00 AM and arrives at Harbour Island at 11:10 AM. The return sailing leaves Harbour Island at 3:40 PM and reaches Nassau at 6:30 PM, which allows about four and a half hours on the island for a day excursion. Holidays and special events override the schedule, and sailings are weather permitting.
Bahamas Ferries Route & Schedules to Harbour Island & Spanish Wells, including fares.
To book a “Day Excursion” to Harbour Island, contact Bahamas Ferries at (242) 323-2166 Ext. 250, or the Harbour Island and Spanish Wells office at (242) 424-4662, or check their website: Bahamas Ferries. Prefer to fly? See how to get to Harbour Island by air and water taxi.
About Harbour Island
Harbour Island or “Briland” as known by its residents, is one of the oldest settlements in the Bahamas and once served as the Bahamas first capital. The first settlement was founded over 300 years ago almost 100 years before the United States became a nation.
The early adventuring residents of this 3 mile long and 1 mile wide island were skilled shipbuilders and farmers. In the late 1800s, Dunmore Town became a respectable shipbuilding and sugar refinement center.
Sugar refinement became an important skill in the early 1900s when alcohol was outlawed in the United States. Dunmore Town went into full production refining sugar and producing rum, and understandably it was a very popular place. The sugar and rum are no longer produced.
Bahamas Ferries day excursions to Harbour Island are popular among the adventuring traveler. What 300 years of history has left behind is one of the most charming Islands in the Bahamas.
Strolling through Dunmore Town one can feel quite relaxed and charmed by the warm and friendly “Brilanders” and the quaint New England Loyalist architecture complete with white picket fences. As if this isn't enough Harbour Island also features one of the most spectacular beaches in the world. Here is a street map of Dunmore Town you can use to get around. It is recommended you rent a golf cart for your visit to Harbour Island.
The powdery pink sand beach of Harbour Island is thought of by many as being one of the finest pink sand beaches in all of the Bahamas. While you are on Harbour Island ask the residents for directions to the “hill steps” which were cut out by prisoners with an underground tunnel from the cove to Rock House. You might also want to visit Titus Hole, a cave with an open mouth that overlooks the harbour and is said to be the first jail of Harbour Island.
Staying in a rental home? See our list of houses and villas for rent on Harbour Island.
Bahamas Ferry to Harbour Island: Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a ferry from Nassau to Harbour Island?
Yes. Bahamas Ferries sails from Nassau to Spanish Wells and then on to Harbour Island on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. The ferry leaves Nassau at 8:00 AM and arrives at Harbour Island at 11:10 AM.
Can you visit Harbour Island from Nassau for the day?
Yes, on ferry days. The ferry reaches Harbour Island at 11:10 AM and the return sailing leaves at 3:40 PM, giving about four and a half hours on the island before arriving back in Nassau at 6:30 PM. Schedules are subject to change, holidays and special events override the schedule, and sailings are weather permitting.
How do I book the Bahamas Ferries to Harbour Island?
Call Bahamas Ferries at (242) 323-2166 Ext. 250, call the Harbour Island and Spanish Wells office at (242) 424-4662, or email reservations@bahamasferries.com. Check-in is 6:45 AM to 7:45 AM for the 8:00 AM departure.