Where is Eleuthera? In The Bahamas!
Eleuthera, The Bahamas is a long, thin island and includes a chain of smaller islands, such as Harbour Island, Windermere Island, Man Island, and Current Island. When you look at a map, you’ll see it is located on the eastern edge of The Bahamas, with its western edge forming part of the Great Bahama Bank and its eastern edge bordering the Atlantic Ocean. Eleuthera is approximately 110 miles long and approximately a mile wide at its narrowest point. There are three districts: North, Central, and South Eleuthera. Its name is Greek in origin, meaning “free.” Visitors loves its pink sandy beaches and ancient coral reefs.
What are some things to do in Eleuthera?
Tourism is the islands #1 industry, and you’ll find plenty to do in this tropical paradise. Although you’ll be tempted to just sit on the beach every day, get out and about for some island adventure. Visitors enjoy every type of water sport: bone fishing, swimming, kayaking, diving a blue hole, snorkeling the reefs, boat rentals, and more. Find a quiet harbor and enjoy a picnic. Explore some of the natural wonders of the island.
Some of the best attractions include:
Bannerman Town is a quiet and undeveloped settlement in South Eleuthera on the Caribbean side. Locals live among the Miller Plantation ruins. One of the best-kept secrets is Lighthouse Beach, home to the only lighthouse in Eleuthera. Tourists report on the spectacular views of the water and being able to see Mt. Alvernia, the highest point in The Bahamas, which is located on Cat Island to the south.
Dunmore Town, a picturesque oceanfront village, is the only town on Harbour Island. Many visitors make a day trip visit to the town, while others stay there for its charm. With some 20 restaurants, you’ll find a tasty variety. It is a quiet spot, but if you’re looking for nightlife, there is dancing at Daddy D’s or a late dinner at Acquapazza Ristorante.
Freetown may be tiny, but there’s much to see nearby. There are kayak and paddleboard rentals so you can check out nearby Cape Eleuthera. You can also get in touch with your inner-artist with some do-it-yourself glass etching.
Glass Window Bridge may be the most popular photo spot in Eleuthera. Located on the Queen’s Highway just 4 miles from Gregory Town, it is a natural wonder. Here you’ll see the bright blue Atlantic Ocean on the eastern side of the bridge. Look to the west, and you’ll see the rich turquoise of the Bight of Eleuthera, which many people incorrectly refer to as the Caribbean Sea. These two magnificent bodies of water are separated by a 30 ft. wide strip of rock.
Gregory Town boasts two lovely stretches of surf and sand: Twin Sisters Beach and Lover’s Beach. Tourists can also catch a fishing charter here. Plan time to explore Hatchet Bay Cave nearby. Or, you can enjoy the R&R of hot springs and geysers at Queen’s Bath.
And there are more…
Lighthouse Point is located at the southern tip of Eleuthera on Lighthouse Beach. Disney Cruise Line is currently creating a new experience here to complement their cruise stop at Castaway Cay in the Abacos.
North Palmetto Point is located approximately midway on Eleuthera. It offers numerous accommodations, restaurants, and miles of beaches. Not too far away you can explore Edwin’s Turtle Lake Marine Reserve and Leon Levy Native Plant Preserve. Another popular spot is Eleuthera Island Farm where you can visit a charming farmers market and pick up some fresh produce and delicious baked goods.
Rock Sound is home to Rock Sound International Airport. Here visitors enjoy Cathedral Cave, Ocean Hole, Whiteland Beach, and Northside Beach. Eleuthera Adventure Tours is located in Rock Sound, and they can hook you up with guides, scooter rentals, turtle tours, kayaking, snorkeling, paddle boarding, and so much more. Experienced tour guides show you the best sites both in and out of the water.
Savannah Sound is located around the midway point on Eleuthera. Here you’ll find more beautiful beaches and plenty of beautiful homes for rent right on the ocean. By being centrally located, you can head north or south with ease to tour all Eleuthera has to offer.
Tarpum Bay is one of the larger settlements on Eleuthera. The vibrant colors of the buildings will catch your eye, and you’ll appreciate the beautiful waterfront church. Time your visit toward the end of the day when the fishermen come in. You’ll be able to purchase your freshly caught dinner and take it home to grill.
How do I get to Eleuthera?
If you’re wondering how to get to Eleuthera in The Bahamas, wonder no more. Getting to Eleuthera has never been easier. Epic Airways flies to Eleuthera, and we’re standing by to help you get your vacation started. Safe, affordable, and comfortable, the premium aircraft make you feel like you’re already on vacation. Folks who don’t live in Florida often fly the airlines into Orlando or Daytona Beach and then grab an Epic Airways flight out of New Smyrna Beach directly to the island. Eleuthera has three airports: Governor’s Harbour Airport, Rock Sound International Airport, and North Eleuthera Airport. Most people fly into GHA because of its central proximity.
Travel Tips
You’ll want to make the absolute most out of your trip to Eleuthera, so consider these tips while you’re planning:
- How you get there is important. Epic Airways takes you in comfort and style. You avoid the mad rush of the major airlines and feel as though your vacation starts the minute you arrive at New Smyrna Beach Airport. Generous baggage allowances matter, even if you’re only packing swimsuits and sunscreen!
- Look at the map. The island is long and narrow, and depending on what you want to do, you may want to stay in the north or south, although many people prefer a central location around Governor’s Harbour, especially since this is where you’ll fly to.
- What type of housing do you want? If you prefer a more independent and private stay, you may want to rent a private home. They typically come with everything you need, including cookware, dinnerware, towels, sheets, and more. However, hotels and resorts offer their own amenities, so decide ahead which type of accommodations you prefer. Read descriptions carefully. “On the beach” and “near the beach” are two different things.
- Do you need a car? If so, car rentals are available at Governor’s Harbour Airport. Plan accordingly. Queen’s Highway is the main road through Eleuthera, but make sure you get off the beaten path. Watch for the occasional pothole.
- Grocery stores open only in the mornings on Sunday, and they typically close early, around 5:00 or so on weekdays. So, depending on your arrival time, research which restaurants are open or arrange with your host to have some food provisions on hand.
- Eleuthera is not your typical tourist destination. Do not expect theme parks and massive gift shops. This place is old school Bahamas, meaning beaches are the reason you’re there. There is plenty to do, but you won’t be turned off by commercialism.
- Look up! There is virtually no light pollution in Eleuthera. Go outside at night, turn off the outdoor lights, and look at the sky. You won’t believe your eyes. The vast beauty of the night sky in Eleuthera is incomparable.
Where can I stay in Eleuthera, The Bahamas?
Whether you are just visiting for a long weekend or making a real sabbatical of your trip, there many beautiful places to stay. Prices for a vacation rental in Eleuthera, The Bahamas are surprisingly affordable, whether you book a room at a resort hotel or private accommodations. Many house rentals are right on the water, and each one offers unique characteristics.
Historic Properties
One particular home is exceptional for its former tenants: John Lennon, wife Cynthia, and son Julian. This was back in the 1960s when the exclusive club and resort called The Potlatch Club catered to the rich and famous. Prince Charles, Greta Garbo, and the Beatles were guests there. The Lennons stayed at the Potlatch property called Kokomo in Palmetto Point where photos of their stay still grace the walls. Sadly, The Potlatch Club fell into disrepair, although new owners are working to restore and rebuild some of the buildings. There are many historic places to see and visit in Eleuthera – some where you can even stay!
Other Places to Stay in Eleuthera, The Bahamas
There are hundreds of beautiful rental properties in Eleuthera, The Bahamas along with resorts and hotels. We encourage you to read reviews and consider location and other factors when making your choice. Where is the best place to stay? Anywhere! Here are a few popular spots, but we highly recommend researching information to find the perfect place for you.
- Cape Eleuthera Resort and Marina
- The Cove Eleuthera
- French Leave Resort
- Hut Pointe Inn
- Mika’s Resort
- Pineapple Fields Resort
- Pink Sands Resort
- Romora Bay Resort & Marina
- Sky Beach Club
- Tingum Village Hotel
- Valentines Resort and Marina
- Villa Allamanda
Getting Around in Eleuthera, The Bahamas
Visitors typically rent a car, but you can also hop a ferry for a fun excursion, and others skirt around the island aboard boats. At the northern tip of the island, Bahamas Ferries and Genes Bay Dock offer ferry rides to other points in The Bahamas. Many people travel from Genes to go swim with the pigs. (If you haven’t enjoyed a swim with a pig, you don’t know what you’re missing! This is one activity the Bahamas are known for.) Governor’s Harbour Ferry Dock is more centrally located on the island. If you’re wondering how far it is from the northern tip to the southern tip of Eleuthera, the island itself is just over 100 miles, but traveling the Queen’s Highway takes anywhere from 2.5 to 3 hours.
Dining in Eleuthera, The Bahamas
There are numerous grocery stores throughout the island. Since many people rent furnished homes, they often do their own cooking. You’ll find well-stocked stores and can buy fresh fish from locals who fish daily. Enjoy cooking at home, but don’t let this stop you from getting out to the restaurants. Eleuthera restaurants offer exceptional Bahamian cuisine featuring fresh seafood, vegetables, and fruit. Naturally, you’ll find plenty of outdoor dining options. Tippy’s Restaurant & Beachside Bar on Banks Road in North Palmetto Point is a favorite destination. A collection of beachside open-air gazebos offers great views while dining, and the restaurant has been featured in Food and Wine, The New York Times, and Bon Appetit. And there’s live music every Saturday!
Ready to plan your trip to Eleuthera? Contact Epic Airways for your first-class flight to this world-class vacation destination.
Local Climate
Eleuthera's tropical savannah climate means that temperatures range from the mid-70s (F) in "winter" to the high-80s/low-90s in summer. The weather is amazing year-round, so what to pack will never be a challenge.
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