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Eleuthera
Posted on 7/26/23 at 7:07 am
Posted on 7/26/23 at 7:07 am
Think I’ve settled on Eleuthera for next year’s vacation and am about to start planning in earnest. Does anyone have a favorite part of the island to stay? Any favorite beaches or must see spots?
5
Posted on 7/26/23 at 7:45 am to iwantacooler
Harbor island is the most upscale. If you do not stay there, you can do a day trip. Spanish Wells is going to be the poor man's version of Harbor Island. Not s nice but much more laid back. Sort of like a Florida Key.
Splurge for lunch or dinner at the Dunmore House on Harbor Island. There are not a whole lot of dining options on Eleuthera, but they are sufficient. You just have to explore.
The farther south you go on the island, the farther you are away from the "action", which may be what you want. There are several resorts on the island and several houses to rent. I have stayed at the Cove. It is a well done resort. We visited other areas and resorts. they were not as nice as the Cove, but they may have something that you are looking for (i.e. less cost, away from it all, less pretentious, etc.)
I have also stayed in an eco-cabin near Governor's harbor. I liked it, but I think my wife wanted something a little nicer and more "resorty". A car is a must have if you want to explore the island. Getting around is easy.
Splurge for lunch or dinner at the Dunmore House on Harbor Island. There are not a whole lot of dining options on Eleuthera, but they are sufficient. You just have to explore.
The farther south you go on the island, the farther you are away from the "action", which may be what you want. There are several resorts on the island and several houses to rent. I have stayed at the Cove. It is a well done resort. We visited other areas and resorts. they were not as nice as the Cove, but they may have something that you are looking for (i.e. less cost, away from it all, less pretentious, etc.)
I have also stayed in an eco-cabin near Governor's harbor. I liked it, but I think my wife wanted something a little nicer and more "resorty". A car is a must have if you want to explore the island. Getting around is easy.
This post was edited on 7/26/23 at 7:51 am
Posted on 7/26/23 at 7:58 am to Motorboat
Thanks for the info. How long (roughly) would it take to drive the length of the island?
What about getting there? Do you fly one of the main carriers to north Eleuthera? Fly to a different island then take a ferry or smaller commuter plane? I’m reading horror stories about pineapple and silver air.
What about getting there? Do you fly one of the main carriers to north Eleuthera? Fly to a different island then take a ferry or smaller commuter plane? I’m reading horror stories about pineapple and silver air.
This post was edited on 7/26/23 at 9:15 am
Posted on 7/26/23 at 4:30 pm to iwantacooler
I do not remember flight situation. I think it took about an hour to reach the most southern tip from governors harbor.
Posted on 7/26/23 at 10:48 pm to iwantacooler
We just got back from Eleuthera last week. This was our third trip there within the last two years. We love it over there, and already planning our next trip.
We’ve booked every trip thru eleutheravacationrentals.net and have been very happy with all three. The Tourmaline, The Owls Roost and the latest was Coral Pointe.
All of these are located around Governors Harbour. It’s really a good location if you’re wanting to access all areas of the island. It’s about a 1-1.5 hr drive from North Eleuthera Airport. American Airlines is supposedly starting flights into Governors Harbour soon, which would be ideal.
Eleuthera is not for everyone, but if you’re looking for an adventure, and willing to get off the beaten path a bit, then I is truly is an amazing place. The roads are pretty bad and they drive on the left hand side of the road. It takes a little getting used too. Also, the locals don’t mind passing you on hills or curves. It’s pretty scary at times.
I can give you more if needed.
We’ve booked every trip thru eleutheravacationrentals.net and have been very happy with all three. The Tourmaline, The Owls Roost and the latest was Coral Pointe.
All of these are located around Governors Harbour. It’s really a good location if you’re wanting to access all areas of the island. It’s about a 1-1.5 hr drive from North Eleuthera Airport. American Airlines is supposedly starting flights into Governors Harbour soon, which would be ideal.
Eleuthera is not for everyone, but if you’re looking for an adventure, and willing to get off the beaten path a bit, then I is truly is an amazing place. The roads are pretty bad and they drive on the left hand side of the road. It takes a little getting used too. Also, the locals don’t mind passing you on hills or curves. It’s pretty scary at times.
I can give you more if needed.
This post was edited on 7/27/23 at 6:44 am
Posted on 7/27/23 at 4:25 am to mach316
Thanks, mach. I may reach out to you. Got the email if you want to edit post to delete it.
Posted on 7/28/23 at 12:17 am to iwantacooler
I’m on Spanish Wells as I type this. This is our sixth trip to Eleuthera, but first time to stay on Spanish Wells. We came here this time to get in a lot of fishing, exploring and lobster fishing.
We usually stay on Winding Bay, just north of Rock Sound. Winding Bay is a perfect secluded beach that is centrally located for exploring the entire island. We will be back there next year.
If you like to get away from crowds, explore the areas that rarely get seen, Eleuthera is ideal. Spanish wells is very nice for what it is… old fishing village slowly turning into a vacation spot.
Some things to keep in mind about the island:
You will get bit by insects. Mosquitoes and no seeums.
Groceries are about 25%-40% higher here.
The fresh mangos are the best you’ll ever have.
Roads are bumpy.
Rental cars are generally beat down.
People are genuinely friendly.
Relax, you’re on island time.
There are endless supply of beaches that you can try something different every day.
You will either be miserable or fall in love with the island. Very seldom do people fall in between. If you like big resorts and water parks, you will hate Eleuthera. If you like the raw outdoors, untouched beaches, and find beauty even when it is rough around the edges, you will love Eleuthera.
We normally fly into Nassau and then take pineapple air to Rock Sound. Fairly painless but also comes with the “island time” factor. This time we connected through Atlanta and flew Delta directly to North Eleuthera airport. Much more convenient.
Where we usually stay: Winding Bay rental
We usually stay on Winding Bay, just north of Rock Sound. Winding Bay is a perfect secluded beach that is centrally located for exploring the entire island. We will be back there next year.
If you like to get away from crowds, explore the areas that rarely get seen, Eleuthera is ideal. Spanish wells is very nice for what it is… old fishing village slowly turning into a vacation spot.
Some things to keep in mind about the island:
You will get bit by insects. Mosquitoes and no seeums.
Groceries are about 25%-40% higher here.
The fresh mangos are the best you’ll ever have.
Roads are bumpy.
Rental cars are generally beat down.
People are genuinely friendly.
Relax, you’re on island time.
There are endless supply of beaches that you can try something different every day.
You will either be miserable or fall in love with the island. Very seldom do people fall in between. If you like big resorts and water parks, you will hate Eleuthera. If you like the raw outdoors, untouched beaches, and find beauty even when it is rough around the edges, you will love Eleuthera.
We normally fly into Nassau and then take pineapple air to Rock Sound. Fairly painless but also comes with the “island time” factor. This time we connected through Atlanta and flew Delta directly to North Eleuthera airport. Much more convenient.
Where we usually stay: Winding Bay rental
Posted on 7/28/23 at 4:49 am to Floating Change Up
quote:
If you like the raw outdoors, untouched beaches, and find beauty even when it is rough around the edges,
This is exactly what we’re looking for.
From what little research I’ve done I’m leaning towards staying in the central part of the island. Staying in winding bay (Atlantic side), do you have any thoughts on staying Atlantic vs Caribbean side? I’ve seen some villas on the beach on the west side that would be ideal to enjoy sunsets and take advantage of the calm waters.
This post was edited on 7/28/23 at 4:50 am
Posted on 7/28/23 at 9:03 am to iwantacooler
French Leave Resort is very nice. We’ve only eaten there, but it’s very upscale compared to other places. Several other places to eat in Governors Harbor as well. Decent grocery and liquor stores are close by. French Leave Beach is one of the best beaches in Eleuthera. Ten Bay Beach is about 15 miles south of Governor’s. It reminded me of a kiddie pool. You could walk out 200 yards from the beach and still be in knee deep water.
Atlantic side is definitely rougher water compared to the Caribbean side. After this last trip, being on the Caribbean side, I prefer the Atlantic side, but you can’t go wrong with either.
There is an Eleuthera FB group that you can follow as well that is pretty helpful in deciding where to eat and visit.
Atlantic side is definitely rougher water compared to the Caribbean side. After this last trip, being on the Caribbean side, I prefer the Atlantic side, but you can’t go wrong with either.
There is an Eleuthera FB group that you can follow as well that is pretty helpful in deciding where to eat and visit.
This post was edited on 7/28/23 at 9:09 am
Posted on 7/28/23 at 9:31 am to mach316
Thanks for the good info.
I’m currently in 3 of those groups. It’s interesting to see some of their perspectives and how they differ. One woman posted last night that she’s leaving today to go, went and dug her daughter’s passport out last night and found out it expired in 2022. Ouch.
As far as restaurants go I’m content to eat a sandwich on the beach and watch the sun go down, but I do always try to seek out small local places and try local dishes. I try to impress upon my kids the importance of learning local customs and trying foods that we can’t get when we are at home.
quote:
There is an Eleuthera FB group that you can follow as well that is pretty helpful in deciding where to eat and visit.
I’m currently in 3 of those groups. It’s interesting to see some of their perspectives and how they differ. One woman posted last night that she’s leaving today to go, went and dug her daughter’s passport out last night and found out it expired in 2022. Ouch.
As far as restaurants go I’m content to eat a sandwich on the beach and watch the sun go down, but I do always try to seek out small local places and try local dishes. I try to impress upon my kids the importance of learning local customs and trying foods that we can’t get when we are at home.
Posted on 7/28/23 at 10:36 am to iwantacooler
Better breeze on the Atlantic side, so fewer bugs.
Better sunsets on the Caribbean side.
Winding Bay is a protected bay, so no waves at all. But it has beautiful sand beaches.
A lot of the beaches have big patches of limestone/rocks that make it a bit uncomfortable for the younger kids.
A plus on the Caribbean side, there are some very nice places that don’t have sandy beaches, instead they have coral/limestone drop offs at the water. Great snorkeling at high tide. You will run into nurse and lemon sharks and rays cruising right up at the bank in 5 feet of water.
Better sunsets on the Caribbean side.
Winding Bay is a protected bay, so no waves at all. But it has beautiful sand beaches.
A lot of the beaches have big patches of limestone/rocks that make it a bit uncomfortable for the younger kids.
A plus on the Caribbean side, there are some very nice places that don’t have sandy beaches, instead they have coral/limestone drop offs at the water. Great snorkeling at high tide. You will run into nurse and lemon sharks and rays cruising right up at the bank in 5 feet of water.
Posted on 7/28/23 at 11:46 am to iwantacooler
Some places you may wanna try to eat at include Tippy’s, Daddy Joes, Buccaneers, Pascals, and Delish. Baccus is also talked about a lot, but wasn’t our favorite. Rainbow Bay supposedly has good eats as well.
Be sure to try the conch fritters. Conch salad is popular, but not my my fav.
Be sure to try the conch fritters. Conch salad is popular, but not my my fav.
Posted on 7/28/23 at 12:01 pm to mach316
I love conch fritters and all seafood, but unfortunately I developed an allergy to seafood about 10 years ago.
I’ve seen a lot of people doing a boat day on a charter. Swimming with the pigs, petting stingrays, etc…. That’s something I could take or leave, but my kids may enjoy it. Have y’all tried any charters? A must do? I’d be happy land-based beach hopping and hitting different snorkel spots I can access from the island.
I’ve seen a lot of people doing a boat day on a charter. Swimming with the pigs, petting stingrays, etc…. That’s something I could take or leave, but my kids may enjoy it. Have y’all tried any charters? A must do? I’d be happy land-based beach hopping and hitting different snorkel spots I can access from the island.
This post was edited on 7/28/23 at 12:02 pm
Posted on 7/28/23 at 12:04 pm to iwantacooler
I like Long Island myself, but if Southern Air is an option for Eleuthera DO NOT USE THEM! That is all. I've flown pineapple, flamingo and most all the airs and rarely have major problems besides Southern Air. Just have patience.
Posted on 7/28/23 at 12:16 pm to iwantacooler
We’ve used Exotic Excursions three times and have not been disappointed. Actually proposed to my wife on the swing that is on a sandbar out in the middle of nowhere. The pigs are a must for kids. Not my favorite, but you at least have to try it once. Feeding the turtles and stingrays are always fun. One turtle bit my wife so you have to be careful when they start crowding around ya. Of course they will take you snorkeling around shallow reefs. There is a ship wreck in deeper water that has snorkeling as well.
We had PJ the first couple of trips as our captain. He was like 18 years old and really left it up to us what we wanted to do. We had Daniel a few weeks ago, and surprisingly he went to school at Ole Miss. Just a good ole baw. He has a you tube channel where he camps and fishes all over the island.
In my opinion, a half day trip is probably all you want. I think we left out at 1 last time, so we were able to hit the blue hole on the drive up that way. Blue hole is a must. Roads are shitty, but once you get there, the kids will love it. Give yourself about an hour there and then hop over to where the ferry goes over to Spanish Wells. They will pick you up there.
Once you’re done. Let them drop you off at Spanish Wells and eat at The Shipyard. Then ferry back across.
We had PJ the first couple of trips as our captain. He was like 18 years old and really left it up to us what we wanted to do. We had Daniel a few weeks ago, and surprisingly he went to school at Ole Miss. Just a good ole baw. He has a you tube channel where he camps and fishes all over the island.
In my opinion, a half day trip is probably all you want. I think we left out at 1 last time, so we were able to hit the blue hole on the drive up that way. Blue hole is a must. Roads are shitty, but once you get there, the kids will love it. Give yourself about an hour there and then hop over to where the ferry goes over to Spanish Wells. They will pick you up there.
Once you’re done. Let them drop you off at Spanish Wells and eat at The Shipyard. Then ferry back across.
This post was edited on 7/28/23 at 12:27 pm
Posted on 7/28/23 at 1:20 pm to mach316
Excellent info.
My wife and kids are ole miss fans, so I’ll have to request to NOT have Daniel. Just kidding, they would love that. I’ll make sure to check exotic excursions out.
Thanks again for all of the great info.
My wife and kids are ole miss fans, so I’ll have to request to NOT have Daniel. Just kidding, they would love that. I’ll make sure to check exotic excursions out.
Thanks again for all of the great info.
Posted on 12/13/23 at 10:59 pm to iwantacooler
Flights booked. 4 tickets JAN-ELH for under $2,100. Currently checking out houses from Winding Bay to Governor’s Harbor.
Posted on 12/14/23 at 8:21 am to iwantacooler
We went to Eleuthera this summer and stayed in Governor's Harbor. We stayed in the Cornerwall House at Squires Estate. Very nice house, very helpful staff and walking distance to the Buccaneer Club and two grocery stores and alcohol store.
French Leave beach was amazing. Twin Cove beach was very nice. Also went to Rainbow Bay Beach. Watch the wind to see what beach to go to, Atlantic versus gulf. We did an adventure tour and got to snorkel and saw several sea turtles and few sharks. Excellent trip.
French Leave beach was amazing. Twin Cove beach was very nice. Also went to Rainbow Bay Beach. Watch the wind to see what beach to go to, Atlantic versus gulf. We did an adventure tour and got to snorkel and saw several sea turtles and few sharks. Excellent trip.
Posted on 3/29/24 at 8:38 am to bourbon
I'm going to Eleuthera in a couple of months. Has anyone rented a boat for the day? Recommendations in the Spanish Wells area? Thanks
Posted on 3/29/24 at 6:41 pm to Shockthamonkey
Exotic excursions was highly recommended to me. We go
In July and have a trip booked with them. So far they’ve been very responsive.
In July and have a trip booked with them. So far they’ve been very responsive.
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