Did you know that the Bahamas is composed of approximately 700 islands? With only around 30 being inhabited! Within this archipelago, there is a collection of unspoiled islands known as the Bahamas Out Islands, where visitors can experience true island life. Life is laid back, the beaches are secluded and the blue water is indescribable. The perfect vacation in Eleuthera is within reach, and here’s what you can expect to enjoy on this relaxed “out island” in the Bahamas.
Getting to and around Eleuthera
How to reach Eleuthera
Eleuthera, located 50 miles east of Nassau. Even though this “out island” is just 110 miles in length, there are 3 airports here: North Eleuthera Airport (ELH), Governor’s Harbor Airport (GHB), and Rock Sound Airport (RSD). American Airlines (from Miami) and Delta (from Atlanta) fly daily into Eleuthera. In addition, other airlines such as Silver Airways, Aztec Airways, Pineapple Air, and Bahamas Air provide scheduled flights to one or more of the island’s airports.
Eleuthera car rental
Because the island is so long, it makes the most sense to rent a car for travel on the island. There are no Uber or Lyft services.
On our trip, we rented a small SUV from Chris Darling with C2 Rentals. This process was super easy. I contacted Chris prior to our trip to make arrangements. He was waiting on us at the airport with a welcoming smile, our transportation, and simple instructions on car rental procedures (including a reminder to drive on the LEFT).
Eleuthera hotels & accommodation options
While you won’t find any chain hotels or resorts on Eleuthera, you WILL find a variety of accommodations that will fit any travelers’ needs. The great thing is that because the island is so narrow, if you’re not staying directly on the beach, you’re very close.
Mika’s Resort
Mika’s Resort is located in Governor’s Harbor, which is mid-island. It is a collection of four beachside casitas and a penthouse suite housed above the main building. In the main building is the check-in area, the spa treatment area, and a community kitchen.
Mika’s is unique in that it has the conveniences of a vacation rental with the boutique resort feel and amenities. There is staff available onsite or via Whatsapp should you require any assistance whatsoever.
We stayed in Casita #1, which is one of the casitas closest to the beach. It comes well equipped with a spacious bedroom area and kitchenette. The counter/bar area is perfect for dining or it can serve as a great work space. Not only is the view from the large window at the front of the casita spectacular, even the scenery from the shower window is unbelievable!
Another nice feature about Mika’s is that while there may be others staying on-site, you may or may not see them, which makes for a secluded feel.
As you walk down the steps from the casitas, the sheltered deck with lounge chairs is so inviting, as is the long stretch of beach beyond. Have you ever wanted an entire beach to yourself? Then, look no further.
Pineapple Fields Resort
Another great option is Pineapple Fields Resort, a boutique condo resort, just outside of Governor’s Harbor. The 32 one and two bedroom units on this 5-acre property are divided into 8 buildings. Each space is brightly and tastefully decorated. Stepping into each unit conveys a spirit of ‘welcome home.’
Then, there are the beautiful grounds. Each building is nestled between these lovely tropical garden areas, flourishing with greenery and flowers. It’s not uncommon to see several, little birds fluttering about their colorful surroundings. It was amazing just to stand and watch for them.
While touring this property, I quickly learned that the Pineapple Fields concept is multifaceted. Located behind the resort is a 30-acre farm where a selection of fruits and vegetables are grown for Tippy’s, an adjacent beachfront restaurant (more about Tippy’s later).
A vacation rental isn’t the only option at Pineapple Fields. Want to make Eleuthera a more permanent getaway? Pineapple Fields also offers ownership opportunities!
Other resorts
The island may be small, but Eleuthera offers a variety of accommodations. Vacation rentals are available along the beachfront. For those who prefer a resort-like atmosphere, Cape Eleuthera, French Leave Resort, and The Cove are options to consider.
Best beaches in Eleuthera
Ten Bay Beach
Imagine standing on a wide sand beach looking out over tranquil, clear blue water. When you visit Ten Bay Beach, that’s exactly what you get. This beach is located on the Caribbean side of Eleuthera. There are several trees along the shoreline that provide great shade, and when it’s low tide, enjoy wading through the shallow waters and walking along the sandbars looking for shells and sand dollars.
Rainbow Bay Beach
A perfect place for a picnic, Rainbow Bay Beach is a small beach located between Gregory Town and Governor’s Harbour airport. This beach is easily accessible with good parking. Many like to snorkel around the rocks on the left side of the beach.
Twin Cove Beach
Visitors to Eleuthera can find Twin Cove Beach on the Atlantic side of the island near Governor’s Harbour. While it may not be the easiest beach to get to, these two little cove beaches are beautiful and secluded and a great place to view several species of fish. With soft sand and crystal clear water, what more do you need?
Where to eat in Eleuthera
Food is a big reason why we travel, and you can’t go on vacation in Eleuthera without trying some of their Bahamian delicacies. There is no shortage of great restaurants on this Bahamas Out Island. No matter if you are dining on the waterfront or just nearby, the portions are plentiful and delicious. During our visit, conch fritters were a must have appetizer at most meals.
Some of our favorite restaurants include:
Tippy’s
Tippy’s is a beachfront bar/restaurant near Governor’s Harbour. Not only are the views from its open-air gazebos spectacular as patrons look out over the breathtaking turquoise waters, the inside of the restaurant is unique in that the table tops are made from old shutters from the well known hotel / club known as the Potlatch Club.
Tippy’s is one of the hottest places to dine on the island. Its lively atmosphere is contagious. Not only is the food delicious, the live music holds you in your seats, especially when Elliot, one of the co-owners, joins in to sing a few tunes.
Cravings
Cravings is definitely THE place for sweet treats. This sweet shop is located in James Cistern. Everything made here is delicious but if you have to narrow it down, try the rum cake or pineapple upside down cake. We enjoyed the salted caramel cheesecake…..for BREAKFAST! Cravings may not have any indoor seating but there are a couple of tables right outside near the water – a nice spot to enjoy your goodies.
Buccaneer Club Restaurant and Bar
This Governor’s Harbour’s establishment is ideal for a dinner out. You can enjoy your meal inside or outdoors on the large deck area that surrounds this amazing towering tree. The service is outstanding the the portions are plentiful, and menu items are reasonably priced. We will definitely return for their conch fritters!
Frigates – Rock Sound
Found on the waterfront in Rock Sound, the view from the outdoor dining area is fantastic. Guests can relax with a drink from a lounge chair in the sandy area by the water or enjoy the view from the tables on the deck. We loved the grilled shrimp. The chef seasons them perfectly.
The Shipyard – Spanish Wells
While you have to take a ferry over to Spanish Wells, a visit to this community on St. George’s Cay is certainly worthwhile. You can find The Shipyard on the eastern tip of the island. The Shipyard has a diverse menu and the restaurant is very inviting. It is yet another spot with beautiful views. We stopped here for lunch before our boat tour to enjoy the shrimp tacos.
LeoRose Sunset Beach Bar and Grill – James Cistern
LeoRose is located right by the water and has a cool little observation deck. It was a great choice for dinner on our first night on the island. When we arrived, it wasn’t crowded, and it was the perfect place to watch the sunset. The wings were fabulous.
Things to do in Eleuthera
Eleuthera is a great island for exploration. The island is unique in the fact that the best attractions have been naturally formed. Plus, it doesn’t cost anything to visit them. If you’re into spelunking, Eleuthera has several caves worth checking out. Eleuthera is also known for its blue holes, and you can’t have a vacation in Eleuthera without seeing the area from the water. That’s why we recommend renting a car and taking a boat tour.
Preacher’s Cave
Preacher’s Cave is located on the northern end of Eleuthera and marks the spot where a group of Christians took refuge after a shipwreck as they were seeking religious freedom from Bermuda. The island’s first religious service is said to have been conducted at Preacher’s Cave. Preacher’s Cave is also reported to have been used as a home and burial ground for some of the early Lucayans.
Cathedral Cave / Boiling Hole
Boiling Hole is a blue hole located in Rock Sound. Formed long ago, Boiling Hole bubbles and churns with the movement of the ocean tides. It’s also a great location to bird watch. Just beyond the Boiling Hole is Cathedral Cave. There are wooden stairs that make it easier to access the cave. Once inside the cave, the light from the hole in the top of the cave highlights the roots cascading down from the trees above.
Hatchet Bay Cave
Hatchet Bay Cave, the most extensive cave system in Eleuthera, spans at least 3 levels and has over a mile of twisting passages. You definitely need a flashlight if you visit this site and if you don’t want to run into any flying friends (aka bats), then go earlier in the day.
Sapphire Blue Hole
Sapphire Blue Hole is located near Preacher’s Cave in northern Eleuthera. Once you see the water, you will understand how this blue hole got its name. Visitors can make the approximate 20 feet jump from a wooden platform but make sure you have some decent upper body strength, as the only way out is a single rope hanging off the side of the rock formation.
Queens Baths
Queens Baths are a “must see” when you’re visiting Eleuthera. While you need good shoes to travel over the rocky terrain leading up to the Queens Baths, they are a perfect place to take a few minutes to relax in these naturally formed “hot tubs.” Low tide is definitely the best and safest time to visit.
Boat Tours
What’s a visit to a Caribbean island without a boat ride? While it’s certainly important to take in the sights on land, a boat tour provides a different perspective from the water. Plus, you can learn so many things about the area. Around Eleuthera, there are several excursion companies. We chose to go with Island Charters Spanish Wells.
To get to the quaint settlement of Spanish Wells, you take a water taxi over from Gene’s Bay Dock (at the northwestern tip of Eleuthera). Friendly people, great food, and peaceful, pristine beaches are just a few reasons that a visit to Spanish Wells makes for the perfect day trip.
Island Charters offers a variety of activities from which to choose: swimming with the pigs, feeding turtles, cliff jumping, reef fishing to name a few. We were looking for a relaxing tour to experience the overall beauty of the area, and we got just that. Captain Sean accommodated our wishes and our trip was full of stunning, white, sandy beaches, shelling, and we even saw sea turtles, stingrays, sand dollars, and starfish. Capt. Sean Sweeting was a wealth of information about the area and island life.
Leon Levy Plant Preserve
Imagine 25 acres of native Bahamian flowers, plants, and trees. The Leon Levy Plant Preserve is the first and only national park on Eleuthera, and it serves as a research center for traditional bush medicine. The Preserve is a place to learn about Bahamian history as it relates to its native flora and fauna. Visitors can enjoy the walking trails where you’re sure to see an abundance of birds and butterflies.
Planning the Perfect Vacation in Eleuthera
A vacation in Eleuthera has the best of both relaxing resort time and places to visit, learn and explore. There are calm white sand beaches, wild coastline, wildlife, so much lush greenery and many natural wonders, plus great local shopping and tours. You can be as active or as chilled as you wish, and the wonderful people of Eleuthera will make it special, guaranteed.
If Eleuthera sounds like the relaxing and nature-filled vacation you are looking for, please get in touch and we can answer any questions you may have; as well as book your trip for you.
Let us help you plan your vacation in Eleuthera,
with our full service Travel Agency!
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