Eleuthera Bahamas

Island of Surfing, Celebrities, Pink Sand, and Pineapples

Eleuthera Bahamas was originally called, Cigatoo, by its original inhabitants. The word "eleuthera" comes from the Greek word for "Freedom." Find out who renamed this island and what happened to them.

Located 50 miles (80 km) east of Nassau, Eleuthera Bahamas is a long, thin island running north to south. At almost 110 miles (180 km) long and averaging about a mile or so wide, the island has approximately 8,000 residents. The main settlements are Gregory Town, Hatchet Bay, Governour's Harbour, Rock Sound, and Tarpum Bay. The eastern shoreline of Eleuthera is a mixture of cliffs and high bluffs dotted with crescent beaches flowing into the deep blue of the Atlantic Ocean. In contrast, the western or sound side of Eleuthera Bahamas while still lined with breathtaking bluff views and georgeous beaches overlooks the shallower clear water of the Great Bahama Banks.



Nowhere can this contrast be better seen than at the Glass Window on Eleuthera Bahamas, where a small bridge at the islands most narrow spot affords a splendid view of both the dark blue Atlantic waters and the light turquoise of the gin clear water on the Banks.

Rock superstar, Lenny Kravitz, whose family is from Inagua, has a part time residence and a recording studio in Gregory Town, Eleuthera. Perhaps you'll catch a glimpse of him while you're here! In a recent interview with The Eleutheran, Lenny spoke warmly of his Eleutheran neighbors, calling them, "The best people in the world." We agree, Lenny, the people of Eleuthera Bahamas are genuine, kind, and very friendly! We enjoy everyone we meet there, too.

How appropriate then that pineapple farming has been a part of life here since 1892. The pineapple has been a symbol of hospitality since Colonial times. There is even an annual Gregory Town Pineapple Festival during the first week of June!

Surfing is a major priority in my husband's life, so we spend lots of time at Surfer's Beach in Gregory Town whenever we are visiting Eleuthera Bahamas.



TOP TIPS

1) For an exclusive vacation, book one of the privately owned rental homes on Windermere Island. This is actually where Prince Charles and Princess Diana honeymooned.

2) Attend the Friday Fish Fry, at Governor's Harbour. Every Friday the town of Governor's Harbour has a Fish Fry that begins around sunset and usually turns into a street party as the evening progresses. Locals and tourist mingle as the food and drinks flow with a great vibe of true island spirit.

3) Visit Surfers Beach to watch the waves peel off the reef, or try surfing some of the best waves in the Bahamas. A cool surf shack provides some shade from the caribbean sun and makes this great picnic spot.

4)Look for signatures on the walls of the Hatchet Bay Caves that date back to some of the first settlers. We have found names with dates all the way back to 1809!

1) Take a short, and fun, ferry ride over to Harbour Island, off the north coast of Eleuthera. Brightly painted cottages, inns and shops line the small streets where you can go shopping or sample a rum punch.

2) Explore the Hatchet Bay Caves. Find a local in nearby Gregory Town to guide you. The caves are a few miles south of Gregory Town amongst fields and abandoned silos. Signs mark the caves down a dirt road, just make sure you have a good flashlight (or two), and spare batteries. If decide to go alone, bring your common sense and proceed with caution.

3)If enjoy diving, then you must do the drift dive through Current Cut. Located at the North end of Eleuthera, Current Cut defines the islands shoreline where a 65' (20 meter) deep slough ebbs and floods with waters from the shallows of the banks to the deep waters off Egg Island. Hire a dive boat for this dive as Current Cut is aptly named for the incredible current that rips through it.

4) Bring some school supplies and visit one of the schools. The children love meeting visitors to their island. Supplies of any kind are welcome and it always feels good to make a difference in a child's life.

Elvina's in Gregory Town often they has live music in an authentic bahamian setting. Let your hair down and relax, you are in the islands!

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