Eleuthera in The Bahamas...
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How is Eleuthera different from other islands in the Bahamas or the Caribbean? It's simply this...
An island only developed to a degree. It has the most beautiful beaches but they are not crowded. Far from it! Yet you will find restaurants, stores, gas stations and banks but little entertainment with the exception of the Fish Fry in Governor's Harbour and Jam sessions at Elvina's in Gregory Town.
There are only a few hotels but many vacation rentals. It's an island with a moderate subtropical climate to relax, recover from stress and get away from the hectic world.
Click here for climate, air and water temperatures. I have collected this data over many years.
Where Is Eleuthera?
Other less developed Out-Islands in the Bahamas - like Andros, Cat Island, Great Exuma and Long Island - are lacking in infrastructure and are not offering as many rental villas.
See below how spectacular the waters around Eleuthera really are. The turquoise colors are indicating that the sea is shallow. That's why the old Spanish conquerors called it *Baya Mar* meaning shallow sea. And this term later was pronounced Bahamas.
And did you know that it's only an hour by air from Florida, meaning Miami or Fort Lauderdale? So, your Bahamas Out-Island vacation is only a short distance away!
A heaven of peace and tranquility is awaiting you. Particularly if you are a couple, a family of snorkelers and anglers.
The Most Pristine Pink Sand Beaches
And here's an example of an Atlantic side beach... Wykee Estates, 3 miles north of Governor's Harbour in the center of the island.
The number of beaches on Eleuthera is truly impressive. You'll be getting both... the beauty of the beaches and the beauty of the underwater world if you're a snorkeler or diver.
Or visit Queen's Bath, 0.34 miles (0.55 km) south of Glass Window Bridge, an interesting geological formation on the Atlantic side. Be careful though, the sea can be very rough and you might get washed away particularly if you get into the water at high tide.
The tranquil beach just across from Queen's Bath is
Twin Sisters Beach. Click here to view it.
How to Find Accommodation
Rental places for your beach vacation in Eleuthera abound. Why?... Because many foreigners - mainly from the US - are renting out their homes or guest cottages. Click here for an Eleuthera vacation rental on a beach of your choice.We know Judy who is very familiar with this and other islands of The Bahamas. Judy in Florida knows most Bahamas Beach House Rentals inside out. Click here to view good photos and contact Judy directly. She will find an ideal rental anywhere in the Bahamas for you.
Hotels?
Hard to believe but there are only three hotels directly on the water. The one in the North near Gregory Town is the newly (2007) renovated Cove Eleuthera on the Caribbean side.Just 3 miles north of Governor's Harbour the exclusive resort Sky Beach Club opened in 2009. Watch the two slide shows presenting the airy restaurant on the Atlantic side. It includes an infinity pool and a swim-up bar. On top of that, exclusive residences are available for up to 8 persons each, as well as comfortable and modern bungalows for couples.
In the central area of the island there's the third hotel with only 8 rooms, directly on the water. It's The Unique Village in North Palmetto Point on the Atlantic side with all the fine pink sand beaches.
Hut Pointe is an historic stone building containing seven luxury two-bedroom suites available for nightly or weekly rental. It is located between Governors Harbour and the airport, just up the road from Sky Beach Club. Hut Pointe is not directly on the water, but is situated on lush grounds.
A Draggable Satellite Map of Eleuthera!
What For?
So you can "fly" over the island and view the most important places of interest. This is amazing. Try it!...- To zoom in, click on the plus arrow [+] on the satellite map below.
- Click the minus arrow [-] to zoom out.
- Drag the map by holding down the left mouse button.
- For placemark captions click on View Larger Map on lower left side...
- Then click on the Governor's Harbour & Palmetto Point link.
- Clicking on any yellow placemark will show links to photos of beaches, restaurants, settlements and the three airports on the island.
View Larger Map
Friendly Island People
Eleuthera island is about 100 miles long and a quarter mile to four miles wide. Its population is only about 9'000. And Eleutherans - the English-speaking natives are very friendly. Let me give you a personal example...When we first arrived at Governor's Harbour airport, we were driven to the settlement Governor's Harbour, 9 miles south of the airport GHB. And what did we see?... An almost straight road across gently rolling hills looking like a roller coaster and...
Bush, bush, nothing but bush on either side. Lots of breathing space and a great sense of freedom! Well, Eleuthera is a Greek word and it does mean freedom.
As we entered the small town of Governor's Harbour, the locals waved at us. *You must be a very popular person*, I said to the driver. *Oh, no, this is just the way people are here* she told me. And so it is still today when we're driving to town.
Where Foreigners and Locals Meet
Right on the water front in Governor's Harbour you will see a small pink building which is the library where fast Internet access - even WiFi - is offered to the public. Most visitors go there to check their e-mail for a small fee.We like the friendly atmosphere and the fact that anyone who wants to chat with foreign second home owners, visitors or locals, is welcome. It's kind of a casual information center.
What to Expect of Eleuthera?
Watch this video about the Out-Islands in the Bahamas and Eleuthera in particular. The video shows Harbour Island, adjacent to Eleuthera, Surfer's Beach near Gregory Town on Eleuthera, the Queen's Bath near Glass Window Bridge and Cape Eleuthera Resort in the South.
This is Eleuthera... Crystal clear turquoise waters, awe-inspiring pink sand beaches and pure air. Absolutely no pollution.
And little traffic which by the way is left-hand traffic just like in England. The Bahamas after all were a British colony until 1973. That's why the children usually still greet me with a friendly *Good afternoon, sir*.
Grocery Stores
Here is friendly Normalie with her always smiling Haitian helper Kevin in Sands grocery store in Palmetto Point, 3 miles south of Governor's Harbour.
In the center of the island - between Governor's Harbour and Palmetto Point - there are a few grocery and liquor stores with quite a good selection. Do visit them on our shopping tour. They don't exactly compare to what you're used to in the US. Well, maybe with this one exception...
Rock Sound, in the South. There you'll find the largest grocery store on the island, THE MARKET PLACE. It usually has a good choice of fruits and vegetables.
What To Bring & FAQ's
Most repeat visitors to this island bring frozen meat. Don't pack any vegetables though or fruit because customs will confiscate them.And don't forget your prescription medicine. There are no pharmacies on this island.
For answers to frequently asked questions about "our" island, click here.
Restaurants
You will find over 25 restaurants but of course not as many as in really touristy places. Bahamian cuisine, Italian or Chinese... yes, you'll find them all here.Believe me the essence of Eleuthera in the Bahamas is this...
Spectacular beaches, tranquility and a good choice of rental homes to relax and enjoy your privacy.
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