Eleuthera means “freedom” – freedom from crowds, cruise ships, casinos, and the chaos of everyday life.
Long and slender, this most historic of the Out Islands (the first English settlers arrived here in 1648) is actually a string of islands that includes Spanish Wells and Harbour Island, a chic destination.
Eleuthera has remained largely undeveloped and untainted. It is a gem in the Bahamas archipelago with miles of soft pink-sand beaches and clear, shallow turquoise waters on the western side. Ragged, wave-hewn cliffs from the Atlantic ocean crashing into the rocks offer a different atmosphere on the eastern side.
The length of the island (177km/110 miles) and a slim two miles at its widest point. The distances between Eleuthera’s communities require access via three airports. The island lies about 97km (60 miles) west of Nassau; frequent flights connect the two. With approximately 8,000 residents it is the fourth most populated island of the Bahamas.
There is a casual sophistication to the island life in Eleuthera, with it’s many quiet communities and upscale resorts. The influences of the past Loyalist settlers in the late 1700s can still be seen in the island’s architecture. Eleuthera is similar to Abaco, and visitors are drawn to the miles of barrier reef and fabulous, secluded beaches.
The settlements include (north to south) The Bluff, Upper and Lower Bogue, Current, Gregory Town, Alice Town, James Cistern, Governor’s Harbour, North and South Palmetto Point, Savannah Sound, Winding Bay, Tarpum Bay, Rock Sound, Greencastle, Deep Creek, Delancy Town, Waterford, Wemyss Bight, John Millars, Millar’s and Bannerman Town. Governor’s Harbour is the capital, with Rock Sound being the second major settlement.
Gregory Town is the pineapple capital of the island chain. A bit farther south is Surfers Beach, one of the best surfing spots in The Bahamas. Several accommodations are available in this sleepy, slightly budget-oriented section of Eleuthera. The only major resort along the entire stretch of Eleuthera is the Club Med at Governor’s Harbour. Other inns are more basic.
The Bahamas can be reached quickly by air or by sea. There are three airports on Eleuthera – North Eleuthera (ELH), Governor’s Harbour (GHB) in Central Eleuthera, and Rock Sound (RSD) in South Eleuthera. Easy access to The Islands Of The Bahamas makes this tropical playground a popular year-round vacation destination. Its proximity to Florida means just a short hop by jet, a pleasant day by cruise ship, or a memorable voyage by private or charter boat. Explore your options for travel to the Bahamas.
Getting between The Islands of The Bahamas.
Charter Air – For information on air charters and charter air services visit the Bahamas Web Directory Bahamas Air Travel page.
Mailboat – Inter-island mailboats depart from Nassau and run weekly roundtrip to/from all islands. The mailboats are a leisurely way to get around. One-way passage to just about anywhere costs around $35, ranging up to $140 for some round trips. Remember, these mailboats run on Bahamas time, so they’re a great way to slow down to the steady rhythm of the islands. For a list of all Bahamas Mailboats with island destinations visit the Bahamas Mailboats page on Bahamas-Travel.info.
Private Boat – You can always charter a private boat to get you where you want to go, on your own time. You will find boat charter companies in the Bahamas Web Directory Bahamas Boats & Boating page.
By Air
American Eagle/American Airlines
Daily flight departing from North Eleuthera Airport at 1:24 p.m. and arriving at Miami Airport at 2:40 p.m. Also, American Eagle/American Airlines departs from Miami Airport at 11:40 a.m. and arrives at North Eleuthera Airport at 12:40 p.m. daily.
American Eagle also offers service between Miami Florida (MIA) and Governor’s Harbour (GHB) Friday, Sunday and Monday afternoons.
Bahamasair
Bahamasair offers twice-daily service to and from Nassau between Governor’s harbour, North Eleuethra and Rock Sound.
Continental Airlines
Departs Governor’s Harbour (GHB) for Fort Lauderdale (FLL) daily at 2:45 p.m., Saturdays at 12:25 p.m., and 3:15 p.m., Sundays at 4:20 p.m. 19 seats
Departs North Eleuthera for Fort Lauderdale Daily at 8:00 a.m. Sunday at 1:00 p.m. Monday-Friday 1:45 p.m. Saturday 1:45 p.m. Departs North Eleuthera for Miami Sunday at 2:10 p.m. Saturday at 2:40 p.m. Monday-Friday at 3:25 p.m.
PineApple Air
Flights 3 times daily from Nassau International Airport (NAS) to: Rock Sound,International Airport (RSD) – South Eleuthera Governor’s Harbour International Airport (GHB) – Central Eleuthera North Eleuthera International Airport (ELH) – North Eleuthera
Southern Air Charter Company
Southern Air offers scheduled flights from Nassau into Governor’s Harbour and Rock Sound, Eleuthera.
By Sea
Bahamas Ferries
Bahamas Ferries offers daily service to Harbour Island and Spanish Wells. Departs Potter’s Cay dock at 8:00 a.m. Governors Harbour: Departs Thursday at 7:00 a.m, Friday at 5:00 p.m and Sunday at 4:15pm
M/V Sealink and M/V Seawind
Both the M/V Sealink and M/V Seawind provide modern, reliable, round-trip service from Nassau to Eleuthera.
M/V Bahamas Day Break III
Service to: Governor’s Harbour, Rock Sound, South Eleuthera. Departs Nassau Mondays at 5:00pm; returns Tuesdays at 5:00pm. Sailing Time: 5 hours; Fare: $35.00 one way; Frequency: weekly. Service to: Harbour Island, Spanish Wells, North Eleuthera. Departs Nassau Wednesdays at 5:00pm; returns Fridays.
M/V Current Pride
Service to Eleuthera Settlements: Current Island, Hatchet Bay, The Bluff, James Cistern Departs Nassau: Thursday Time of Departure: 7am Day/Time of Return: Tuesday 11am Frequency: Once a week Sailing Time: 5½ hours Fares: $30
M/V Eleuthera Express
Service to: Governor’s Harbour, Rock Sound, South Eleuthera. Departs Nassau Mondays at 5:00pm; returns Tuesdays at 8:00pm. Sailing Time: 5 hours; Fare: $35.00 one way; Frequency: weekly. Service to: Harbour Island, Spanish Wells, North Eleuthera. Departs Nassau Thursdays at 6:00am; returns Sundays.
Eleuthera has a wealth of restaurants to satisfy all pockets and palettes. Cuisine from around the globe can be found here with an emphasis on seafood and authentic Bahamian cuisine. We offer our comments from the establishments we have visited and from visitors recommendations.
Cigatoo Inn Restaurant – Governor’s Harbour, Eleuthera
Specializing in Italian and Bahamian seafood, Master Italian Chef, Paolo DiChiara has been imported especially to satisfy the tastes of both the locals and tourists. The restaurant is comfortable, spacious, with a long bar near the table for the after-dinner drink, or just to enjoy a night on the town. Tel: 242-332-2343
Cush’s Place – Eleuthera
Located between Gregory Town and Hatchet Bay, Cush’s is known for conch & grouper dishes and burgers. They have cookouts on Saturday and Sunday afternoons with music and dancing.
Mate & Jenny’s – South Palmetto Point, Eleuthera
Unique menu of Bahamian food including crawfish (Bahamian lobster – subject to availability) and grouper, steak, conch and other full dinners including the specialty… conch pizza! Tel: 242-332-1504
Mavis Johnson – Palmetto Point
Mavis cooks made-to-order Bahamian soul food meals right in her own kitchen. Call her at least 6 hours before you plan to eat and she will have your meal hot and ready. (Call her the day before for Sunday delivery – so she can shop.) Prices may change, but last time we checked plates were about $12 each with a minimum of 2 for delivery (plus a $6 delivery fee). For pickup or delivery call her in Palmetto at 242-332-1880.
Nort’Side – Rock Sound, Eleuthera
For a nice meal with a spectacular view of the Atlantic Ocean head to Nort’side in Rock Sound. Perched atop a cliff, you can enjoy music and drinks while dining on chicken, grouper, or conch.
Rainbow Inn – Hatchet Bay, Eleuthera
Lots of great Bahamian food at the Rainbow Inn, Hatchet Bay, Eleuthera. People go to great lengths to have their dinner at this casual American eatery, famous for its rib and steak nights. Tel: 800-688-0047
Tippy’s – Governor’s Harbour, Eleuthera
Located off the former Club Med Beach on the Atlantic side of Governor’s Harbour, Tippy’s is a fine Caribbean eatery with a fully-stocked liquor bar. A bit pricey but the fish and pasta dishes are wonderful, the service is great, plus there is a delightful open-air ambience and a beautiful beach for after-dinner walks.
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Bahama House Inn – The beautiful Bahama House Inn, bed and breakfast, is located in Dunmore Town, Harbour Island, Bahamas. One of the loveliest Inns on the island.
Cocodimama Charming Resort – In the middle of Governor’s Harbour, Eleuthera rises Cocodimama Charming Resort. Life at Cocodimama is that of a warm home with lots of friends. Be one of them…
Coral Sands Hotel – 39 rooms and suites, most with private balconies and views of the 3-mile pink sand beach. The restaurant offers innovative cuisine prepared by a Cordon Bleu certified chef; casual beachside bar and grill. Deep-sea fishing, bonefishing and scuba diving excursions can be arranged.
Dunmore Beach Club – This 8-acre, oceanfront tropical sanctuary has the atmosphere of a private club on a dazzling 3-1/2 mile pink sand beach. 14 cottage-style rooms (connecting rooms available). Recommended by Harper’s Hideaway Report.
Northside Ocean Resort – Taking vacations to new heights. Located in Rock Sound, Eleuthera.
Pink Sands, Harbour Island – The new Pink Sands weds the traditions of the past with the most modern amenities and services. Situated on 20acres overlooking the most beautiful stretch of pink sand beach in The Bahamas, Pink Sands has become a celebrity hideaway hosting such names as Keith Richards, Julia Roberts, Susan Sarandon, Tim Robbins and Robin Williams.
Romora Bay Club – 22 rooms and junior suites, boutique resort located on the bay side of trendy Harbour Island, 2 hour boat ride from Nassau. Special week-end rates.
The Cove Eleuthera – “Eleuthera” means “freedom” and here, you are free to do as much or as little as you like. So, let your spirits soar and your tensions disappear as you unwind in a welcoming atmosphere of informality at our casual seaside resort.
The Landing Hotel & Restaurant – A gracious c. 1800 property, 7 newly-renovated rooms decorated in classic plantation style with four-poster beds and wooden floors. All have private baths, A/C (some ceiling fans) and verandahs with harbour views. The highly-acclaimed restaurant is open for dinner every night but Wednesday.
The cool laziness of Eleutherean life would make one think there is not much to do but enjoy the miles of glistening pink and white sand beaches, serene colonial villages, and the rolling acres of pineapple plantations. Yet, one could spend weeks here and still not see and do all the adventures that Eleuthera has to offer.
Eleuthera and its sister islands of Spanish Wells and Harbour Island have long been a favored destination among savvy travelers seeking a bit of quiet charm.
Things To Do
Beachcombing
With miles of deserted beaches to explore, you might just find a message in a bottle, a unique piece of driftwood or a collection of sea shells to treasure. You can spend the whole day on a beach and not see another person.
Bone Fishing
If you are into catching “bones”, Eleuthera offers bone fishing at its best.
Explore Eleuthera
Enjoy the beauty of the island of Eleuthera with a variety of day trips that take you through many quaint island villages.
Snorkeling
Eleuthera offers many great places to snorkel including shipwreck locations.
Places To Go
Gaulding’s Cay
A remote, one-mile stretch of whitebeach surrounded by pines: a peacefull, scenic place to lounge and snorkel.
Pink Sands Beach
Scenic beach, great for snorkeling and diving in Eleuthera.
Bannerman Town
Small, ocean-side community on the island of Eleuthera with a spectacular beach and breathtaking views of the sea and Mt. Alvernia.
Rock Sound
Bautiful seaside town on Eleuthera, known for its colorful houses, lush gardens, and picturesque setting.
Tarpum Bay
Small, picturesque town overlooking the waterfront, Tarpum Bay, Eleuthera, is populated by artists and more than a couple goats.
Devil’s Backbone
This strech of shallow reef has put many a tear in unwary ships’ bottoms, giving it its name.
Current Cut
A popular snorkel site, Current Cut, Eleuthera, is known for the colorful marine creatures that feed here.
Glass Window Bridge
A man-made bridge at the narrowest part of the island, the Glass Window Bridge is a window-like geological formation which spans a gap where the turbulent waters of the Atlantic Ocean meet the calmer seas of the Exuma Sound. The existing man-made structure has replaced a naturally-formed bridge that was blown away during a hurricane years ago, but the view of the deep blue ocean and crashing surf is still spectacular.
Hatchet Bay Cave
The magnificent Cave at Hatchet Bay, Eleuthera, gives the appearance of a vaulted cathedral. Full of bats, with stalagmites and stalactites that gleam in the torchlight, this mile-long cave is best visited with a local guide.
Ocean Hole
One of several unusual underwater formations popular with divers.
Preacher’s Cave
A subterranean cave on northern Eleuthera which resembles a church. The Eleutheran Adventurers, the happy few pilgrims who first landed here, took refuge at Preacher’s Cave and held religious services upon their arrival.
Spanish Wells
A short ferry ride from Eleuthera is a popular daytrip destination, Spanish Wells. A small, picturesque island, the people of his prosperous fishing village, renowned for their seamanship, have deep ancestral roots. They are direct descendants of the original Eleutheran adventurers and Loyalists. There is excellent fishing and diving available, even a sunken train wreck for those seeking the exotic.
Windermere Island
Off the east coast of Eleuthera, this tiny island is an exclusive resortoften frequented by the rich and famous including members of the Royal Family.
Eleuthera Resources
Bahamas B2B’s Vacation and Travel Guide is intended to be an accurate, up-to-date, island-by-island guide to Bahamas vacation and travel resources of interest for both Bahamian residents and travelers.
Eleuthera Bahamas is a prime choice for a weekend getaway or an extended stay. Several airlines offer service to Eleuthera. Take either a short flight from the East Coast of Florida or a quick hop from Nassau or Grand Bahama where there is good connecting service from all destinations around the world.
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