Out Islands (Eleuthera, Harbour Island, Abacos)
Pink sands, pastel cottages, and island hopping 🐚⛵
Click a region to explore
Overview
If Nassau is the frantic city, the Out Islands (or Family Islands) are the serene countryside. This region, encompassing Eleuthera, Harbour Island, and the Abacos, offers a travel experience reminiscent of the 1950s—safe, friendly, and incredibly picturesque. There are no high-rise hotels or casinos here. Instead, families stay in salt-spray cottages and navigate narrow streets in golf carts. The pace is slow, the locals are welcoming, and the beaches are often empty. For children, the freedom is exhilarating; in many of these small settlements, kids can safely walk to the ice cream shop or ride bikes with a level of independence impossible in a big city.
The geography varies beautifully across the region. Eleuthera is famous for its dramatic cliffs and the Glass Window Bridge, where the dark blue Atlantic crashes against the calm turquoise Caribbean. Harbour Island is renowned for its Pink Sands Beach, a three-mile stretch of coral-ground sand that is soft, cool, and undeniably rose-hued. The Abacos are the boating capital, a chain of cays forming a protected 'sea of Abaco' that is perfect for novice sailors and family boat rentals. The vibe is nautical, upscale yet barefoot, and deeply focused on family time.
Key Attractions
In the Abacos, the Hope Town Lighthouse is an icon. One of the last hand-cranked, kerosene-fueled lighthouses in the world, it offers a climb with a view that children will never forget. The village surrounding it, Hope Town, is a pedestrian-friendly gem of bougainvillea-draped fences and loyalist cottages that feels like a movie set. It is entirely car-free for tourists, which adds to the safety and charm.
Over on Harbour Island, Dunmore Town is the main attraction. It was the first capital of the Bahamas and retains a regal, historic air with its New England-style architecture. Families can rent golf carts to explore the town, visit the historic fig tree, and spend days on the pink sand beaches that border the town. The water here is generally calm and shallow, ideal for young swimmers.
Practical Advice
These islands are quieter. Many restaurants close early (around 9:00 pm) and some businesses shut down entirely during September and October (hurricane season/maintenance). Bring cash, as ATMs can be unreliable or empty, especially on the smaller cays.
Food & Drink
Typical meal times: Lunch 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm, Dinner 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm.
Typical meal costs: High. Everything is imported by boat. A casual dinner is BS$40–70 (approx. $40–70 USD / €37–65 EUR) per person.
Dietary requirements: Variable. High-end spots in Harbour Island are excellent with allergies. Small fry shacks in Eleuthera may struggle with gluten-free or vegan requests beyond salad.
Signature dishes:
- Goombay Smash – The signature rum punch of the Abacos, invented at the Blue Bee Bar on Green Turtle Cay. (Virgin versions available for kids).
- Crab and Rice – Land crabs are caught locally in Andros and Eleuthera and cooked with rice, fat, and spices for a rich, savory dish.
- Souse – A clear broth stew made with chicken, lime, peppers, and potatoes, traditionally eaten for breakfast or after a late night.
Why this score?
The Out Islands offer a slower, more authentic pace where transport often involves golf carts and small boats. The geographical spread of Eleuthera and the fragmented nature of the Abacos cays require more self-reliance and planning from visiting families.
Why this score?
Healthcare is extremely basic, consisting of small government clinics that may not be staffed 24/7 or equipped for major trauma. Families must have comprehensive travel insurance that covers emergency medevac, as any serious condition necessitates transport to Nassau.
Why this score?
These islands cater to niche markets, including high-end luxury at Harbour Island and sailing enthusiasts in the Abacos. While famous among seasoned travelers for their pink sand beaches, their lower density of hotel beds keeps visitor numbers far below the main transit hubs.
Harbour Island is one of the most exclusive destinations in the Caribbean, with prices to match. The Abacos and Eleuthera offer a wider range, but are still pricey. Golf cart rentals can cost BS$50–70 (approx. $50–70 USD / €46–65 EUR) per day. Accommodation is typically in villas or boutique cottages rather than large resorts.
Getting Here & Around
Getting Here
- Airports – Major gateways include North Eleuthera (ELH), Marsh Harbour (MHH), and Governor's Harbour (GHB). Direct flights arrive from Florida, Charlotte, and Atlanta.
- Ferry – 'Bahamas Ferries' runs services from Nassau to Eleuthera and Harbour Island. Shorter water taxis connect North Eleuthera airport to Dunmore Town (5 mins).
- Boat – Private boat charters are a common way to arrive in the Abacos from Florida, crossing the Gulf Stream.
Getting Around
- Golf Cart – The primary mode of transport in Hope Town and Dunmore Town. Book these well in advance as they sell out.
- Ferry – The 'Albury's Ferry' service in the Abacos acts like a bus system, hopping between Marsh Harbour, Man-O-War Cay, and Hope Town.
- Car – Necessary for exploring the long island of Eleuthera, but not needed for the smaller cays.
Nearby Airports (3 airports)
North Eleuthera International Airport
ELHNorth Eleuthera
Marsh Harbour
MHHMarsh Harbour
Rock Sound
RSDRock Sound
View full flight map for The Bahamas →
Packing List
Essential for the small ferries and water taxis used to island-hop.
Many small shops and water taxis do not accept cards, and ATMs frequently run out of cash.
Diapers and formula are incredibly expensive and specific brands are hard to find on Out Islands.
Sand flies ('no-see-ums') are common on beaches at dusk and sunrise.
The best way to remove sticky wet sand from children's legs and feet before getting back in the car or hotel room.
Essential for protecting the coral ecosystems; local supplies can be extremely expensive or limited in brand choice.
Sand flies (no-see-ums) appear at dusk and their bites are itchy; standard mosquito spray often doesn't work on them.
Resorts charge a premium for these; packing your own deflated set saves money and ensures you have them immediately.
With so many boat excursions and water activities, this keeps your device safe while capturing family memories.
The UV index is extreme; full-coverage swim shirts prevent sunburn better than sunscreen during long snorkeling sessions.
Activities & Best Times
Hiking, wildlife, outdoor exploration, ecotourism
Features unique wildlife encounters such as the swimming pigs and the world-class Leon Levy Native Plant Preserve. The winter months provide the most comfortable temperatures for exploring trails and coastal geological features like the Glass Window Bridge.
Beach resorts, marine activities: diving, snorkelling, kite surfing, wind surfing, sailing
Home to iconic pink sand beaches and crystal-clear snorkeling spots like Treasure Cay, offering a high-end yet laid-back atmosphere. Peak season aligns with the dry winter months, while the late summer risk of hurricanes and high humidity makes August through October less desirable.
Urban tourism, museums, historical sites, architecture
Loyalist heritage and sites like Hope Town Lighthouse are regionally significant but not internationally outstanding. These islands are primarily beach/nature destinations with good heritage offerings, not cultural tourism destinations of global significance.
Sport tourism, fitness activities, active recreation
Offers distinctive active experiences like the Ocean Hole and varied coastal hiking trails across the Abaco and Eleuthera chains. Peak conditions for physical activity occur during the cooler winter window, as summer heat can be prohibitive for land-based sports.
Learning experiences, scientific sites, historical education
The Cape Eleuthera Institute provides significant marine research and sustainability education opportunities for interested families. Optimal visitation occurs during the active research and academic seasons in the first half of the year.
Scenic drives, countryside tours, route-based travel
The Queen's Highway offers a scenic driving route across the narrow length of Eleuthera, showcasing dramatic coastal views. Driving is most pleasant during the cooler, drier winter months with the best visibility for scenic overlooks.
Public Holidays & Calendar Next 12 months
Public holidays, festivals, cultural celebrations, and seasonal natural phenomena coming up in Out Islands (Eleuthera, Harbour Island, Abacos) over the next 12 months.
Loading holidays and events...
Travel Advisory
While several agencies maintain a baseline advisory, a significant number of major partners advise increased vigilance due to high rates of violent crime in urban hubs. Travelers should stay alert in Nassau and Freeport.
Safety Topics
Traveller Advice (2 groups)
Local social attitudes tend to be conservative. While same-sex relations are legal, public displays of affection may attract negative attention or hostility in some communities.
Female visitors should be particularly cautious as reports of sexual assault have occurred, sometimes involving watercraft operators or happening in poorly lit areas. It is recommended to avoid walking alone after dark or visiting isolated beaches.
Agency Summaries
Increased safety precautions are advised due to the persistent threat of violent crime in popular tourist and residential areas.
General travel is permitted, though visitors should remain alert to street crime and exercise caution with water-based activities and in secluded areas.
The safety environment is considered stable, but travellers should maintain standard personal security awareness as they would at home.
Heightened vigilance is recommended due to prevalent violent crime, including armed robberies and sexual assaults, occurring across the islands.
Travellers are urged to be highly vigilant because of significant crime levels, particularly in the urban centers of Nassau and Freeport.
No specific travel restrictions are in place, but visitors are encouraged to have full insurance and stay informed about local conditions.
Information is provided for general guidance only and does not constitute travel, safety, medical, or legal advice. Conditions may change. Users are responsible for independently verifying information before travel.