Things to Do on Eleuthera
“Surfer’s Beach is for wave riders, but there are also beaches for snorkelers, swimmers and shell collectors. Best of all, you can have one all to yourself. Around midafternoon on New Year’s Eve, when nearly all the island’s rooms were booked, not a single soul could be spotted on Ten Bay Beach, six miles south of Governor’s Harbour, despite a brilliant sunshine and near perfect temperatures.” New York Times, February 19, 2006.
It’s obvious that the reporter who penned these lines was seeing Eleuthera for the first time. Regular visitors are surprised to find anyone on their favorite beach. With seventy miles of beaches and a few dozen hotel rooms, Eleuthera is a paradise for beach lovers who enjoy privacy and unspoiled natural beauty.
Beyond the beaches, Eleuthera is surrounded by coral reefs that offer exceptional diving and snorkeling. The Devil’s Backbone, the most famous Eleuthera dive, is a large coral formation off North Eleuthera, notorious for wrecking ships. The Current Cut, a narrow channel with currents that regularly reach 10 knots, has been rated one of the ten best dives in the world. Buttonwood Beach has a shipwreck, and there is even a sunken train wreck off the north coast of the island. Shark dives and other guided adventure dives are also available. (See SCUBA below.)
Eleuthera is famous for bonefishing and deep-sea fishing. Reef fishing and spear-fishing are also popular. (Guides and charter captains are listed below.) The Caribbean side of the island is usually free of heavy surf, providing excellent conditions for sailing, windsurfing, and kayaking. Powerboat, sailboat, and jet ski rentals are available. Trails through the fields and woods are perfect for jogging, hiking, and mountain-biking. You won’t find them on a map or in a guidebook, so ask a local resident or watch for trails on the side of the road.
The Atlantic side of the island north of James Cistern offers several excellent beaches for surfing, with Surfer’s Beach and Holiday Beach being the most famous. Surfing lessons are available. For golfers, Eleuthera has the only Robert Trent Jones-designed golf course in the Bahamas, once ranked among the best in the world, although maintenance is now haphazard.
Eleuthera offers varied and unique sightseeing. The Hatchet Bay Cave extends for a mile underground. At the Cliffs, giant ocean swells crash into a coral precipice. TheRock Sound Ocean Hole, said to be bottomless, is an inland salt lake connected by subterranean passages to the sea. Feed the tame saltwater fish miles from the ocean. TheGlass Window Bridge, painted by Winslow Homer, is the narrowest point on the island, where the calm turquoise waters of the Caribbean almost touch the turbulent deep blue of the Atlantic. The cavernous Preacher’s Cave provided shelter for the first European settlers of Eleuthera, and served as their first church. The Queen’s Bathsare a collection of small pools carved out of the soft rock by wave action. At low tide, the Queen—or anyone fortunate enough to be on Eleuthera—can bathe amongst the little fishes. These sites are all in their pristine state. Don’t expect to find a guide booth–or even a paved road.
Eco-tourism is growing on the island. The Leon Levy Native Plant Preserve, the first national park on the island of Eleuthera, opened last year near Governors Harbour: www.levypreserve.org/. Visitors can walk miles of trails through the preserve to view the orchids, food and medicinal plants, and hardwood trees that played an important role in the history of the island. The Island School www.islandschool.org and the Cape Eleuthera Institute www.ceibahamas.org offer fascinating daily tours of their facilities and their work in tropical and marine ecology, and building strong relationships between people and their environment.
Each of Eleuthera’s score of picturesque villages deserves a visit. Gregory Town, home of the annual Pineapple Festival, is also home to Pam’s Island Made Gift Shop, featuring local handicrafts, and Thompson’s bakery, creator of Eleuthera’s famous pineapple and coconut tarts. Spanish Wells is an island fishing village off the north coast of Eleuthera with lovely nineteenth century cottages in pastel colors. Governor’s Harbour features an historic waterfront, colonial homes, and the recently restored Haynes Library. Governors Harbour also hosts the Friday night fish fry, a weekly waterfront street party that brings out locals and visitors alike. Harbour Island, a five-minute water-taxi ride from Eleuthera, offers five-star hotels, shopping, and celebrity sightings. No private cars are permitted on the streets of Harbour Island, so plan on renting a golf cart.
Live music is also popular on Eleuthera, part-time home to Lenny Kravitz and his band, Mariah Carey, and others. There is live music somewhere every night of the week during most of the year. For details, see Entertainment, below.
Eleuthera has numerous annual events, from the Pineapple Festival and the Ride for Hope to the International Food Fair and the North Eleuthera Regatta.
For other sights and attractions, try…
http://eleuthera.com/attractions.html
Contacts and Resources for Things to Do
BICYCLE RENTALS
Dexter Bootle, Governors Harbour: 242-332-2229
Tom Glucksman: Gregory Town: 242-551-9635 or 335-0349
www.bahamasadventures.com; info@bahamasadventures.com
Forty’s, Governors Harbour: Call Pineapple Fields Office: 242-332-2221
Or email Forty at Laton@coralwave.com
For more info: http://eleuthera.com/bike.html
BOAT RENTALS AND CHARTERS
For general advice about fishing, fishing guides, and boat charters, contact Paul Mason, bahamabones@gmail.com, (305) 240-4284; (888) 847-0305
Skip Miller Boat Rentals, Governors Harbour: (904) 236-6320; cell: (242) 470-6288 skipmillersailing@yahoo.com.
Power boat: 14′ Maritime with a 40-HP Yamaha outboard. $200/day or $700/week.
Sailboats: Sunfishes and Opties, $50/day.
Jet Skis: $200/day plus fuel.
Eratio’s Boat Rental, Governors Harbour: (242) 464-0568
Power boat: 17′ Boston Whaler with a 90-HP Mercury outboard. $140/day.
Sheldon Claridge, 242-468-7785, 242-332-3244, 242-334-2529, sheldonc2004@yahoo.com
21′ Mako with a 200-HP Optimax Mercury, seats 8. $800/day ($400 half day), $3500/week.
Forty’s, Governors Harbour: Call Pineapple Fields Office: (242) 332-2221
Or email Forty at Laton@coralwave.com
Rents kayaks, sail boats, snorkel gear. Also rents bikes, beach chairs, umbrellas, cribs.
Eleuthera Sailing Charter (Captain Ali), (503) 929-9622, (242) 551-1340. aliwild1@gmail.com. 50′ sloop and other smaller boats.
Rodney Pinder Kayak Rentals, (242) 470-4394, (242) 332-1891, rodneypinder@hotmail.com. Clear and regular kayaks are available.
LiL Shan’s Watersports, Harbour Island: 242 422-9343; 242 554-5789 www.lswatersports.com
Jet Ski Rentals – ? Hour $60 /1 Hour$120/Half Day $350/Full Day $450
Boat Rental – 17′ Mako: Hourly $40; Half Day $125; Full Day $170
Boat Rental – 17′ Whaler: Hourly $35; Half Day $110; Full Day $160
Kayak Rental 1 Seater and 2 Seaters – Hourly $10-$15; Full Day $49-$59
CAMPING AND KAYAKING TRIPS
Bahamas Out Islands Adventures, Gregory Town: 242-551-9635 or 335-0349, info@bahamasadventures.com, www.bahamasadventures.com. Tom Glucksman. Camping and kayaking trips. Also a surfing school and board rentals.
CAVING
Calvin Monroe: 242-464-0962
ECO-TOURISM
The Leon Levy Native Plant Preserve, the first national park on the island of Eleuthera is located on the Banks Road, 3 miles south of Governors Harbour: www.levypreserve.org. Visitors can walk miles of trails through the preserve to view the beautiful orchids, food and medicinal plants, and hardwood trees that played an important role in the history of the island.
Further south, you’ll find The Cape Eleuthera Institute www.ceibahamas.org and The Island School www.islandschool.org. Both are fascinating, and doing great work on the island and beyond, fostering vital relationships between people and the environment, exploring tropical ecology and sustainability, and researching and teaching about a wide variety of marine ecology issues. Tours are available daily!
ENTERTAINMENT
Fish Fry in Governors Harbour
Friday night from 6 p.m. to midnight on the beach at Cupid’s Cay.
Sky Beach Club & The Bistro Oceanview Grill & Bar
Featuring the island most popular sunset Happy Hour 5p-7p daily
Monday-Oldies all day
Tuesday-Island Chill all day
Wednesday-Jamaikin Me Crazy 5-10
Thursday-Karaoke & Open Mic
Friday-Fish Fry Specials
Saturday-Pool Party with live DJ Cordero
Sunday-Reggae & Bahamian Island Music & BBQ Grill
Also enjoy at breakfast locally favored “Stewfish” while it lasts
The Beach House
Monday and Thursday night: Live music from 7 to 11 p.m.
Rainbow Inn
Monday: Woodfire pizza with live music from 7 p.m. until closing.
Wednesday: Live music with Dr. Seabreeze from 7 p.m. until closing.
Friday: Open mic night from 7 p.m. until closing.
Saturday: The Mojo Show with live music from 7 p.m. until closing.
Tippys
Live music every Saturday night from 8 to 11 p.m.
Princess Movie Theater
Every night except Thursday: Princess Movie Theater, Governors Harbour. Current popular movies. 8:15 pm only. 242 332-2735. (Closed during the summer.)
EXCURSIONS & TOURS
Andrew Demeritte Island Tours
Guided tours of Preacher’s Cave, Glass Window Bridge, The Cliff’s, Rock Sound Ocean Hole, Hatchet Bay Caves and more.
babydrew_104@hotmail.com
242-448-1001; 242-335-6104
A Taste of Eleuthera
Luxury bus tour including meals. Leaves every Tuesday from Governors Harbour. $89/person. For more information: 242.334.2356, info@eleutheraaadventuretours.com. http://www.eleutheraadventuretours.com/thetour.pdf.
Island Hopping Excursion
Includes trips to the Exumas, Thunderbolt Cave, the National Park of the Bahamas, Rose Island, etc. Maximum of 10 people.
Gladstone and Paul Petty, Governors Harbour: 242-332-2993 or 242-332-2963 Call 6:30-7:00 am eastern and after 9-9:30 pm eastern. http://www.eleuthera.com/petty.html
Day Trip to Harbour Island
This is a do-it-yourself day trip. To get to Harbour Island, drive 45 minutes north from the Governors Harbour airport to the Three Islands Dock, then a take a short water-taxi ride to Dunmore Town on Harbour Island. The taxis run continually and the fare is $5. Once on Harbour Island, rent a golf cart for about $40 for half a day and explore. Harbour Island has excellent shopping, many fine restaurants, celebrity sightings, and a long beautiful beach. Write to us for a more detailed guide to this trip.
FISHING EQUIPMENT RENTALS
Clearwater Dive Shop, Governors Harbour: 242-332-2146
Also snorkel and scuba equipment rentals.
FISHING GUIDES
For general advice about fishing, fishing guides, and boat charters, contact Paul Mason, bahamabones@gmail.com, (305) 240-4284; (888) 847-0305
FISHING, SPEAR-FISHING, AND SNORKELING CHARTERS
For general advice about fishing, fishing guides, and boat charters, contact Paul Mason, bahamabones@gmail.com, (305) 240-4284; (888) 847-0305
Gladstone and Paul Petty, Governors Harbour: 242- 557-7269, 242-332-2993, 242-332-2963 Call 6:30-7:00 am eastern and after 9-9:30 pm eastern.
Captain Z, Gregory Town: vacation@rainbowinn.com cell phone: 242-470-7766. Land line: 242-335-0294. “We take you beyond and back safely. We specialize in family adventures, and also satisfy the serious outdoor angler.” Fishing and diving charters.
Captain James McCartney, Palmetto Point: 242-332-3393
Fly-fishing, spear-fishing, and reef fishing; snorkeling; picnic cruises (include cruising, snorkeling, beach lunch).
Ocean Fox Cotton Bay, Davis Harbour Marina, 242-334-6300
Email: al@oceanfoxcottonbay.com
Website: www.oceanfoxcottonbay.com; www.overthewalldiving.wordpress.com
Diving, fishing, snorkeling, and sightseeing excursions
Captain Irwin. Davis Harbour. 242-422-9312, 242-334-0111, 242-334-2253. Has a large boat and Specializes in deep-sea fishing.
Captain Ali, (503) 929-9622, (242) 551-1340. aliwild1@gmail.com. 50′ sloop and other smaller boats.
Unique Charters, S. Palmetto Point: 242-332-1830 or 888-820-8471 Uniqvill@batelnet.bs; http://www.bahamasvacationguide.com/uniquevil2.html
Fishing and diving charters.
Kelsey or Danny Rankine: 242-332-6035 or 242-332-6616
Fishing and diving charters out of Savannah Sound.
Scott Bethel: 242-468-1426
Fishing and diving charters out of Governors Harbour.
HORSE BACK RIDING
Oceanview Farm Now Open, Governors Harbour-Banks Road South of Tippy’s: (242) 332-3671 or 242-357-4258
Two beach and lake rides, First Trail leaves at 9:30am and the second at 11:30am Monday-Saturday
GIFT SHOPS
Almond Tree, Rock Sound, Eleuthera
Bank’s Deli, Governors Harbour: (242) 332-2221
The Beach House Boutique, Govenors Harbour: 242-332-3387
Brenda’s Gifts & Souvenirs, Governors Harbour
Frank’s Art Gallery & Souvenirs, Harbour Island
Island Farm, South Palmetto Point: 242 332-1921
Pam’s Island Made Gift Shop, Gregory Town: 242 335-5369
Rebecca’s Beach Shop, Gregory Town
Clipper Imports Shop Da Island, Governors Harbour
Sugar Mill, Harbour Island http://buy.indiahicks.com/
GOLF
Cotton Bay Club
The only Robert Trent Jones-designed golf course in the Bahamas, once ranked among the best in the world. Course maintenance is currently haphazard, so call for more info. 242-334-6101
New Providence, where Nassau is located, is another excellent location for golfing. It’s just 20 minutes by air from Eleuthera, and flights are frequent and inexpensive. Guests often choose this option.
GROCERY STOCKING/DELIVERY AND GROCERY STORES
The Market, Rock Sound
Phone: 242-334-2280; Email: provisions@rsp1976.com
Website: http://rsp1976.com/marketplace.html
For more information about grocery stores on the island, following this link:
http://www.discover-eleuthera-bahamas.com/grocery.html
JET SKI RENTALS
Skip Miller Boat Rentals, Governors Harbour: (904) 236-6320; cell: (242) 470-6288 skipmillersailing@yahoo.com.
Power boat: 14′ Maritime with a 40-HP Yamaha outboard. $200/day or $700/week.
Sailboats: Sunfishes and Opties, $50/day.
Jet Skis: $200/day plus fuel.
LIBRARY
Historic Haynes Library, Governors Harbour: 242 332 2877 hayneslibrary@coralwave.com http://www.hayneslibrary.org/
Membership to borrow books: $5. Internet access: $5 per hour.
Arts and crafts for children Sat morning at 10 a.m.
MARINAS
French Leave Marina, Governors Harbour: 242-332-3616
Runaway Bay Marina, S. Palmetto Point: 242-332-0400
Hatchet Bay Marina, Alice Town: 242-332-0186
Davis Harbour Marina, Rock Sound: 242-334-6303
Cape Eleuthera Marina, Cape Eleuthera: 242-334-8500
MASSAGE
Eleuthera Freedom Spa at Sky Beach Club: Tasman Munroe, Certified and Licensed Massage Therapist Specializing in Deep-Tissue & Swedish Massage. Also offers superb facials. 242-432-8469 or Email Islandgirlt@hotmail.com This visiting masseuse is also available by reservation at your vacation rental or resort.
MEDICAL AND EMERGENCY NUMBERS FOR GOVERNORS HARBOUR
Police/Fire: 242-332-2111 or 242-332-2117
Ambulance: 242-332-3178 or 242-557-7006
Levy Clinic: 242-332-2774
Located in a pink building just north of Governor’s Harbour. If the clinic is not open, a nurse is on call at 242-332-3400. If you can’t get through, call police, and they will get another nurse on call.
Dr Baccus: 242-332-2902
A medical doctor in private practice whose wife is a dentist. Located near Quality Inn Cigatoo in Governors Harbour.
MOVIE THEATER
Princess Movie Theater, Governors Harbour: 242 332-2735
8:15 pm only. Closed Thursdays.
PHOTOGRAPHER
Brian Hanna, 242-470-6562, brian@coldwellbankerbahamas.com
RESTAURANTS
For fine dining in the Governors Harbour area, try the following:
The Bistro at Sky Beach Club: 242-332-3422; www.skybeachclub.com
Tippy’s: (242) 332-3331; www.pineapplefields.com
The Beach House (242) 332-3387
For local cuisine in the Governors Harbour area, try:
Buccaneer Club Restaurant (salads/burgers/wraps): 242-332-2000
Da Perk (coffee shop, bakery, salads, sandwiches, pizza): 242- 332-2620
Mate & Jenny’s Pizza Take-away (pizza and Bahamian); 242-332-1504
Cigatoo (Chinese and Bahamian); 242-332-3060
Sunset Inn (local cuisine); 242-332-2487
Stubbs’ famous Barbecue, every Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; 242-335-6111
A bit farther north, try:
The Rainbow Inn: (242) 335-0294; www.rainbowinn.com (located in Hatchet Bay)
Laughing Lizard: (242) 470-6992; www.laughinglizardcafe.com (Gregory Town)
To the south, try:
Pascals: (242) 334-2778 (located in Rock Sound)
For a complete list of restaurants on the island, including descriptions and contact information, click here: http://www.discover-eleuthera-bahamas.com/eleuthera-restaurants.html
SAILING LESSONS
Skip Miller, Governors Harbour: (242) 470-6288. skipmillersailing@yahoo.com
SCUBA AND SNORKELING
Ocean Fox Diving Cotton Bay, Davis Harbour Marina, 242-334-6300
Email: al@oceanfoxcottonbay.com
Websites: www.oceanfoxcottonbay.com www.overthewalldiving.wordpress.com
Diving, fishing, snorkeling, and sightseeing excursions
Ocean Fox Diving Harbour Island, 242-332-2323
Email: fish@oceanfox.com Website: www.oceanfox.com
Dive excursions, training, and equipment. Also fishing charters.
Valentine’s Dive Center, Harbour Island: (242) 333-2080
Dive excursions, training, and equipment. Also fishing charters.
http://www.valentinesdive.com/dive.html
LiL Shan’s Watersports, Harbour Island: 242 422-9343; 242 554-5789
Snorkel Trips, Scuba Trips, PADI Scuba courses
www.lswatersports.com
Clearwater Dive Shop, Governors Harbour: 242-332-2146
Snorkel and scuba equipment rentals. Also finishing equipment rentals.
Captain Z, Gregory Town: vacation@rainbowinn.com cell phone: 242-470-7766. Land line: 242-335-0294. “We take you beyond and back safely, specializing in creating unforgettable family adventures.” Snorkeling, Fishing, and Diving charters.
Surfer Pete, Gregory Town: 242-335-5436
Diving and fishing equipment rentals. Also surfboard rentals, bike rentals.
Forty’s, Governors Harbour: Call Pineapple Fields Office: (242) 332-2221
Or email Forty at Laton@coralwave.com
Rents kayaks, small sail boats, snorkel gear. Also rents bikes, beach chairs, umbrellas, cribs, etc.
SHELLING
For detailed information on shelling and shelling beaches on Eleuthera, read this article: http://www.eleuthera-map.com/shelling-eleuthera-1.htm.
SPA
Eleuthera Freedom Spa at Sky Beach Club: Tasman Munroe, Certified and Licensed Massage Therapist. 242-432-8469 or Email Islandgirlt@hotmail.com
SURFING
Bahamas See Excursions Out Islands Adventures, Gregory Town: 242-551-9635 or 335-0349, info@bahamasadventures.com, www.bahamasadventures.com Tom Glucksman, manager. Surfing school, and board rentals. Also camping and kayaking trips.
Surfer Pete, Gregory Town: Call Rebecca’s Beach Shop, Gregory Town: 242-335-5436. Surfboard rentals, long and short. Also diving and fishing equipment rentals, bike rentals.
TENNIS
The Cigatoo Resort, Governors Harbour, 242-332-3060. Ask for Annie.
Memberships to use the Cigatoo courts are available for $15/hour, $50/week, or $75/month.
The Rainbow Inn also has a beautiful seaside tennis court, 242-335-0294.
TENNIS LESSONS
Sammy Sands, Pro, North Palmetto Point: 242-332-1632, sammy.s@batelnet.bs http://sammysands0.tripod.com/index.html
TOURS
For Tours, see EXCURSIONS & TOURS.