Eleuthera – One of Bahamas’ Best for Island Hopping
By Tim Cotroneo
The Out Islands of the Bahamas consist of 700 islands and 2,400 cays. With so many options, a vacationer may ask, “Where do I start, or what Out Island is best for me?”
The 100-mile-long island of Eleuthera may be just what you are looking for. This is especially true if a picturesque mix of amazing beaches, extraordinary turquoise water, and an authentic Caribbean experience sits at the top of your vacation wish list. Located just an hour south from Miami by air, Eleuthera delivers a wealth of water activities, eclectic living accommodations, and year-round near-perfect weather.
Eleuthera may also be the Bahamas best starting point for island hopping. If the idea of exploring multiple Bahamian islands from one dreamy location sounds like an amazing beach vacation, then Eleuthera is the perfect jumping off point.
Eleuthera by Air
Odyssey Aviation
Begin by asking yourself which Eleuthera outpost, hotel, beach, or fishing spot appeals to you the most. Then realize that Eleuthera offers a northern, central, and southern airport to align with where you’d like to spend a major portion of your time.
Jack’s Bay Club
The southern tip of Eleuthera is home to the Rock Sound International Airport (RSD.) The southern region is known for its laid-back vibe, pink sand beaches, caves, blue holes, and soon to open Jack’s Bay Club, a Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods golf luxury development.
Governor’s Harbor Airport (GHB) is located in the middle of Eleuthera. The Governor’s Harbor community has a history dating back to the 1600s. This region is a great choice based on its central locale, modern conveniences, and vibrant downtown. The French Leave Beach is also considered one of Eleuthera’s best.
North Eleuthera Airport (ELH) is just minutes from the two harbors that will serve as your island-hopping hub. From the airport take Gene’s Bay Road to Gene’s Bay Dock. That’s if you wish to explore Spanish Wells for your first island hopping trip. If this comfy explanation sounds like you’re stepping back in time, you’d be wonderfully correct. There is no pretense when taking the five-minute ferry shuttle from Eleuthera to Spanish Wells.
If you’ve decided to begin your island-hopping itinerary with a trip to Harbour Island, from the airport follow the split to the Three Island Dock. For $5 dollars you’ll be in Harbour Island in just 10 minutes time.
Spanish Wells
This two-mile-long island is connected by a bridge for a bonus trip to three-mile-long Russell Island. Golf carts are the main form of Spanish Wells transportation, and this open-air mode is a wonderful way to explore this tiny island.
You’ll note that Spanish Wells is a pristine community made up of gingerbread-like cottages and a bustle of business. Drive your golf cart to pursue any glimpse of turquoise water that catches your eye. Depending on the tide level during your visit, you may be able to walk out on a sand bar for miles.
Spanish Wells offers numerous restaurants with picturesque ocean views. Spending two or three hours on this island of 3,000 people is a great way to start out or top off your island-hopping vacation.
Harbour Island
The three-mile-long Harbour Island is sometimes referred to as the Nantucket of the Caribbean. That’s because it’s a favorite of celebrities, artists, billionaires, and those seeking to experience a high-end island getaway.
Golf carts are also the favorite form of transport here, and you can easily reserve one when getting off the ferry from Eleuthera. You can explore the entire island in a few hours. The eastern side of the island is home to one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. The name of this famous stretch is Pink Sand Beach.
Once you’re done shopping or enjoying Pink Sand Beach, be sure and stop for a bite at one of the island’s many al fresco restaurants. As you head back to the ferry terminal, don’t be surprised if you encounter a rooster or two as you navigate Harbour Island’s streets and pathways.
Keep Hopping at Eleuthera’s Beaches and Main Attractions
Once you’re back in Eleuthera, there is no shortage of natural marvels to encounter. The Glass Window Bridge is known for showcasing the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Caribbean Sea on the other.
If you think Spanish Wells and Harbour Island has nice beaches, you’ll feel spoiled when vacationing on Eleuthera. The island is home to 130 beaches. Some are obvious, and for some you’ll need a map, and a sense of adventure.
When booking your Eleuthera vacation, there are dozens of hotels, resorts, and villas from which to choose. There are no wrong decisions because each hospitality venue is close to an amazing beach. If the idea of exploring new islands, new beaches, and sipping a rum punch makes your vacation heart sing, you can’t go wrong reserving an Eleuthera island hopping vacation.
