13 Ultimate Things To Do In Eleuthera Bahamas
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Thinking of visiting Eleuthera? Come check out this quirky out island of the Bahamas and discover its unique vibe and easy going Bahamian style. Here are the 13 ultimate things to do in Eleuthera.
Situated east of Nassau, Eleuthera sits long and narrow as one of the family islands of the Bahamas. Spanning 110 miles in length and merely 30 feet in width at the Glass Window Bridge, this island is renowned for its distinctive pink sand beaches and unique attractions. Embracing a laid-back ambiance, Eleuthera emerges as a destination that promises an authentic and less touristy Bahamian experience.
We visited in 2022 and sailed from Rock Sound up to Hatchet Bay before navigating through Current Cut on our way to Spanish Wells. In Alice town (Hatchet Bay) we rented a car and spent a day exploring the island, here’s what we found.
Is Eleuthera Worth Visiting?
Absolutely! Eleuthera is a relaxed island with some very unique attractions, ideal for those who like a less touristy destination. You can relax on its many wonderful beaches, explore caves, sample local fare, swim with seahorses or jump in amazing blue holes…..the list goes on. No big resorts here, just charming accommodations, little settlements and with its close proximity to both Harbor Island and Spanish Wells, island-hopping day trips are possible.
Being 110 miles long there is much to do so we broke the island down into 3 sections. North, Middle, and South.
Things To Do In North Eleuthera
1. Island Hop To Harbor Island
First on the list, is an island hop to Harbor Island for the day. Technically not part of Eleuthera, but it is often mentioned in the same conversation, it has become a destination for affluent travelers. Just minutes from North Eleuthera Airport is Three Island Dock. There you will catch a 5 minute water taxi ride to Dunmore Town, the center of this 3-mile-long island, with its vibrant colonial architecture and waterfront hub.
Renting a golf cart is a fun way to get around town and there are many of them to choose from. Here are a couple to get started:
Take your golf cart to visit the famous Pink Sand Beach, a nearly 3 mile hard pack pink sandy beach. To wrap it up don’t forget to savor a meal at some of the Bahamas’ finest restaurants.
2. Jump In The Sapphire Blue Hole
Are thrills your thing? The Sapphire Blue Hole in North Eleuthera is one among the numerous sinkholes scattered across the Bahamas. This one is famed for its crystal blue hue and offers two wooden platforms for jumping. You do have to use a rope to climb back up so make sure you’re ok with that. Take a leisurely float, swim, or snorkel in the tranquil azure waters while capturing some memorable photographs you will definitely want to show off.
3 . Visit Preachers Cave
How about some history? Preacher’s Cave is a natural limestone cave like many in the Bahamas, this one however holds historical and cultural significance. In 1648, seeking religious freedom, European settlers known as the “Eleutheran Adventurers” shipwrecked near here on Devils Backbone Reef. These Puritans sought refuge in the nearby cave which also became a place of worship, hence the name.
The Puritan’s decision to establish a settlement on Eleuthera marked the beginning of organized European settlement in the Bahamas. In fact, most of the residences of nearby Spanish Wells are direct descendants of these original settlers.
Visitors to Preacher’s Cave can explore the cave, learn about its historical significance through informational displays, and enjoy the beauty of the surrounding area. It serves as a reminder of the early struggles and aspirations of those who sought religious freedom in the New World.
4 . Day Trip To Spanish Wells
I knew little of Spanish wells before our first visit in 2022. I always had heard it is one of the best places to get boat work done in the Bahamas and thats about it. It has an interesting history.
Most of the population are direct descendants of the Eluetheran Adventurers and Crown Loyalists from the US, making 80% of the population white. The locals have an accent like no other, a blend of British and Bahamian with a bit of southern twang is my best attempt to describe it. Built on Lobstering and now with a healthy boost from tourism it is a fairly affluent town with a population of about 1600.
Locals get around using golf carts, we rented one for the day from Harborside Rentals. It’s fun to drive around the island but keep in mind they do drive on the left side of the road which took some getting used to for us Americans. “Stay left or die right”
During our visit, we first hit up Spanish Wells Beach. This beach sits on the north side of Spanish Wells which at low tide has a huge sandbar. Great for walking and lounging in the water. Our boys had fun finding a ton of sea cucumbers popping out of the sandbar.
We ate some good meals at Buddas Snack Shack, and Jennifer’s Take Away. You can also check out Wreckers on the waterfront marina. After dinner, drive your golf cart to papa scoops for Ice cream. Day complete!
5. Glass Window Bridge
The Glass Window Bridge sits at the island’s thinnest part, separating the deep blue Atlantic from the shallow Bahama blues. At high tide, the Atlantic pushes through in a bubbly white froth. By car, you can pull off to the side of the road on either side of the bridge. We found a way, albeit not that safe, down below the bridge as it was low tide. This was very cool as the waves crashed up and in from the Atlantic side. This is a fun stop with some great photo ops.
Things To Do In Middle Eleuthera
6. Visit The Abandoned Club Med Resort
Just out of Govonors Harbor on French Leave Beach sits the ruins of a Club Med resort. Destroyed by Hurricane Floyd in 1999, it gets the imagination going on what it used to be like. I enjoy checking out ruins, it’s amazing what time and nature can do if we aren’t there to tame it back. It’s worth a stroll. And while you are there check out beautiful French Leave Beach.
7. Governors Harbor
Established by the Eleutheran Adventures in 1648, this settlement is the capital and administrative hub for the island. Things to do:
Eat
Buccaneer Club – Nice atmosphere and really good food.
Governors Harbor Bakery – Serving breakfast (my favorite meal), lunch, and pastries daily.
Fish Fry – Time your visit to catch the Fish Fry every Friday down on the waterfront. It’s a party with classic Bahamian food and good company. BBQ chicken, pork chop, or fried fish. And of course the famous Rum Bubba.
Coco + Cream – As a cruiser ice cream is a rare treat. Right next to the Buccaneer Club is Coco + Cream. This is good ice cream and hit the spot after our meal.
Da’ Perk – This is a great option for a morning cup o joe, breakfast, or lunch. Serving up a variety of sandwiches, salads, and sweets. Its worth a stop.
Shopping
Bahama Hand Prints – A shop selling handmade prints of all kinds of goods. From shirts, bags, and purses to pillows and placemats. We stumbled across the shop in Nassau where they print the material. The fabric is laid out on really long tables and screen-printed by hand. Cool operation and a great place to get gifts to take back to family.
Normas Gift Shop – Need to get a gift for someone back home? Normas has a wide variety of wares and souvenirs. A yellow building just off Queens Highway as you drive through Governors Harbor.
History
Haynes Library – Built in 1897 by Governor William Frederick Haynes Smith, this historical landmark is the oldest government building on the island and it is still a functioning library.
8. Leon Levy Native Plant Preserve
Founded in 2003 by Shelby White, a longtime resident, to honor her husband Leon Levy’s devotion to preserving the natural way of life on Eleuthera.
This 30-acre botanical garden managed by the Bahama National Trust offers a glimpse into the island’s diverse ecosystems, including hardwood coppice, wetlands, and mangrove forests. There are well-maintained trails and boardwalks, making it a great place for nature enthusiasts and walkers to explore the Bahamian flora and fauna. Click below for info on hours and admission fees.
Leon Levy Native Plant Preserve
Things To Do In South Eleuthera
Rock Sound
9. Cathedral Cave
I had to go into Cathedral Caves by myself due to a combination of injury, bugs, and fear of snakes. It’s about a 10-minute walk South from the town on the road. This is the biggest cave I have seen in the Bahamas with many rooms, overhead holes, and wiry roots traveling down from above. I chose not to share a picture so you experience it for yourself.
10. Swim In Ocean Hole
Ocean Hole is another landlocked sinkhole in the middle of town that’s connected to the ocean. There wasn’t anyone there when we went by but I heard locals swim in it. There sure were plenty of fish swimming around the edge and I guess people feed them.
Unique Things To Do In Eleuthera
It can be argued that many of the things to do in Eleuthera are unique, it’s part of what gives this island its quirky vibe. But these are the things we think were most unique when we were there.
11. Snorkel With Seahorses
One very unique experience is to snorkel at the Sea Horse National Park located just north of Hatchet Bay. Sweetings Pond, a landlocked lagoon within Eleuthera, is a hidden gem secretly linked to the ocean. It’s about a mile wide and up to 45 feet deep. This unique habitat is home to remarkable marine life, including seahorses, octopuses, colossal crabs, clams, and more.
Notably, Sweetings Pond has a globally significant population of seahorses, particularly the intriguing male-pregnant lined seahorse, Hippocampus erectus, a species found in great numbers as seen nowhere else. This exceptional ecosystem plays a crucial role in safeguarding the species from decline in other regions of its habitat.
While we were anchored in Hatchet Bay I heard that it also used to be landlocked just like Sweetings Pond but they blasted the rock away to make a harbor. The Bahamas National Trust declared it a national park in September 2023. There are some strict rules as far as the Bahamas goes. We had a car for one day so we couldn’t do it all so unfortunately we didn’t experience this.
12. Queens Bath
If you go to see the Glass Window Bridge you’ll want to check out the Queens Baths just to the south. These are what I’d call a series of big tidepools which at low tide are warmed by the sun and you can bathe. The geology here is really cool with many different formations.
Jagged rocks, smooth moon-like scapes, and even a couple of small overhanging caves as well. It was a bit hard to find the access from the road, it’s just a couple of rocks and a wide trail but we used Google Maps to get close.
13. Listen To Emit Sing
If you have a chance to hear Emit sing in Alice Town, it’s a hoot. He runs the Boater’s Haven Bar, Grill, & Convenience Store on Hatchet Bay. Grab a bite or a drink and hang out while he plays his guitar and serenades the cruisers. He will also help you get anything you need. When we anchored there he helped us rent a car and pointed us to the beach. Thanks Emit!
Best Restaurants In Eleuthera
In addition to the wonderful places mentioned above in Governors Harbor, Eleuthera has many great places to grab a bite. Here are some of the best bets:
- Tippy’s Restaurant and Beachside Bar
- Daddy Joe’s Restaurant & Inn
- Mel’s Snack Shack
- An Island Restaurant
- Sammy’s Place
Getting To Eleuthera
Unless you have your own boat you will be arriving by plane at North Eleuthera Airport.
- American Airlines – Daily flights from Miami to North Eleuthera (ELH). Weekly flight from Charlotte to North Eleuthera (ELH).
- Delta – Daily flights from Atlanta to North Eleuthera (ELH). Direct flights from New York JFK to Nassau.
- Makers Air – Four weekly flights from Fort Lauderdale to North Eleuthera (ELH).
- Aztec Airways – Five weekly flights from Fort Lauderdale to North Eleuthera (ELH).
For those of you that will already be in Nassau there is a fast ferry option to Spanish Wells or Harbor Island. From there you can venture over to Eleuthera.
Where To Stay In Eleuthera
When choosing accommodations, consider your travel style, budget, and desired amenities. From luxurious getaways to more rustic and budget-friendly choices, Eleuthera offers a diverse range of options, ensuring that there’s something for everyone. Here are some places to consider staying on the island:
Hotels And Resorts
There are several hotels and resorts on Eleuthera. These offer amenities like restaurants, pools, and beachfront access. Two luxury options are:
📍The Cove Eleuthera – If you want to “treat yourself”, this top of the line beachfront hotel fits the bill. A private beach, pool, 2 restaurants, a spa, and a 24 hour gym offering cardio and yoga classes, what’s not to like?
📍French Leave Resort – This resort features superb 1 and 2 bedroom villas on the beach, a restaurant with ocean views, live entertainment, a gym, an outdoor pool, kayaking, and paddleboarding.
Stylish beachfront hotels:
📍Mika’s Resort – A simple, stylish resort on a secluded beach offering 4 casitas and a penthouse. No pool or restaurant, instead you have the ocean and a community kitchen.
Or if you prefer more budget friendly (relatively speaking) stays, check out:
📍Sunset Cove – Modest rooms, a cafe, a restaurant, and a pool
📍Surfers Manor – Basic hotel near surfers beach
Vacation Rentals
Many visitors choose to rent vacation homes, cottages, or villas on Eleuthera. Websites like VRBO and Expedia have numerous listings for rental properties.
Eco-Resorts
Eco-friendly resorts and lodges emphasize sustainability and offer a closer connection to nature. If this is your jam, you have to consider:
📍The Other Side – A rusticly shiek solar powered glamping spot with a pool, garden, private beach, private bungalows, and a back to nature feel. To reserve, contact reserve.theotherside@gmail.com or call 242 808 1336.
Getting Around Eleuthera
No doubt about it, the best way to see Eleuthera is by car. There are many mom and pop places to rent from spanning the whole island. Below are a few we are familiar with.
📍John (242-557-7701) or Mr Sands (242-470-8760) in Rock Sound
📍Talk to Emit at Boaters Haven Bar & Grill in Alice Town
📍North Eleuthera Airport
Conclusion
This is by no means an exhaustive list of things to do in Eleuthera, there are many more adventures to be had but it’s a start. The authenticity of Eleuthera seen in its charming settlements and the genuine friendliness of its people, makes this a wonderful spot to spend some time. Come check it out!