Guide to Eleuthera, Bahamas

Eleuthera is known for its magnificent beaches and its laid back vibe. This 100 mile narrow strip of land is surrounded by clear turquoise and blue colored waters. The island has a variety of magnificent shoreline views ranging from soft pink sand beaches to beautiful ascending cliff vistas. If a slower paced, off-the-beaten path trip is what you’re looking for, the bohemian vibes of Eleuthera could be the paradise you’re looking for.

If going to the Bahamas is on your list, I highly encourage you to visit Eleuthera. In this post, I will be sharing where to stay, what to do, where to eat and other helpful information to make your visit to Eleuthera the perfect getaway,

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Where to Stay

Eleuthera has an excellent variety of vacation rentals, homes, villas and cottages. The best part is that no matter where you are, the beach is never far! We stayed at Squires Estate, a collection of 19th century houses and cottages overlooking Governor’s Harbour and the Caribbean Sea.

The reason for our visit and stay at Squires Estates was for a wedding. Squires Estate is located near the powdery pink sands of French Leave beach and just up the hill from the retail amenities and restaurants of Governor’s Harbour.

If you enjoy more of a resort feel and being catered to I would suggest staying at French Leave Resort.

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Flight Plan

Eleuthera is divided into two separate areas, North and South Eleuthera. Both of these destinations boast a central location and depending where you want to stay will be the deciding factor on where you stay. Fortunately, traveling direct from South Florida to Eleuthera is incredibly easy, due to the fact that the island is home to three international airports. I flew direct from Fort Lauderdale to Governor’s Harbour then on the way back I flew North Eleuthera to Fort Lauderdale.

Don’t expect anything fancy when you land because the airports are literally a small building with a parking lot. After checking in, expect to stand outside and wait due to the lack of space inside. Some of the airports have a vending machine or a small shop that sells souvenirs, food and drinks across the street.

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Transportation

The island is relatively easy to find your way around, just one highway called Queen’s. I highly recommend renting a car and you can pick it up from the airport. There are no large chain car rental companies and the cars are much older and not in the best condition. We rented a car during our trip and we were so happy that we did because it gave us the freedom to tour the island as we pleased. If you rent a car keep in mind driving at night is dangerous due to the lack of street lights. I recommend only driving during the day as a tourist. Also, the roads are not well maintained and have lots of pot holes.

Taxis are an option, depending where you are, however it will be very expensive as things are pretty spread out. Don’t rely on public transportation because it is non existent.

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What To Do

1. Governor’s Harbour

Governor’s Harbour is the capital of Eleuthera and also the largest town on the island. Governors Harbour has a lovely collection of 19th century homes and churches overlooking its historic harbour. Stroll the classic Buccaneer Hill and gaze at the Victorian style homes. Friday Night Fish Fry in Governors Harbour is not to be missed! If you want to interact with the locals come join a street/beach party with food, drinks, and dancing in the street!

2. Swim with the Pigs

Just like Exuma, you can find an unusual group of residents – the swimming pigs who have been living on the island for several years. With an island all to themselves, the pigs who also appear to be on vacation,as they roam freely on the beach, are fed by visitors and even enjoy a casual swim. If swimming with pigs is on your bucket list and you haven’t made it to Exuma, well I recommend you do it!

A group of 10 of us chartered a boat with Captain Kid & Sons Charter for a half day tour and we paid $65 each after tip, which I hear is significantly cheaper than in Exuma. Our tour included snorkeling, exploring marine life, cliff diving and much more. Interested in a full day tour? No problem!

We met our captain about 5 miles North of Eleuthera Airport at Genes Bay Dock around 8:30 AM. We drove from Governor’s Harbour which took a little over an hour. I will say that you should be very careful driving in Eleuthera as the roads are not well maintained and there really aren’t obvious street signs pointing you in the right direction. Make sure you ask for directions before driving places because sometimes even google maps doesn’t recognize your location or how to get to certain places on the island.

Swimming, playing and feeding the pigs was definitely the highlight of the day! I mean, how cute are these little babies?! We had THE BEST TIME with Captain Jody exploring some of the most beautiful sights of Eleuthera. I would highly recommend Captain Kid & Sons Charter to anyone looking to coast along the Caribbean during their visit to Eleuthera.

Note: There is a liquor store at Genes Bay Dock so that you can bring any refreshments or adult beverages on board the day of your excursion. You can also bring any snacks, although the Captain did provide some snacks and water for all of us.

3. Sand Dollar Beach

Sand dollar beach is only accessible by boat and is the most stunning beach I have ever seen. Imagine a small sandbar of pure white sand surrounded by different shades of turquoise water. There was not one person in sight as we walked along the sand and picked up sand dollars — the very definition of paradise. I honestly could not believe how beautiful this beach was and that we had it all to ourselves.

I could have just stayed there all day admiring the beauty that surrounded us. This was my favorite beach while visiting Eleuthera. Be aware, Sand Dollar Beach is dependent on the tide. We were very fortunate to have experienced this on the day that we chartered a boat in Eleuthera.

4. Pink Sand Beach

French Leave Beach is among the most popular to visit because of its unique color. French Leave Beach has pink sand bordering the water, which is due to the millions of microscopic mollusc shells which cover the sand, their vibrant red color blending with the white sand creates this gorgeous pink hue.

5. Sapphire Blue Hole

This blue hole is located just minutes away from Preacher’s Cave on the northern part of Eleuthera. Jump in if you dare. I recommend wearing some type of water shoes because in order to get out you must climb up a rope against some sharp rocks.

6. Glass Window Bridge

The bridge connects the northern and southern points of Eleuthera by a paved road. One of the few places where you can see the rich blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean on one side of the road and the calm turquoise waters of the Caribbean on the other side, separated by a strip of rock just 30 feet wide. I recommend you stop and pull to the side to enjoy the view.

7. Day trip to Harbour Island

A small island a few miles off of Eleuthera that is full of beautiful beaches, pastel painted cottages with picket fences, quaint boutique hotels and restaurants. The island is only 3 ½ miles long by a half mile wide. The only way to get to Harbour Island is by boat. Water Taxi is your best bet and is just a short ride from the North Eleuthera airport. Once you get to the island, I highly recommend renting a golf cart as this is the main way of transportation. It is here that you will find the famous Pink Sands Beach. 

8. Queens Bath

Natural pools formed by erosion and warmed by the blazing Bahamian sun. These pools are just South of Glass Window Bridge and are a wonderful place to lie back and relax while enjoying the stunning scenery that surrounds you at low tide. Make sure to bring good shoes to climb down into the baths. Also, be very careful because the tide can increase very quickly and is powerful enough to sweep you away.

9. Spanish Wells

Spanish Wells is found on St George’s Cay right off the coast of North Eleuthera. Spanish Wells is found on St George’s Cay right off the coast of North Eleuthera. This small island emanates a wondrous charm. The Rock Sound area in the south is the up and coming area of commerce with franchises and business abounding.

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Where to Eat & Drink

French Leave Resort

Tippy’s

The Dunmore Hotel in Harbor Island

Buccaneer Club

Bacchus Fine Foods

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Tips for Eleuthera Bahamas

• Bring Cash – Most places only accept cash, although there are ATMs on the island, the surcharge is $3 plus your foreign transaction fee. American Dollars are accepted on the island.
• Bring LOTS of Bug Spray – The mosquitos are ruthless. Make sure to apply before going outside and reapply all throughout the day and night. I had welts all over that didn’t disappear for weeks after my trip. I would bring a bug repellent that is VERY strong, but still expect to get eaten alive.
• Go Grocery Shopping – We visited the local grocery store and purchased food, water and alcohol to keep in our house during our trip. Be prepared that everything on the island costs at least twice as much as you would pay elsewhere due to it having to be imported (even at restaurants).
• Light Clothing – The best part of the Caribbean is the warm weather, which means very light, airy clothing. Bring a hat to protect you from the sun.
• Drive Safe – If you rent a car make sure you’re driving on the correct side of the road. In Eleuthera, driving is on the left side of the road.

I will say, we were totally surprised when we landed on how underdeveloped the island of Eleuthera is, but it’s actually pretty amazing. Anywhere else in the world there would be high rise buildings, restaurants, chain hotels and shops, however in Eleuthera you have the gorgeous turquoise water and pink sand beaches to yourself. Totally adds to the island vibe and one of the reasons why I love this Bohemian island!

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Have you been to Eleuthera? Would you visit this island on your trip to the Bahamas?

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