Eleuthera Yacht Charter Guide
Eleuthera gets its name from the Greek word for freedom, and this is exactly what you will feel when visiting this Bahamian gem on a superyacht charter, immediately leaving the stresses of modern life behind you. Hugged by two oceans, Eleuthera is a single island over a hundred miles long, but narrow, which makes it ideal for exploring by boat, as no matter where you are on land, your superyacht is at anchor just a short distance away.
Eleuthera’s simple, laidback character is what gives this island its charm. This and, of course, a coastline that features miles of stunning pink sand beaches, natural bathing pools, sea caves, and huge stretches of coral reefs offering world-class snorkeling and diving. Highlights include the famous drift dive found at Current Cut, where the current whisks you along a stunning stretch of water. Add quaint New England houses, friendly locals, the freshest local lobster, and a festival that is dedicated to the pineapple, and you have an island that is hard to beat. Should the laid-back atmosphere ever get too much, the close proximity to the exclusive restaurants and nightlife of bustling Harbor Island means you can enjoy the best of both worlds.
Best Time To Visit: Eleuthera can be visited all year round, with the most pleasant weather to be found between December and April.
Key Cruising Areas: The long, thin coastline of Eleuthera makes for easy yet highly rewarding cruising. Once you have explored the island’s many stunning beaches, make the short trip to the exclusive Harbor Island, and quaint ‘lobster capital’ Spanish Wells - islands which lie a short distance off either side of the coast of North Eleuthera.
Don’t Miss: A sunset at Lighthouse Beach. After a day spent exploring this secluded beach’s caves, make the steep walk up to the old lighthouse on Eleuthera’s southernmost tip to be rewarded by a view of the two oceans on either side of the cliffs.
Best Spots for Wining and Dining: The Cove is Eleuthera’s fine dining restaurant, offering ocean views, fresh seafood, and exquisite local-inspired flavours. Their well-positioned bar, perched on the edge of a bluff is the perfect place to enjoy a sundowner. For a rustic, yet undeniably authentic, Bahamian culinary experience, visit Governor Harbor’s Fish Fry or the many roadside cookouts that pop up on a Saturday. At the other end of the spectrum, the short cruise to Harbor Island offers a number of high-end restaurants, including the Dunmore, The Landing, and the Ocean View Club.
Best Local Dish: Bahamian lobster, with this local dish prepared in a number of ways, from a classic grill to the more inventive gingered lobster, lobster quesadillas, jerk lobster, and more.
Local Culture: Enjoy the island’s very own Pineapple Festival, which is held in June every year. As a celebration of one of the island’s biggest industries, this four-day festival includes pineapple eating contests, a pineapple cooking contest, pineapple-based sports, plaiting of the pineapple pole and of course, a big, loud party.
Best Beach: Harbor Island’s Pink Sands Beach is regularly voted one of the world’s best beaches, but the pink sands of Eleuthera’s Double Bay Beach come in a very close second. For a unique beach experience, visit natural bathing pools known locally as the Queen’s Baths.
IYC recommends: Living on island time, leisurely exploring this picturesque island. Spend lazy days snorkeling, sunbathing, and dining on fresh seafood. When in need of a change, embrace the unique local culture by spending a day at the passionate Lady Di’s pineapple farm, or exploring the historic landmarks such as Preacher’s Cave.