Harbour Island Magic

by Larysa Dyrszka, M.D.
(White Lake, NY, USA)

Riding On Harbour Island's Pink-Sand Beach

This is about Harbour Island where I had another magic moment during one of my many Bahama vacations...

Last year I traveled to Harbour Island via fast ferry from Potter's Cay. That's the point of departure of all ferries from Nassau to all islands in the Bahamas.

We cruised for about three hours, first through the Northeast Providence Channel. Playful dolphins swam in our wake and the shallow sea was beautifully turquois.

En route and after the first stop in Spanish Wells, we marveled at some of North Eleuthera's spectacular beaches and the Devil's Backbone, using the Explorer Chart Book of the Far Bahamas.

In addition we had photocopies of maps from the Web site you are on right now, so we could follow the ferry's course. We were thankful for a truly able captain because the Devil's Backbone is a challenge to every boater.

Exploration of Harbor Island - called Briland by the residents - was easy via golf cart. This is the preferred mode of transportation on that tiny island.

We frequented Arthur's Bakery for breakfast, used a good Internet connection and had interesting conversations. We dined at a different restaurant every night. There are many restaurants on Harbor Island and every one we tried was excellent.

One place in particular struck my fancy - the Pink Sands Resort - which was right next to our hotel, the Coral Sands.

I loved everything about Pink Sands... the Blue Bar, the Balinese-style decor - the manager generously gave us a grand tour of the resort when we asked him for directions to the Blue Bar - the lush landscaping, the sense of peace and calm of the place, and a superb dining experience.

Every afternoon, as we sunbathed on the famous pink sand beach, we were treated to a parade of ponies that are pictured above.

Most days, the horses roam the streets under supervision and take riders on beach jaunts. After that the horses are free to frolic in the surf. What a lovely sight... These horses on the pink sand with the creamy aqua sea and rich blue sky as a background. A truly magical moment!