Eleuthera, Bahamas — Island of Freedom

Advisor - Jacob Roland
Curated By

Jacob Roland

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  • Bahamas

  • Adventure Travel

  • Beaches

  • Couples Travel

  • Island

  • Local Culture

  • Outdoors

  • Beaches

A view of blue water near a rocky shoreline and bridge during the daytime.
Curator’s statement

With more than 130 beaches, Eleuthera offers seclusion, peace and adventure all wrapped into an authentic Bahamian cultural experience. Made up of Harbor Island, the island of Spanish Wells, a few other small islands and the main island of Eleuthera, this heavenly paradise does not disappoint. Secluded pink sand beaches, caves, world-class fishing, dreamy sandbars, snorkeling, scuba diving and fresh seafood right from the dock! But the best thing about this island is the people. Every town we drive through, people smile and wave. Always willing to answer questions, give directions or just have a friendly conversation. Eleuthera is truly an authentic Bahamian paradise!

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Where to stay in Eleuthera, Bahamas

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The Cove Eleuthera

A paradisical enclave in a tranquil cove in the Bahamas offering spa-style accommodations, organic garden and water activities.

Fora Perks
  • $100 hotel / resort credit.

  • Breakfast daily.

  • Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.

French Leave Resort, Autograph Collection

Private villas with typical island style and excellent amenities. Boats and charters are available for rent.

Coral Sands Hotel

Choose from a beachfront cottage or hilltop suite at this laid-back island escape with one of the island’s best restaurants.

Fora Perks
  • $100 food / beverage credit.

  • Breakfast daily.

  • Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.

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Advisor - Jacob Roland

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Things to do in Eleuthera, Bahamas

People on small boat in snorkeling gear.

Over 130 beaches — most of them secluded and empty!

Swimming Pigs! — Take a charter out of Northern Eleuthera or connect with a charter in Central Eleuthera. There are 2 places to find swimming pigs in Eleuthera, and both provide unique but different experiences at two separate locations. And one has wild turkeys roaming the island!

Harbor Island - This island features exotic pink sand beaches, all kinds of culinary delights and cold island cocktails. Drive around in your golf cart and soak up the sun, sand and culture. Keep a lookout for movie stars!

Spanish Wells — A picturesque fishing village island, Spanish Wells provides a laid-back island vibe with tons of shopping, fishing charters and friendly locals. And did I mention the beach bars!

Glass Window Bridge — Where the Caribbean Sea (The Bight of Eleuthera) meets the Atlantic Ocean. Separated by a one-lane cement bridge, this is where shades of deep Atlantic blue and the Bahamas blue collide Truly an iconic location that will sooth the soul.

Queens Bath — Natural tide pools cut into the cliffs of Northern Eleuthera over thousands of years. Spend the day floating in The Queens Bath and walk away feeling rejuvenated like royalty.

World-famous Surfer's Beach — On the Atlantic side of the island in North Eleuthera, this beach provides totally tubular, epic waves for you and all your crew to hang 10! It even has a surf shack made of drift wood and old surfboards from surfers past to catch a little shade. If you are a surfer, you don't want to miss this opportunity!

Sapphire Blue Hole — This tucked-away tropical, freshwater "Cenote" of sorts provides epic adventure in Northern Eleuthera to explorers of all ages. Jump from a cliff over 30 feet high to hit the water. Snorkel this natural blue hole that reaches over 40 ft deep. A refreshing stop on a hot day on the island.

The Fish Fry in Governors Harbor — A staple on Friday nights. The Fish Fry serves up red snapper dropped into a vat of oil on the beach served with Bahamian rice and beans. Or grab some delicious BBQ chicken with Bahamian rice and beans. But don't forget to get a Rum Bubba, it will have you dancing all night! Oh, and I forgot to mention that they close the street down at dark for a true Bahamian street festival. Dance in the streets of Governor's Harbor and feeling the sweet Island vibes.

Lighthouse Beach — Absolutely one of the most beautiful places on earth! Pristine, untouched beaches for miles with no humans in sight. Lighthouse Beach is located at the southern tip of Eleuthera and offers what few beaches can. Mother natures beauty at its finest. Explore the beach caves, snorkel the small reefs just offshore, explore the lighthouse or just get into a deep chill laying on the soft white sand.

Preachers Cave — This large, one-of-a-kind cave is located 2 miles east of Genes Bay Dock. It was first discovered in the 17th century by a group of Christian settlers seeking religious freedom from Bermuda, led by William Sayle. The group was shipwrecked off the coast on a reef known as "The Devils Backbone." Once ashore, William Sayle and the group sought refuge in the cave. They shaped an altar from a large stone, that incredibly still stands today, and conducted the island's first religious service there, giving the cave its name.

The Sandbar — If there is a heaven on earth, this is it. Located off the coast of Northern Eleuthera, this sandbar is world famous. Music videos and movie scenes have been done in this divine place. Sand as soft as clouds, sand dollars and nature at its finest. This serene paradise is only a short charter away and will surely relax every fiber in your body.

Fishing — Whether you are a novice or a pro, Eleuthera has world-class fishing of all types. Reef fishing, bone fishing, deep sea and blue marlin fishing. The list goes on and on! Charter your next fishing adventure with any of the charter captains on island.

Snorkeling/Scuba Diving — An amazing underwater paradise awaits you in the waters of Eleuthera. Hundreds of species of coral, fish, dolphins, rays, and yes, sharks! Glide over the top of a reef while snorkeling, looking down at a new world beneath the waves. Drop down into the deep blue while scuba diving and let your senses soar. Use your BCD to make yourself weightless at 40-feet down as you take breathtaking videos of the sealife around you.

Day Trips

What better way to spend the day than a day on the beach. Not a human in sight! Eleuthera has over 130 beaches. Here are my top 10:

1. Lighthouse Beach

2. Ben Bay Beach

3. Pink Sand Beach (Harbor Island)

4. Twin Coves Beach

5. Ten Bay Beach

6. French Leave Beach

7. Surfers Beach

8. Rainbow Bay Beach

9. White Road Beach

10. Gaulding Cay Beach

Places to eat & drink in Eleuthera, Bahamas

Patio of a restaurant with tables and chairs.

Tippy's (outdoor dining, no air conditioning) — Located in Governor's Harbour, Tippy's is a must-do in Eleuthera. Providing amazing beach views and access, this beach bar is one of the most famous on the island, serving fresh, locally sourced seafood, burgers, traditional Bahamian dishes and cold island drinks. My crew ordered mango martinis, piña coladas and a Bahamas staple, The Goombay Smash. The super friendly staff were amazing! They provided local recommendations and great conversation. Oh, and did I mention live music? Yup, Bahamian musicians fill the air with music sure to get you into a deep vibe chill. After your meal, enjoy the scenery for days as you sit and watch the waves crash at your beachside table or stool on the Atlantic side of the island while you are soaked with sunshine. They even celebrated 4th of July with fireworks for the American visitors.

The Sandbar Bar and Grill (outdoor dining, no air conditioning) — Located on Spanish Wells in Northern Eleuthera, this laid-back beach bar also serves up some fantastic Conch salad. Sourced right from the Bahamian waters, you can sit back and relax beachside with a cold Kalik, rum punch or your favorite frozen Bahamian drink and delight in your fresh Conch salad. The Sandbar also serves fresh seafood and other Bahamian dishes.

The Anchor Bay Fish Fry (outdoor dining, no air conditioning) — OK, if you only go to only one place while on the island to eat, The Anchor Bay Fish Fry on Friday nights in Governor's Harbour is the place to be! They drop a whole Red Snapper into a huge vat of oil, on the beach and serve it with a choice of Bahamian rice and beans, mac and cheese or coleslaw. The other choice is slow-cooked quarter BBQ chicken, cooked all day on the beach cook pit, with any of the previously mentioned sides. They also serve nonalcoholic and alcoholic beverages, including the world famous Rum Bubba, only found at the Anchor Bay Fish Fry! I have searched the Caribbean for this drink and cannot find it anywhere else. All of this sounds amazing, but perhaps the best part of going to The Anchor Bay Fish Fry is that it is only open on Friday nights and, at dark, closes down the street for an authentic Bahamian street party. DJ, dancing, limbo contest — it's big fun for the whole family!

The Sunset Cove and Rainbow Room (offers air conditioning) — Located in Rainbow Bay, The Rainbow Room offers indoor dining with a view. It has reasonable pricing and a wide variety of dishes, including seafood, American cuisine, including wood-fired pizza, local delights and yummy desserts. Open for dinner only. Friendly staff and good service.

Daddy Joes (offers air conditioning) — Located just north of Gregory Town on Queens Highway, Daddy Joes has indoor dining, with a bar room separate from the dining room. And boy oh boy, the bartenders know their stuff! The kitchen serves up fresh Conch fritters and Cracked (fried) Conch as you get down to live local music nightly. Daddy Joes serves all kinds of island delights for kids and adults alike. At this local staple, friendly staff are eager to make your experience on the island one to last a lifetime.

The Cove (offers air conditioning and indoor dining) — Located in Gregory Town, this beautiful Bahamian resort offers two different types of dining (with AC indoors). At the Freedom Restaurant and sushi bar, the chefs' Asian-inspired cuisine provides a fine dining experience that will leave you breathless. Delicious sushi with ingredients sourced direct from the island waters to your favorite Asian dishes prepared Bahamian style. The Gregory Town Grill offers beachside views, with local dishes served to order, including shrimp tacos or conch salad. Let your taste buds explore the menu at this unique island restaurant. The staff at both of these unique establishments are friendly and attentive to your needs. The food is exquisite.

Unca Genes Restaurant and Bar (no air conditioning) — Unca Genes is a little out-of-the-way spot in Gregory Town. We were driving around the side roads exploring and said, "lets check this place out." What a great decision! If you are looking for somewhere that's out of the way, with mostly locals, where tourists don't really go, this is that spot. Indoor dining with a small patio out front. I had Cracked Conch (my new fav on the island), a cold Kalik and a Conch burger. Not only was it delicious, but prices were much lower than other spots I have visited. Staff were super friendly and made great recommendations for our dinner. The locals here are so friendly, we made a couple great connections here. We went back again before we left, we liked it so much!

Glass Window Bar and Grill (outdoor dining, no air conditioning) — Located just steps from the Iconic Glass Window Bridge where the deep blue of the Atlantic Ocean meets the dreamy light blues of the Caribbean Sea, this amazing place offers delicious Island cocktails and a small island menu. But the allure of this place is the mesmerizing waters as you sit in awe, admiring the way the two waters meet.

Seven Seas (indoor dining, no air conditioning) — We stumbled upon this gem as we were lost in Northern Eleuthera and came across this local spot. Friendly locals and staff, great prices and amazing food! I tried Conch fritters for the first time here. I have been in love ever since. It serves different dishes that are not offered at other places on the island. Great service. We went back twice after making friends with locals that invited us back to dine with them. Such great connections here!

Governor's Harbour Bakery (indoors, no air conditioning) — Located in Governor's Harbour, it is one of three bakeries on the island, serving traditionally crafted, handmade desserts and pastries. Take-out only, no indoor dining. With that said, hands down this place has the best doughnuts! All kinds of delights, including rum cake, bread, and breakfast items. Friendly and helpful staff.

Need to Know

For more travel tips, check out Fora Advisor Brian Lonergan’s guide, Things to Do in Eleuthera, Bahamas.

This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Bahamas.

Advisor - Jacob Roland

Travel Advisor

Jacob Roland

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