Harbour Island
To reach Harbour Island, one can take a water taxi (~$5) from the main island of Eleuthera. Harbour Island has the highest concentration of hotels; many of them upscale. Harbour Island is more densely populated than Eleuthera. The 3 mile beach on Harbour Island features pink sand and clear waters and has often been cited by various travel magazines as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
Getting there
By plane
Eleuthera has 3 airports: North Eleuthera (ELH), Governors Harbour (GHB), and Rock Sound (RSD). All airports are small, open-air and convenient. ELH and GHB have onsite bars and ELH has an onsite restaurant.
ELH has the most flights arriving and departing. ELH is a short taxi ride and water taxi ride to Harbour Island. Most car rental places on the island will gladly pick you up at ELH and drive to another town on the island. ELH is 15 to 20 minutes north of Gregory Town.
GHB is the centrally-located island, located just south of the town of James Cistern and a 10 to 15 minute drive to Governor's Harbour, the largest town on Eleuthera.
Continental flies into ELH from Ft. Lauderdale (FLL) and Miami (MIA). American Airlines has direct flights to Eleuthera Governor's Harbour (GHB) from Miami.
Twin Air flies from Ft. Lauderdale into all 3 airports on Eleuthera. You can fly from Nassau to Eleuthera on Southern Air or Bahamas Air ; the flight is less than 30 minutes.
By boat
Bahamas Ferries . The ferry docks on Eleuthera at Governor's Harbour, Spanish Wells and neighboring Harbour Island. To get to and from Eleuthera and Harbour Island or Spanish Wells, you take a water taxi and a cab ride to reach your destination.
Traveling around
Eleuthera has no public transport system. There are taxis and car rentals. It's generally best to rent a car to explore Eleuthera. Hitchhiking is popular and locals are generally helpful and friendly. Bicycling is increasingly popular, but see notes below.
Eleuthera is 110 miles long, and delightful to explore. Be prepared: Eleuthera's gas prices are $1-2 higher than the U.S. Car rental costs are based on a per day basis and never involve extra fees. In most cases, you don't sign papers. No car rental chain companies exist on Eleuthera -- you rent from locals who may keep a fleet of rental cars in their yards. Some entrepreneurs combine their car rental companies with a gas station or with a taxi company. As you drive around (on the LEFT-HAND side of the road), you will need a good map or good local knowledge.
By bike
Eleuthera with its rolling hills (and three killers around Gregory Town) is the most challenging island of the Bahamas. The main road, Queen's Highway, the only option for road bikes) should not be ridden by beginners. For more casual riders, mountain bikes are fine; a hybrid is an ideal compromise. There are no bike shops and serious riders usually bring their own, but several resorts and individuals rent mountain bikes or hybrids. Refer to other pages on Eleuthera for details.
Bicycling is a growing sport and Eleuthera hosts the Cancer Society "Ride for Hope," with 50-75-100 mile competitions, every April. The Queen's Highway is well paved (watch out for road repairs north of Governor's Harbour airport). Drivers are generally courteous, giving bikes a wide berth, but use a rearview mirror and wear a helmet. The greater danger lies ahead: cars pulling out to pass who may not see you coming at them. Be alert when you see an oncoming car closely following another. Another problem: being chased local dogs ("pot-cakes"). Lately there haven't been many, but be on the lookout south of Tarpum Bay and around Gregory Town.
By car
Taylor & Taylor Rent-A-Car , Palmetto Point, 242-332-1665.
See
The many beautiful beaches
Current Cut in North Eleuthera
Preachers' Cave in North Eleuthera
Glass Window Bridge in North-Eleuthera
Queen's Bath south of Glass Window Bridge
Surfer's Beach south of Gregory Town
Hatchet Bay Caves south of Gregory Town
Ocean Hole in Rock Sound, South Eleuthera
Lighthouse Beach / Bannerman Lighthouse south of Bannerman Town
Things to do
Enjoy (walk, swim, snorkel, get a tan, or whatever you like to do on beaches) the many great beaches. The water is usually rougher (bigger waves) on the Atlantic side of the island.
Surfing near Gregory Town in North-Central Eleuthera ("Surfer's Beach").
Swim, snorkel or dive the tidal current at Current Cut (North Eleuthera). Thrilling!
Fishing is one of the biggest sports in Eleuthera. Several people have recommended Paul Petty as a good local fishing guide.
Explore the Hatchet Bay Cave... bring a friend and at least one flashlight (preferably one each - or a back-up candle and matches - you don't want to get stuck without light down there!). Bring swimming gear if you want to explore the lowest level, which is half-filled with water. There are some friendly bats in the cave, but not many.
Explore some of the other caves on the island (there are several)! A) There is one just north of Ten Bay Beach (South of South Palmetto Point) - look out for the "Bahamas Heritage" sign on Queen's Highway. This one has a huge colony of bats, you can't miss them, and you will need a flashlight here! B) There is a nice system of caves just south of Rock Sound - look out for the "Bahamas Heritage" sign opposite to a church. You don't need any flashlight here. There is a small colony of bats in one of the caves. Also, look out for the turtle in the nearby "bottomless" pond. C) Preacher's Cave, close to a nice beach at the northern end of Eleuthera, is of historic interest as "The first Bahamian settlement". No flashlights needed here. The unpaved road, taking you the 2 miles or so from Queen's Highway to the cave, is a tough drive for a normal car (although possible).
Watch the Junkanoo parade in Tarpum Bay (this is a must if you happen to be on the island during Christmas time)! Check with the locals for the exact schedule.
Feed the fishes (or swim with them) in the Ocean Hole in Rock Sound.
Take a bath in "Queen's Bath", a mile or so south of the Glass Window Bridge. But make sure to watch out for big waves!
Attend a "Friday Night's Fish Fry" in Governor's Harbour. A large percentage of all tourists on the island seems to gather here every Friday for some BBQ, drinks and loud music. Be prepared to wait for an hour or more to get your food once you have ordered.
Eat
Mate & Jenny's (Mate & Jenny's Pizza Restaurant & Bar) , South Palmetto Point, Turn towards South Palmetto Point from Queen's Highway and you will have Mate & Jenny's on the right very soon, Reasonable prices and good pizzas. A good place for a laid back dinner. The owner seems to have run the place for many decades.
Sammy's Place (Sammy's Restaurant & Bar) , Rock Sound, Follow the signs or ask the locals when in Rock Sound, Very reasonably priced and good local food.
The Beach House Tapas Bar & Lounge, Club Med Beach, On the Atlantic side beach next to the road between Governor's Harbour and North Palmetto Point, Great food. Live music and open air
The Laughing Lizzard Café, Closes at 4 pm., Gregory Town, On a hillside next to the main road just north of Gregory Town, Good place for lunch. Tasty wraps and smoothies.
Buccaneer Club Restaurant, Governor's Harbour, OK and reasonably priced food. Breakfast, lunch and dinner 7 days a week.
The Bistro at Sky Beach Club, 242-332-3422 , Queen's Highway, Govenors Harbour, 4 miles south of the Governors Harbour airport, Beachside and poolside restaurant with excellent seafood and international cuisine. Serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Drink
Tippy's, on a very nice pink sand beach between Governor's Harbour and Palmetto Point.
Elvina's, rustic night spot in Gregory Town where Lenny Kravitz performs occasionally. Open mike jam sessions with local musicians on Tuesday and Friday nights.
Fish Fry, Governor's Harbour, next to Haynes Library, fish-fry every Friday night where locals and tourists meet on the water front. The food and drinks are good -- the music very loud.
Sleep
On Eleuthera there are only about 3 hotels on the waterfront even though the island is 100 miles long. Many foreigners rent their homes.
Pineapple Fields Hotel, 242-332-2221, Banks Road, Banks Road south of Governor's Harbour, Pineapple fields is a residential Island resort development with spectacular ocean views, just a step away from our breath-taking beach on the island of Eleuthera in the Bahamas.
The Rainbow Inn, P.O. Box EL25053, Governor's Harbour, 242-335-0294, vacation@rainbowinn.com, located on Queen's Highway south of Hatchet Bay.
Quality Inn Cigatoo* , Haynes Avenue PO Box 86 , Governors Harbour, (242) 332-3060, The beautiful pink Bahamas beaches of the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea are all within walking distance of this Governors Harbour hotel.
Hut Pointe, 239-482-8173, matt@hutpointe.com, Queens Highway, north of Governors Harbour, 3 miles north of Governors Harbour and 4 miles south of the Governors Harbour airport., Hut Pointe is a charming, eco-friendly resort featuring seven decorated residences on lush grounds near Governors Harbour. Each residence has two bedrooms, a large living room, kitchen, dining area and large bathroom. Historic Hut Pointe was built in 1944 by the first Premier of the Bahamas. It has been completely renovated and restored. Historic Hut Pointe is a few minutes walk to the pink sand beaches of Eleuthera.
Sky Beach Club, 239-482-8173, msimon@skybeachclub.com, Queens Highway, Governors Harbour, Eleuthera, 3 miles north of Governors Harbour, 4 miles south of Governors Harbour airport, Put your feet up, relax and enjoy a book on the pink sand beach. Bistro, with a full-service swim-up cocktail bar. Sky Beach Club blends modern amenities with the splendor of unmatched natural beauty and excellent service.
Unique Village (Unique Village Resort) , North Palmetto Point, Follow the road along the Atlantic side in Palmetto Point until you see the signs, Friendly budget hotel/resort on a gorgeous pink-sand beach. Has rooms, apartments, villas, a small pool and a restaurant. The second-floor
Buy
Eleuthera is really not an island for shopping. There's a nice souvenir shop in Gregory Town - The Island Made Gift Shop. They also sell the best map of the island (it's made in 1996 but still the best). Another place that sells souvenirs along with local fruits, vegetables and homemade bread is Island Farm located just south of Palmetto Point crossroads. Island Farm also offers free wi-fi service on the premises. Most of the larger towns have a few shops or more. If you are looking for huge (cracked, but still cool) conch shells, check out the harbour in Gregory Town.
From North Eleuthera take the water taxis to visit the nearby islands Harbour Island and Spanish Wells.
Contact & location
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Eleuthera is an island in Bahamas.
Regions
Harbour Island To reach Harbour Island, one can take a water taxi (~$5) from the main island of Eleuthera. Harbour Island has the highest concentration of hotels; many of them upscale. Harbour Island is more densely populated than Eleuthera. The 3 mile beach on Harbour Island features pink sand and clear waters and has often been cited by various travel magazines as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
Getting there
By plane
Eleuthera has 3 airports: North Eleuthera (ELH), Governors Harbour (GHB), and Rock Sound (RSD). All airports are small, open-air and convenient. ELH and GHB have onsite bars and ELH has an onsite restaurant.
ELH has the most flights arriving and departing. ELH is a short taxi ride and water taxi ride to Harbour Island. Most car rental places on the island will gladly pick you up at ELH and drive to another town on the island. ELH is 15 to 20 minutes north of Gregory Town.
GHB is the centrally-located island, located just south of the town of James Cistern and a 10 to 15 minute drive to Governor's Harbour, the largest town on Eleuthera.
Continental flies into ELH from Ft. Lauderdale (FLL) and Miami (MIA). American Airlines has direct flights to Eleuthera Governor's Harbour (GHB) from Miami. Twin Air flies from Ft. Lauderdale into all 3 airports on Eleuthera. You can fly from Nassau to Eleuthera on Southern Air or Bahamas Air ; the flight is less than 30 minutes.
By boat
Bahamas Ferries . The ferry docks on Eleuthera at Governor's Harbour, Spanish Wells and neighboring Harbour Island. To get to and from Eleuthera and Harbour Island or Spanish Wells, you take a water taxi and a cab ride to reach your destination.
Traveling around
Eleuthera has no public transport system. There are taxis and car rentals. It's generally best to rent a car to explore Eleuthera. Hitchhiking is popular and locals are generally helpful and friendly. Bicycling is increasingly popular, but see notes below.
Eleuthera is 110 miles long, and delightful to explore. Be prepared: Eleuthera's gas prices are $1-2 higher than the U.S. Car rental costs are based on a per day basis and never involve extra fees. In most cases, you don't sign papers. No car rental chain companies exist on Eleuthera -- you rent from locals who may keep a fleet of rental cars in their yards. Some entrepreneurs combine their car rental companies with a gas station or with a taxi company. As you drive around (on the LEFT-HAND side of the road), you will need a good map or good local knowledge.
By bike
Eleuthera with its rolling hills (and three killers around Gregory Town) is the most challenging island of the Bahamas. The main road, Queen's Highway, the only option for road bikes) should not be ridden by beginners. For more casual riders, mountain bikes are fine; a hybrid is an ideal compromise. There are no bike shops and serious riders usually bring their own, but several resorts and individuals rent mountain bikes or hybrids. Refer to other pages on Eleuthera for details.
Bicycling is a growing sport and Eleuthera hosts the Cancer Society "Ride for Hope," with 50-75-100 mile competitions, every April. The Queen's Highway is well paved (watch out for road repairs north of Governor's Harbour airport). Drivers are generally courteous, giving bikes a wide berth, but use a rearview mirror and wear a helmet. The greater danger lies ahead: cars pulling out to pass who may not see you coming at them. Be alert when you see an oncoming car closely following another. Another problem: being chased local dogs ("pot-cakes"). Lately there haven't been many, but be on the lookout south of Tarpum Bay and around Gregory Town.
By car
Taylor & Taylor Rent-A-Car , Palmetto Point, 242-332-1665.
See
The many beautiful beaches
Current Cut in North Eleuthera
Preachers' Cave in North Eleuthera
Glass Window Bridge in North-Eleuthera
Queen's Bath south of Glass Window Bridge
Surfer's Beach south of Gregory Town
Hatchet Bay Caves south of Gregory Town
Ocean Hole in Rock Sound, South Eleuthera
Lighthouse Beach / Bannerman Lighthouse south of Bannerman Town
Things to do
Enjoy (walk, swim, snorkel, get a tan, or whatever you like to do on beaches) the many great beaches. The water is usually rougher (bigger waves) on the Atlantic side of the island.
Surfing near Gregory Town in North-Central Eleuthera ("Surfer's Beach").
Swim, snorkel or dive the tidal current at Current Cut (North Eleuthera). Thrilling!
Fishing is one of the biggest sports in Eleuthera. Several people have recommended Paul Petty as a good local fishing guide.
Explore the Hatchet Bay Cave... bring a friend and at least one flashlight (preferably one each - or a back-up candle and matches - you don't want to get stuck without light down there!). Bring swimming gear if you want to explore the lowest level, which is half-filled with water. There are some friendly bats in the cave, but not many.
Explore some of the other caves on the island (there are several)! A) There is one just north of Ten Bay Beach (South of South Palmetto Point) - look out for the "Bahamas Heritage" sign on Queen's Highway. This one has a huge colony of bats, you can't miss them, and you will need a flashlight here! B) There is a nice system of caves just south of Rock Sound - look out for the "Bahamas Heritage" sign opposite to a church. You don't need any flashlight here. There is a small colony of bats in one of the caves. Also, look out for the turtle in the nearby "bottomless" pond. C) Preacher's Cave, close to a nice beach at the northern end of Eleuthera, is of historic interest as "The first Bahamian settlement". No flashlights needed here. The unpaved road, taking you the 2 miles or so from Queen's Highway to the cave, is a tough drive for a normal car (although possible).
Watch the Junkanoo parade in Tarpum Bay (this is a must if you happen to be on the island during Christmas time)! Check with the locals for the exact schedule.
Feed the fishes (or swim with them) in the Ocean Hole in Rock Sound.
Take a bath in "Queen's Bath", a mile or so south of the Glass Window Bridge. But make sure to watch out for big waves!
Attend a "Friday Night's Fish Fry" in Governor's Harbour. A large percentage of all tourists on the island seems to gather here every Friday for some BBQ, drinks and loud music. Be prepared to wait for an hour or more to get your food once you have ordered.
Eat
Mate & Jenny's (Mate & Jenny's Pizza Restaurant & Bar) , South Palmetto Point, Turn towards South Palmetto Point from Queen's Highway and you will have Mate & Jenny's on the right very soon, Reasonable prices and good pizzas. A good place for a laid back dinner. The owner seems to have run the place for many decades.
Sammy's Place (Sammy's Restaurant & Bar) , Rock Sound, Follow the signs or ask the locals when in Rock Sound, Very reasonably priced and good local food.
The Beach House Tapas Bar & Lounge, Club Med Beach, On the Atlantic side beach next to the road between Governor's Harbour and North Palmetto Point, Great food. Live music and open air
The Laughing Lizzard Café , Closes at 4 pm., Gregory Town, On a hillside next to the main road just north of Gregory Town, Good place for lunch. Tasty wraps and smoothies.
Buccaneer Club Restaurant, Governor's Harbour, OK and reasonably priced food. Breakfast, lunch and dinner 7 days a week.
The Bistro at Sky Beach Club , 242-332-3422 , Queen's Highway, Govenors Harbour, 4 miles south of the Governors Harbour airport, Beachside and poolside restaurant with excellent seafood and international cuisine. Serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Drink
Tippy's, on a very nice pink sand beach between Governor's Harbour and Palmetto Point.
Elvina's, rustic night spot in Gregory Town where Lenny Kravitz performs occasionally. Open mike jam sessions with local musicians on Tuesday and Friday nights.
Fish Fry, Governor's Harbour, next to Haynes Library, fish-fry every Friday night where locals and tourists meet on the water front. The food and drinks are good -- the music very loud.
Sleep
On Eleuthera there are only about 3 hotels on the waterfront even though the island is 100 miles long. Many foreigners rent their homes.
Pineapple Fields Hotel , 242-332-2221, Banks Road, Banks Road south of Governor's Harbour, Pineapple fields is a residential Island resort development with spectacular ocean views, just a step away from our breath-taking beach on the island of Eleuthera in the Bahamas.
The Rainbow Inn , P.O. Box EL25053, Governor's Harbour, 242-335-0294, vacation@rainbowinn.com, located on Queen's Highway south of Hatchet Bay.
Quality Inn Cigatoo* , Haynes Avenue PO Box 86 , Governors Harbour, (242) 332-3060, The beautiful pink Bahamas beaches of the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea are all within walking distance of this Governors Harbour hotel.
Hut Pointe , 239-482-8173, matt@hutpointe.com, Queens Highway, north of Governors Harbour, 3 miles north of Governors Harbour and 4 miles south of the Governors Harbour airport., Hut Pointe is a charming, eco-friendly resort featuring seven decorated residences on lush grounds near Governors Harbour. Each residence has two bedrooms, a large living room, kitchen, dining area and large bathroom. Historic Hut Pointe was built in 1944 by the first Premier of the Bahamas. It has been completely renovated and restored. Historic Hut Pointe is a few minutes walk to the pink sand beaches of Eleuthera.
Sky Beach Club , 239-482-8173, msimon@skybeachclub.com, Queens Highway, Governors Harbour, Eleuthera, 3 miles north of Governors Harbour, 4 miles south of Governors Harbour airport, Put your feet up, relax and enjoy a book on the pink sand beach. Bistro, with a full-service swim-up cocktail bar. Sky Beach Club blends modern amenities with the splendor of unmatched natural beauty and excellent service.
Unique Village (Unique Village Resort) , North Palmetto Point, Follow the road along the Atlantic side in Palmetto Point until you see the signs, Friendly budget hotel/resort on a gorgeous pink-sand beach. Has rooms, apartments, villas, a small pool and a restaurant. The second-floor
Buy
Eleuthera is really not an island for shopping. There's a nice souvenir shop in Gregory Town - The Island Made Gift Shop. They also sell the best map of the island (it's made in 1996 but still the best). Another place that sells souvenirs along with local fruits, vegetables and homemade bread is Island Farm located just south of Palmetto Point crossroads. Island Farm also offers free wi-fi service on the premises. Most of the larger towns have a few shops or more. If you are looking for huge (cracked, but still cool) conch shells, check out the harbour in Gregory Town.
From North Eleuthera take the water taxis to visit the nearby islands Harbour Island and Spanish Wells.
Contact & location
Be the first one to add a review
The photos displayed on this page are the property of one of the following authors:
jeremyparr, New Jersey Birds, mfrascella, cwagemans, abroomhe
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Bluewater, jan, Jani Patokallio, Hilary, Jessica Howington, Dieter Schoop, Ricardo and Michele Ann Jenkins, Mattsimonmx, Burmesedays, Jonboy and Airin
This travel guide also includes text from Wikipedia articles, all available at
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