As one of the Bahamas’ sleepy out islands, Eleuthera has an untouched feel, with pink sand beaches outlining interior green hills, few crowds—and not a single traffic light. It’s the anti–Paradise Island (where the 3,300-room Vegas-style Atlantis resort dominates), appealing to die-hard divers, windsurfers, and hikers who prefer frolicking in the sea and the countryside to gambling and partying in mega-clubs.
Flights from the United States connect via Miami or Fort Lauderdale to Governor’s Harbour Airport, served by United Express and American Eagle. From there, it’s a 20-minute drive to Alabaster Bay, where you can bathe in the crystalline shallows shown here; the quiet bay is seven miles north of Governor’s Harbour, the island’s capital and a British colonial settlement dating to 1648.
During low tide, it’s possible to walk out more than a hundred yards into Alabaster Bay’s waters without getting your shoulders wet. This calm inlet is ideal for kayaking and snorkeling (look for needlefish, comb jellies, and colonies of brain coral), and the powder-soft sand of the mile-long beach is perfect for a sunset stroll. The beach’s charming hotel, Cocodimama, is closed for renovations, so you’ll want to head back to Governor’s Harbour at day’s end for the famous Friday-night fish fry at Anchor Bay. Order conch fritters and a bottle of Kalik—the Bahamas’ beloved national beer.
By John Wogan
The Daily Traveler
