Is Harbour Island Safe to visit?
Is Harbour Island safe? The answer is “YES”, the island is very safe. However, there has been growing concern lately after the U.S. State Department released a report about the Bahamas. The report, which is a Level 2 Travel Advisory, advises visitors to be more cautious due to a rise in violence in specific areas of Nassau and Freeport. These are large cities located on New Province and Grand Bahama which account for 90% of the total population of The Bahamas. A majority of these recent crimes were gang-related and involved local residents.
While all islands of the Bahamas share common threads of culture and history, there are distinct differences when it comes to the level of crime. Comparing crime rates on the crowded, streets of Nassau and Freeport to one of the smaller Out Islands would be like comparing Miami to Boise, Idaho.
Harbour Island is part of group of small islands called the “Out Islands” often referred to as the “Family Islands”. This popular tourist destination has a population of 2,000 which is less than 2% of the total population of the Bahamas. The island is less than 3 miles long, and everyone knows everybody.
Regardless of the size or population, there is no place entirely free of crime. While Harbour Island is considered very safe, the main crimes here are largely limited to petty thefts. Below are some precautions you can take to avoid any unpleasant situations while visiting the island:
- Always place your jewelry, passport and other important items in a security safe which you find in almost all vacation rentals & hotels.
- Make sure you close all windows and doors when leaving your vacation rental.
- Do not leave any bags or valuables unattended on the beach or any other places.
- Do not walk alone on the beach late at night.
If you do happen to be the victim of a crime, report it immediately to the Harbour Island police. Their address and contact information is below.
Harbour Island Police Station
(located in the same building as the Post Office)
Goal Lane Harbour Island
Telephone: (242) 333-2111 or 2919
Hours: Daily at 7:00 am
