You’ve probably seen the photos. Those impossibly pink sands and the turquoise water that looks like someone cranked the saturation up to a hundred. Honestly, most travel spots look better on Instagram than they do in real life, but Dunmore Town the Bahamas is one of those rare places that actually delivers. It’s the kind of village where you spend five minutes and suddenly find yourself looking at real estate prices you definitely can't afford.
Located on Harbour Island—or "Briland" to the locals—Dunmore Town is tiny. It’s about three miles long and half a mile wide. You get around by golf cart. If you try to drive a car here, you're going to have a bad time.
The town was the original capital of the Bahamas back in the 1700s. It feels like it. You have these New England-style clapboard houses painted in aggressive pastels—pinks, yellows, seafoam greens—all draped in bougainvillea. It’s weirdly colonial but deeply Caribbean. People call it the "Nantucket of the Caribbean," which is a bit of a cliché, but it fits the vibe of wealthy people in linen shirts pretending they’re not doing work emails.
The Pink Sands are Real (But There’s a Catch)
Everyone goes for the beach. The sand is actually pink. It’s not a camera trick. Basically, it comes from microscopic coral insects called Foraminifera. These tiny organisms have bright pink or red shells full of holes. When they die, the waves crush them up and mix them with the white sand.
Here’s the thing: the pinkness depends on the light. If it’s an overcast day, it just looks like really nice, pale sand. You need that bright, midday sun or the "golden hour" at sunset to really see the blush color pop. Don't show up at 5:00 AM on a cloudy Tuesday and expect a Barbie-themed landscape.
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The beach is wide. It’s huge. Even when the fancy hotels like The Ocean View Club or Pink Sands Resort are full, you can walk a few hundred yards and feel totally alone. It’s protected by an outlying reef, so the water is usually pretty calm. Great for swimming. Not so great if you're looking to catch a massive wave.
Getting There is a Whole Process
You can't just fly a 747 into Dunmore Town. Most people fly into North Eleuthera (ELH). From there, you take a five-minute taxi to the dock, then hop on a water taxi for another five or ten minutes. It costs maybe five dollars for the boat.
The water taxi ride is actually one of the best parts. You see the town rising up over the harbor, the white steeples of the churches sticking out over the palm trees. It feels like you’re entering a private club, even though anyone can go. If you’re coming from Nassau, there’s a ferry called the Bohengy that takes about three hours. It can get rough. If you get seasick easily, just take the plane. Trust me.
Where Everyone Actually Eats and Hangs Out
Food in Dunmore Town is expensive. There’s no way around it. You’re on a tiny island where almost everything has to be shipped in. But the quality is surprisingly high because the chefs here are used to catering to a very demanding crowd.
- Sip Sip: This is the legendary spot. "Sip Sip" is local slang for gossip. You have to try the lobster quesadilla. It’s expensive, it’s famous, and yes, it’s actually that good. They don't take reservations. Show up early or prepare to wait while staring at the ocean.
- The Landing: For dinner, this is the place. It’s in a historic building right by the harbor. The menu is more sophisticated—lots of fresh seafood, obviously. They have a great wine list, which is rare for such a small island.
- Queen Conch: You want the real deal? Go here for conch salad. They make it right in front of you. It’s basically a Bahamian ceviche with peppers, onions, and lots of lime and orange juice. It’s spicy, fresh, and perfect for a humid afternoon.
Honestly, the best "nightlife" is just sitting at a bar like Vic-Hum Club. It’s one of the oldest spots on the island. It’s not a polished, corporate lounge. It’s got character, loud music, and a floor that’s seen a lot of history.
The Reality of the "Glitterati" Vibe
Dunmore Town the Bahamas has a reputation for being a playground for the rich and famous. You might see Diane von Furstenberg or some billionaire tech mogul walking around in flip-flops.
But it’s not flashy.
It’s "old money" vibes. People aren't wearing Rolexes to the beach; they’re wearing worn-out hats and linen shorts. The locals are incredibly friendly, but they also don't care who you are. If you’re a celebrity, you can actually walk down Bay Street without anyone bothering you. That’s why they like it.
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However, this means the island can feel a bit "curated." If you’re looking for a raw, rugged, untouched wilderness, this isn’t exactly it. It’s a manicured version of paradise. It’s safe, it’s clean, and it’s very, very pretty.
Things to Actually Do (Besides Laying Down)
If you get bored of the beach—which happens after about three days for some people—there are other things to occupy your time.
- Rent a Golf Cart: This is the primary mode of transport. Dunmore Rentals or Johnson’s Cart Rentals are the go-to spots. Exploring the back streets where the locals live is just as interesting as the beach side. You’ll see small gardens, hidden churches, and the "real" side of the island away from the resorts.
- Bonefishing: The flats around Harbour Island and Eleuthera are world-class for bonefishing. It’s a specific type of fishing that requires a lot of patience and a good guide. Talk to someone like Captain Joe or look for local guides at the government dock.
- Diving the "Devil’s Backbone": This is a shallow reef area notorious for shipwrecks. It’s beautiful but jagged. You can do snorkeling trips or full SCUBA dives here. The marine life is active because the reef is so extensive.
- Shopping: There are some high-end boutiques like The Sugar Mill, owned by India Hicks. It’s full of expensive beachwear and home decor. Even if you don't buy anything, it’s a cool shop to look through.
The Best Time to Visit
Weather-wise, December to April is perfect. It’s sunny, the humidity is low, and the water is still warm enough to swim. This is also peak season. Prices go up, and you’ll need to book dinner reservations weeks in advance.
Hurricane season is real. Between August and October, many businesses actually close down for a month or two. The island gets very quiet. You can find deals, but you’re also gambling with the weather. A rainy week in Dunmore Town is a bit depressing because everything is designed for outdoor living.
What Most People Get Wrong
People think Dunmore Town is part of a massive resort complex. It’s not. It’s a functioning town. There’s a grocery store (Pigly Wigly), a post office, and schools.
The biggest mistake is staying only on Harbour Island and never seeing Eleuthera. Eleuthera is 110 miles long and much more rugged. It has cliffs, caves (like Preacher's Cave), and the Glass Window Bridge, where the dark blue Atlantic meets the calm turquoise Bight of Eleuthera. It’s a 10-minute boat ride away. Spend a day over there if you want some grit with your glamour.
Practical Logistics for Your Trip
- Currency: The Bahamian Dollar is pegged 1:1 with the US Dollar. You can use US cash everywhere.
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi is hit or miss in some of the older rentals. If you need to work, check with your hotel first. Most people just use their data, but roaming charges can be a nightmare.
- Water: Don't drink the tap water. It won't kill you, but it tastes salty and metallic. Stick to bottled or filtered water.
- Bugs: When the wind drops, the "no-see-ums" (tiny biting gnats) come out. They are tiny but fierce. Bring repellent with DEET.
Actionable Steps for Planning
If you're serious about heading to Dunmore Town the Bahamas, don't wait until the last minute.
First, book your flights to ELH early. The small planes from Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Nassau fill up fast. Use Silver Airways or Aztec Airways for more reliable schedules.
Second, secure your golf cart reservation at the same time you book your hotel. In peak weeks (like Christmas or Spring Break), the island literally runs out of carts. You don't want to be the person walking everywhere in 85-degree heat.
Third, bring more cash than you think you need. While many places take cards, some of the smaller stands and the water taxis are cash-only. Plus, the service fees and "island tax" can make your bill look a lot higher than the menu price.
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Finally, pack light. You don't need fancy clothes. A few swimsuits, some linen shirts, and a pair of sandals will get you through 90% of situations in Dunmore Town. It’s a place to decompress, not to put on a fashion show.
The real magic of the place isn't in the luxury—it’s in the quiet moments when the golf carts stop buzzing and you’re just sitting on a porch watching the sunset over the harbor with a cold Kalik in your hand. That's what you're really paying for.