Eleuthera, The Bahamas
Two hundred miles off Florida lies the 110-mile long, sickle-shaped Bahamian island of Eleuthera. This was the first permanent settlement in the Bahamas and was named after the Greek word meaning Freedom. Eleuthera is most unique as it is a coral island with a landscape full of rolling hills, pink sand beaches, and natural coral cement cliffs. Pineapple plantations and pale-pastel colored colonial villages are abundant. Visitors enjoy surfing, scuba diving, and fishing among many other activities.
The Island School & Cape Eleuthera
Founded in 1998,
The Island School is located on Cape Eleuthera, in the southern region of Eleuthera. It is surrounded by three quiet white sand beaches and lies on the old grounds of a resort and marina. The Island School runs programs for high school students focusing on Marine Biology and Caribbean culture. Cape Eleuthera Institute, also on these grounds, was launched in 2003 to provide research opportunities for students to model and understand sustainable living and ecological responsibility.
Glass Window Bridge
At just 30 feet across, this is the narrowest region of Eleuthera. Originally the site of an extraordinary natural stone bridge linking the Exuma Sound to the Atlantic Ocean, this striking rock formation known as the Glass Window Bridge is the eye between the deep blue Atlantic Ocean, and the tranquil aquamarine Caribbean Sea. The land here slopes up on either side and falls away abruptly, to nearly sea level, almost splitting the island in two. Waves from the Atlantic crash against the rocks creating a truly magnificent scene.
The Bluff and Preacher's Cave
The Bluff, an old-fashioned village formed by liberated slaves, lies about five miles south of Spanish Wells on the western shore of Eleuthera. It is a small farming town with a beautiful orange orchard and miniature marina. Just outside of The Bluff you will find Preachers Cave, located at the northern tip of Eleuthera. This large cave has served as refuge for stranded ship crews and adventurers and is now a remarkable spot to visit and explore.
Hatchet Bay
Once called East End Point, Hatchet Bay was home to a huge plantation that housed hundreds of dairy cattle and thousands of chickens. Now, it is a quiet mile-long settlement lined with beautiful Casuarina trees. The harbor is shaped like the head of a hatchet, hence Hatchet Bay, and is the entry point for all of the produce that is shipped into Eleuthera. Nearby, there lays an amazing mile-long cave filled with three levels of stalagmite and stalactites in gorgeous underground cathedrals. The walls are painted with tar drawings left by explorers, and bats are often spotted flying around in the water room. This is a phenomenal site that should not be missed!
Deep Creek
This settlement, originally called Free Town, is the largest village in the south of Eleuthera. It is divided into four towns: Delancy Town, Sweeting Town, Free Town and Thompsons Town, which house about 500 inhabitants. Bonefishing is popular here as flats in Deep Creek hold many fish.
Cotton Bay
At just five miles south of Rock Sound, Cotton Bay is covered in lush vegetation and has amazing views of the surrounding area. Formerly called White Lands, it is now home to a beautiful community, small resort, and an 18-hole golf course. The name was changed by the developer of this resort to reflect the friendly attitudes of the local people, as he said they cottoned easily to one another.
Green Castle
Green Castle, once a part of the Rattray Estate, is located between Rock Sound and Weymyss Bight. This settlement is name after a large green-colored home once situated at the top of a large hill in the area.
Weymyss Bight
This settlement is situated between Bannerman Town and Deep Creek. It was named after Lord Weymyss, whose home still stands and can be visited, and is now mostly common land that is owned by liberated slaves.
Lighthouse Beach
This unspoiled pink sand beach is the southernmost point on Eleuthera. It is named for a beautiful old lighthouse situated on a tremendous limestone bluff that provides stunning panoramic views of the surrounding Caribbean.
