Exploring Eleuthera, Harbour Island, and Spanish Wells: Out Island Bahamas Paradise

Eleuthera Island is easy to find on a chart thanks to its winding 75-mile-long silhouette. It's so distinctive that it's easy to overlook the smaller surrounding islands and cays. In fact, some of the most popular destinations, like Harbour Island and Spanish Wells, are not actually on Eleuthera itself. But the entire area is full of treasures waiting to be explored. Eleuthera's length is dotted with beautiful sandy beaches, world-class resorts, and welcoming communities, plus surfing hotspots, snorkeling and diving sites, and fishing of every kind.

Cruising Eleuthera is all about playing the weather right. With the exception of Harbour Island, boaters stick exclusively to the island's western side to explore. The water here is sheltered by the island, crystal-clear, and bordered by peaceful, palm-tree-lined sandy beaches.

Marinas and Dockage in Eleuthera

Despite its large geographical size and popularity, Eleuthera has only a handful of marina options. Many boaters start their Eleuthera cruise in the north, and the Spanish Wells Yacht Haven and Resort makes a perfect hub for exploring the area. The town is also home to R&B Boatyard, notably a catamaran-friendly facility, should you be in need of a haul out or repair. Spanish Wells is home to the Bahamas' largest lobster fishing fleet and is best explored by golf cart. In increasing numbers, boaters and stop-over visitors are drawn to Spanish Wells for its beach, grand grocery store, and iconic restaurants and bars. Apart from Nassau and Freeport, Spanish Wells is also regarded as the top island for boat and engine repair.

From Spanish Wells, a day trip around the north end of Eleuthera takes you to Harbour Island. The passage is a technical one, so most experienced cruisers recommend that you hire a local pilot to take you through the first time. Pilots are easy to find in both Spanish Wells and Harbour Island. 

Harbour Island has several dockage options, including the beautiful Romora Bay Resort and Marina and Valentines Resort, Residences and Marina and the new Briland Club Residences and Marina. All three facilities put you not too far from the middle of town, allowing you to step off your boat and stroll the island's gorgeous streets or jump in a rental golf cart and explore the island. Plus, you can walk off your dinner on one of The Bahamas' pinkest and prettiest sand beaches. 

Traveling south, boaters stick to the west side of Eleuthera. Small settlements are dotted along the coast, and anchoring is easy in the prevailing easterlies. But only a few spots offer any shelter from the south, west, or north, so you must keep a close eye on the weather in these parts. Anchorages at Hatchet Bay and Rock Sound offer more protection than is available anywhere else along the coast should the wind shift, so these spots become natural boater hubs during winter months. 

Past Rock Sound, the southwest coastline of Eleuthera meets the deep waters of Exuma Sound. You'll find two marinas here, Cape Eleuthera Resort and Marina and Davis Harbour Marina at Jack's Bay. Both cater to cruisers and anglers alike, as their location makes them natural jump-off points for crossing the deep waters of Exuma Sound and heading towards Exuma or Cat Island.

What to Do When in Eleuthera

Harbour Island tops many people's lists of places where they could see themselves relaxing, hanging out awhile, and (perhaps) never going home. Pastel cottages, white picket fences and manicured yards line the grid of tiny streets. To the west is a shallow and protected bay full of great fishing, paddle boarding, dinghy exploring and quiet anchorages. On the other side, the Atlantic pounds ashore on the island's famous pink sand beaches. It's so storybook-perfect that you can even go horseback riding on the beach. 

But boaters like to travel, and Eleuthera is made for cruising. Along the western shore, you can take relaxed day trips from one town to the next. Find restaurants, 'fish fry' takeaways and shops to explore at:

• Current Settlement
• The Bogues
• Gregory Town
• Hatchet Bay
• Governor's Harbour
• Palmetto Point
• Tarpum Bay

In between each are secluded anchorages, miles of isolated beaches and more of that gorgeous gin-clear Bahamas water. 

Eleuthera also delights with its striking landscape, and renting a car for a day is a great way to explore. Don't miss the Glass Window Bridge - a striking location where the Atlantic's wave action has almost cut the island in two – and the nearby Queen’s Baths. The annual Pineapple Festival is held in Gregory Town in early June to celebrate the island's farming heritage. The Leon Levy Native Plant Preserve is also a great place to experience local flora and fauna and the protected Seahorse National Park at Hatchet Bay Cave and Sweetings Pond is a must! There are also interesting geological formations, like the many boiling holes, blue holes and caverns. 

The end of the typical cruise south is the boater hub of Rock Sound. Here, you'll find a large market for provisioning and several cruiser-friendly restaurants like Wild Orchids. You'll also want to check out Cathedral Cave, a fun and easy spelunking excursion just south of town, right off the highway. And if you are a diver, book a trip with The Dive Shop at Cape Eleuthera Resort. 

Where to Stay in Eleuthera

On the south end of Eleuthera is Cape Eleuthera Resort. An ideal place for travelers seeking relaxation and adventure alike. The marina facilities cater to boating enthusiasts, offering docking and amenities for yachts and boats. Guests can dive into a plethora of water sports, from snorkeling to kayaking, or simply unwind on the beach. Cozy rooms to luxurious villas, ensure comfort for every guest. The resort also features the Harbour Pointe Restaurant, serving delicious cuisine, and a spa for ultimate relaxation. Guided tours and excursions allow guests to explore Eleuthera. 

Other Northern and Central Eleuthera options for boaters include:

• Briland Club Residences & Marina (Harbour Island)
• Romora Bay Resort & Marina (Harbour Island)
• Valentines Resort, Residences & Marina (Harbour Island)
• Spanish Wells Yacht Haven & Resort (Spanish Wells)
• French Leave Resort (Governor’s Harbor)

Other Bahamian dining options include:

• Daddy Jo’s (North Eleuthera)
• Frigates (Governor’s Harbour) 
• The Buccaneer Club (Governor’s Harbour)
• The New Sunset Inn Restaurant (Governor’s Harbour

Getting to Eleuthera

The usual route to Eleuthera comes from South Florida by way of Bimini. From there, you plot your course across the Banks to Chub Cay and then follow the Northwest Providence Channel to Spanish Wells. The trip from Miami is approximately 190 nautical miles, almost entirely eastbound. 

If you're on a longer Bahamas adventure, it's a short offshore hop from the Abacos to Spanish Wells or Harbour Island. Most boats can do it in a long day with the right conditions. Similarly, it's an easy day-hop to Rock Sound from the Exumas.

If traveling by your own boat, visit MyOutIslands.com for details on the $300 Dock and Stay offer. Stay at and dock your boat at any Bahama Out Islands Promotion Board marina hotel for four consecutive nights to take advantage of this generous offer.

For the fastest crossing, Eleuthera is served by three international airports: North Eleuthera (ELH), Governor’s Harbour (GHB) and Rock Sound (RSD), and air service is offered from the U.S. by major carriers including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and Silver Airways. Out of Nassau, Bahamasair, Pineapple Air and Western Air are your airline options. Ferry service connects Spanish Wells and Harbour Island to the north end of Eleuthera, and high-speed ferries connect several Eleuthera ports to Nassau. Beach resorts, from simple mom-and-pop cottages to five-star, world-class getaways, line the island for those coming by plane.

Visit MyOutIslands.com and subscribe to receive the Bahama Out Islands Promotion Board’s seasonal e-offers like their $250 Air Credit and Two Fly Free From Nassau offer.   

By sea or by air, we'll see you in Eleuthera.