Eleuthera - Bahamas Ports of Call

Eleuthera, Bahamas

The name "Eleuthera" is derived from the Greek word for "free". The Island is very long and thin - 110 miles (180 km) long and in places little more than a mile wide.

Miles of pink and white sand beaches, serene colonial villages, and the rolling acres of pineapple plantations make Eleuthera an island of casual sophistication. [Bahamas Map]

Location: 60 miles east of Nassau
Size: 200 square miles
Population: 11,165
Language: English
Currency: Bahamian dollar
Tourism Info: Call Eleuthera Visitor Information at 242-332-2142
Getting there from Nassau: Fly with Bahamasair, Abaco Air, Southern Air or private air charter. Bahamas Ferries provides high-speed ferry service to Spanish Wells, Harbour Island, Governor’s Harbour and Current. The Mailboat costs $30 one way and takes five hours.

Attractions

Harbour Island is best known for its three-mile pink sand beach. The Harbour Island settlement of Dunmore Town dates back to the 18th century. While you are here, visit the "Hill Steps," which were cut out by prisoners, with an underground tunnel leading from the cove to Rock House, a nearby resort. Also on Harbour Island is Titus Hole, a cave with an open mouth that overlooks the harbour.

A short ferry ride from Eleuthera, Spanish Wells, aptly named, is where sailors came ashore from Spanish galleons to fill their casks with fresh water.

The people of this prosperous fishing village, renowned for their seamanship, have deep ancestral roots. There is a small museum where the seafaring residents’ rich heritage and culture is showcased. There is excellent fishing and diving available, even a sunken train wreck for those seeking underwater adventure.

Heading south from North Eleuthera are a trio of tiny communities, Upper and Lower Bogue and Current. The Glass Window Bridge, which joins North Eleuthera to the rest of the island, is flanked by the often-turbulent Atlantic Ocean and the serene Great Bahama Bank.

Nearby, Gregory Town is a world-class attraction for surfers.

Governor’s Harbour is the Island’s largest and busiest town. Tarpum Bay is home to the creative, artsy folk, and Rock Sound offers facilities for visitors and first-class golf course at Cotton Bay.


Getting around

Nearby settlements include: Harbour Island and Spanish Wells.

Inter-island Bahamas mailboats depart from Nassau and run weekly roundtrip to and from all islands.

Ferries provides high-speed ferry service to Spanish Wells, Harbour Island, Governor’s Harbour and Current. Mailboat costs $25 one way and takes five hours.

Taxi service is available on the Islands. Although metered rates vary by island, they are reasonable and are fixed by law. Bicycles are also available for rent at most popular tourist centers.

Rental cars are also available. You can use your home driver’s license for up to three months, but remember, when you take to the road, British rules apply, so keep to the left.

Pedestrians should remember to look right before crossing streets.

Check Dates & Prices for Bahamas Cruises.

Eleuthera and Harbour Island reviews