THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO HARBOUR ISLAND: A PERFECT GETAWAY FOR FAMILIES (AND A BABY!)
- Julia Ratliff
- Mar 3
- 7 min read
Updated: Mar 6
Harbour Island is the kind of place that has a laid-back charm that makes you want to stay forever. Traveling with a 7-month-old added a new layer of adventure, but we were determined to enjoy everything the island had to offer while keeping things simple and stress-free. From beach days to great food, we found the perfect balance of fun and relaxation without overcomplicating the trip. Here’s how we made it work!
Planning Your Trip:
When traveling with an infant, the more you can plan ahead, the more you can actually enjoy your trip once you arrive. Harbour Island has a slow, easygoing vibe, but that doesn’t mean you want to spend precious beach time scrambling for last-minute reservations or figuring out logistics on the fly.
Before our trip, we booked our accommodations, arranged golf cart rentals (a must for getting around), planned a boat day and made reservations for all the must-visit restaurants. We also mapped out grocery options to grab essentials upon arrival.
Of course, flexibility is key when traveling with a baby, but a little prep work goes a long way in making the trip smooth and stress-free.
Getting There:
Fly into the North Eleauthra Airport
One key to making the journey smooth? Planning flights with quick, well-timed layovers to avoid long travel days with an infant. Traveling with a Doona and an infant is a game-changer for convenience and peace of mind. The Doona combines a car seat and stroller into one, making it incredibly easy to go from the airport to a taxi and onto the plane. To make the flight easier, I packed a small, portable bag with everything we might need to keep our daughter entertained.
It included:
Spinning Toys to Stick on Airplane Windows
Teething Toy that is flat and easy to pack
I packed a few of these Scarves for Playing Peek-A-Boo
Taxi to Ferry
Once you arrive at North Eleuthera Airport, head to the airport exit and find a taxi or shuttle to the dock (there are plenty waiting for incoming tourists). Taxis are cash only and $10 per person. Strap your Doona right into the taxi–they do not charge for your baby!
Ferry to Harbour Island
At the dock, you'll board a short, 10-minute ferry ride to Harbour Island. The ferry is small but spacious enough for strollers and car seats. The ferry is cash only and $5 per person–they do not charge for your baby. We brought this infant life jacket for when we were on any boats during our trip.
Arrive at Harbour Island
Here, you can take a quick taxi or, if you’ve arranged one ahead of time, a golf cart to your accommodation. Many places on Harbour Island offer golf cart rentals, which are the main way to get around. We rented a 6 seater golf cart from Michael’s Cycles and splurged for the high roller for $5 more a day!
Head to your Accommodations
After considering a few different house rental options, we decided on The Bamboo House, which we booked through VRBO. It was in a fantastic location, though next to some surroundings that might not be to everyone’s taste. For us, it worked out perfectly, especially with the two separate villas in the back, each with its own bedroom and bathroom. This setup allowed my family to have their own space, away from the main house and the chaos of the baby, making it an ideal choice for our needs.
Things To Do:
We spent most of our time on Harbour Island indulging in great food, exploring on foot, and soaking up the sun.
Beach
One of our favorite activities was driving our golf cart to Ms. V's, parking, and walking down the steps to her stand, where she rents beach chairs and umbrellas. She also has drinks and snacks, making it the perfect spot to settle in for a relaxing beach day. Here are some travel-friendly beach toys that fold up for easy packing.
Boat
One of the best parts of our trip was a half-day boat tour with Uncle Rob’s Adventures. We got to see sea turtles and stingrays up close, stop by the swings over the water, and explore Sand Dollar Beach. It was a fun, laid-back way to experience Harbour Island from the water and definitely worth doing.
Baby Boat Essentials from Amazon:
SPF 50 Sun Shirt
Not essential but cute: diaper cover swimsuit
Relax
My mom and brother got massages at Harbour Island Spa, and while the place doesn’t look like much from the outside (or even the inside), they said the massages were amazing. It’s a great option for a relaxing break, especially on a rainy day.
Shop:
My mom and I checked out all the recommended shops, but it was rare to find anything that wouldn’t break the bank—so we ended up doing a lot of window shopping. One hidden gem that we did make a few purchases from was A and A Treasures. It has a great selection of straw bags to choose from, and the best part is that the owner will monogram them overnight, so you can pick them up the next day. It’s the perfect spot for a personalized souvenir! We bought my daughter a tiny straw bag with her name monogrammed on it—it’s the sweetest little keepsake!
Other Stores to Check Out:
The Blue Rooster
The Shop at Coral Sands
The Shop at The Dunmore
Dine:
Baby Friendly Dining:
The Landing- we went for breakfast, and it was the perfect spot to take a baby. The relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere made it easy to enjoy a meal without any stress. Be sure to try the ricotta hot cakes or the feta eggs—they are both insane!
The Sweet Spot Cafe- The Sweet Spot is a grab and go type of place. It is known for its refreshing juices, smoothies, and delicious pastries, along with a variety of savory options like sandwiches and salads. The oatmeal cookies were absolutely incredible! I’ve also heard the cinnamon rolls are amazing, but you’ll need to order ahead, and they come in batches of a dozen.
Rooster Tail Bar and Grill - We visited here several times since it was just a short walk from where we were staying. Whether for lunch, dinner, or just drinks, it became a go-to spot. The laid-back atmosphere right on the water made it easy to bring our daughter, and the food and drinks were solid, especially their Goombay Smash. My husband was also hooked on the red-based conch soup and had it every day—whether as a full meal or just a snack. The conch fritters were also some of the best we had on the island!
Queen Conch- We came here for a very casual lunch one day and it was another great family friendly spot. Definitely get the conch salad–they are famous for it!
Arthur’s Bakery- Known for its delicious pastries and breads, it's a charming spot to grab a quick breakfast or snack. Their cinnamon rolls are a local favorite, and they also offer a variety of savory options like sandwiches and quiches. Their bagel breakfast sandwiches were excellent, and one of the owners, Robert, made us feel incredibly welcome. Chatting with him while waiting for our food made the experience even better!
Cocoa Coffee House-They serve a great iced vanilla latte, and the cozy porch provides a lovely spot to relax and enjoy your drink.
Coral Sands-We went to brunch at The Pink Mermaid–it was good, not great. I would definitely recommend going to lunch at the beach bar and getting the lobster roll.
The Rock House Bar–We went to have drinks at Rock House before going to dinner at another spot. I felt very comfortable with a baby on the outside patio overlooking the water. My husband got a frozen Goombay Smash which is what they are known for.
Bar 480 at the Briland Club- Don’t miss checking out The Briland Club. Although it’s still under construction, Bar 480 and the Marina are definitely worth seeing. The atmosphere is chic and inviting, perfect for enjoying a cocktail. While it has a more sophisticated vibe, it's still baby-friendly.
ACQUAPAZZA- The Italian food was a refreshing change from all the conch and seafood we’d been enjoying. My mom and I shared the Penne Rustica, and it was absolutely delicious! While I wouldn’t say it’s a must for next time, it was exactly what we were looking for and a perfect choice for the evening.
Not So Baby Friendly Dining:
The Dunmore- My family took shifts going to dinner at The Dunmore to avoid bringing the baby. My parents and brother went at 5:30p and my husband and I went at 7:30p. The meal we had was incredible, but also incredibly expensive. The tuna appetizer, lobster angel hair and banana fritters were all so yummy! If we go back, I wouldn’t feel the need to do this again—I’d likely opt for breakfast or lunch instead.
Dinner at The Dunmore Da Vine Sushi- This spot could go either way when it comes to bringing the baby—I think she would have been totally fine there, but I also appreciated having the chance to fully enjoy the amazing sushi without any distractions. Hands down, the best roll was The Royal Roll!
The Rock House Restaurant- The restaurant at The Rock House looked amazing with an incredible view of the water. I would definitely go here for dinner sans kids next time!
With thoughtful planning and a flexible approach, you can enjoy all the charm and beauty of Harbour Island with your entire family. I am happy to help you plan your trip with or without a baby in tow!
More Amazon Baby Travel Essentials:
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