Eleuthera

Although the Bahamian island of Eleuthera is only about 225 miles east of Miami, once you arrive you will feel like you’re a million miles away. This feeling is even greater at night, when, due to the lack of development and ambient light, the sky dazzles with millions of bright, twinkling stars. To further enhance this otherworldliness, gorgeous – often deserted – pink sand beaches line Eleuthera’s coast from start to finish. Many of these beaches aren’t marked, so you have to look for “subtle landmarks” in order to discover them. This beautiful but unobtrusive island is long (110 miles) and skinny (no more than a mile wide). So long, in fact, that it has three airports: North Eleuthera (where you take the water taxi to Harbour Island from), Governor’s Harbour, and Rock Sound (you can fly into either to get to Windermere Island).

Bright and colourful painted houses with tumbling tropical foliage mark the streets throughout Eleuthera, and as you turn your head down the sandy lanes, beautiful pink sand beaches and sparkly waters catch your eye. Small, sleepy settlements dot the sparsely populated island, the largest of which is Rock Sound at the southern end. Here you will find two very popular restaurants; Northside Restaurant and Bar, great for authentic Bahamian food, and Pascal’s at Cape Eleuthera. Both have incredible sea views. About an hour north from here is charming Governor’s Harbour. Two top foodie spots here include Tippy’s, a casual beachside shack with delicious food and a good wine, and Mate & Jenny’s Pizza Restaurant & Bar, for American and Bahamian food, and pretty good pizzas. And don’t miss the famous Governor’s Harbour Bakery, stuffed full of irresistible treats!

Eleuthera is a fun-filled, nature lover’s paradise, with many outdoorsy adventures to be enjoyed and fascinating sites to explore. Make sure you visit the one-of-a-kind Leon Levy Native Plant Preserve, home to a beautiful native flora and fauna. Swim in the incredible world-renowned Ocean Hole blue hole, supposedly explored by Jacques Cousteau, and find if there is any truth in those rumoured healing powers. Visit the wonderful Glass Window Bridge, and don’t miss the photo opportunity! And explore extensive cave systems, especially Hatchet Bay Cave, Preacher’s Cave, and Boiling Hole Cave. Immerse yourself in Eleuthera’s fascinating wildlife at Edwin’s Turtle Lake Marine Preserve and look out for a variety of migratory birds throughout the island. And indulge in great diving, snorkelling, windsurfing, kiting and fishing, including superb bonefishing, in Savannah Sound.

The local currency is the Bahamian dollar, changing at par with the U.S. dollar, which is accepted island-wide. Some of the airlines that service Eleuthera’s airports include Silver Airways, American, United and Bahamasair. Private aircraft are allowed to land at all three airports, and charter flights are available. You can also fly from Nassau which is about 60 miles away.

Related Articles

Looking for some more travel inspiration on Eleuthera and in the Bahamas? Peruse our travel journal here:

– Beachfront Villas

– September 2017 Caribbean Hurricane Update

– The Best Places for Snorkelling Across the Globe

– Our Guide to Dining in the Caribbean

– UltraVilla’s Favourite Caribbean Islands

– 10 Ultimate Island Escapes Around the World

If you would like to learn more about any of the above, please contact us here.