The Island of Eleuthera is very inviting. It has the quaint settlements of Harbour Island (with its unique pink sandy beaches) and Spanish Wells.
While not busy serving as a backdrop to Sport’s Illustrated Swimsuit models, the illustrious island of Eleuthera is busy serving up pink-ish beaches that will make your heart flutter, white picket fences that will tickle your fancy, blooming hibiscus flowers for your beloved one, and luscious super-sweet pineapples that will make your taste buds water (when in season of course).
Eleuthera has been a romantic hideaway for the British Royal Family for many years. This 110 mile long island is where HRH Prince Charles and the late Princess Diana spent a holiday in 1982 and where Prince Edward proposed to Sophie in 1999.
According to historical lore, the original settlers called it Eleuthera, after the Greek word for freedom. After you visit there you will know why.
Eleuthera Hotels & Resorts
Hut Pointe Inn Eleuthera: A Charming Eco-Friendly Resort
Hut Pointe Inn is a charming, family owned, eco-friendly resort featuring seven tastefully decorated suites on lush grounds near Governors Harbour on the island of Eleuthera, in the Bahamas. Historic Hut Pointe, was built in 1944 by the first Premier of the Bahamas (1964-1967), Sir Roland Symonette.
Harbour Island
Harbour Island — known as Briland by the locals — has been called “the best island beach in the world” and “the best sand beach in the world” by major travel publications yet it is still one of the best kept secrets in the Bahamas.
Less than four miles long and a half-mile wide, Harbour Island is a sleepy retreat with a unique charm and slightly rustic character. It’s a special place for rest and relaxation. A place to unwind and slow down.
History of Eleuthera and Harbour Island
According to historical lore, the original settlers called it Eleuthera, after the Greek word for freedom.
The first English settlers of Eleuthera shipped Braselitto wood to Boston as a thank you for the support given by the people of Massachusetts. The proceeds from the sale of this precious wood went to purchase the land for Harvard College, which eventually became Harvard University.
The black residents are direct descendants of African slaves brought to the island in the 1700s. These slaves were emancipated in the mid-1800s.
Eleuthera has been a romantic hideaway for the British Royal Family for many years. This 110 mile long island is where HRH Prince Charles and the late Princess Diana spent a holiday in 1982 and where Prince Edward proposed to Sophie in 1999.
Traveling to Eleuthera and Harbour Island
Most trravellers fly into Miami or Ft. Lauderdale, then connect to a commercial flight to Eleuthera. If you are coming to Harbour Island from Europe, you can fly to Nassau from London or Paris. One can also take Bahamas Fast Ferries from Nassau to Eleuthera to Harbour Island.
Getting Between Harbour Island and Eleuthera
A ten-minute water taxi ride ($5 per person) available during the day is the most popular way to go between Eleuthera and Harbour Island.
Eleuthera Air Charters & Cargo
GPS Bahamas
Fast, friendly, professional service.
Eleuthera Airports
Governor’s Harbour Airport (GHB): Central Eleuthera
GHB is the most active of the three airports on the island, being centrally located. It is 7.5 miles north of Governors Harbour and 4 miles north of Hut Pointe. | 242-332-2321 / 242-332-2440
North Eleuthera (ELH): Harbour Island & Spanish Wells
North Eleuthera Airport is a Port of Entry for private flights with a 4,500-foot runway with no tower and currently no gas. However plans are afoot to provide gas and open a jet center. Many vacationers and residents fly private planes into the North Eleuthera Airport (code ELH). There are private charter planes available as well. North Eleuthera Airport has a landing strip of 6,000 feet and lights that permit night landing.
ELH is the primary place to land for trips to Spanish Wells and Harbour Island. If your schedule is such that it’s easier to get your connection to North Eleuthera, many visitors simply rent a car or hire a taxi for the journey south to Governor’s Harbour. | 242-335-1242
Rock Sound (RS): South Eleuthera
Rock Sound Airport (RS) is the southern airport on Eleuthera between Tarpum Bay and Rock Sound. New terminal. | 242-334-2177 / 242-334-2139
Eleuthera Travel By Sea
FERRY
Departs Nassau: Friday 7pm
Arrives Governor’s Harbour: Friday 9pm
Returns Nassau: 1/2 hr. after arrival
Departs Governor’s Harbour: Sunday 5pm
Arrives Nassau: Sunday 7pm
MAIL BOATS
Call Port Authority
(242) 393-1064
Bahamas Daybreak III
(242) 393-1064 to South Eleuthera
leaves Nassau
Mon. 5pm
returns Tue 10pm
five hour trip
$40 round trip
Eleuthera Express to North Eleuthera
leaves Nassau
Mon 7pm
returns Tue 8pm
five hour trip
Sea Road (cargo & passenger)
Nassau: Thursday 1200
Arrives 3pm
Taxis & Getting Around
CAR RENTAL & TAXI SERVICES
Governor’s Harbour
Lawrence Griffin 242-332-2077 / 242-332-2087
Butch Johnson 242-332-2648
Cecil or Stanton Cooper 242-332-1620 / 242-332-21575
Tommy Pinder 242-332-6711
Dwight Pinder 242-332-2223
Hilton Johnson 242-335-6241 242-335-6356
Israel Johnson 242-335-6283
Arthur Nixon 242-332-2568
Winsett Cooper 242-332-1592
Cash’s 242-335-1096
Eleuthera Hotels & Resorts
Hut Pointe Inn Eleuthera: A Charming Eco-Friendly Resort
Hut Pointe Inn is a charming, family owned, eco-friendly resort featuring seven tastefully decorated suites on lush grounds near Governors Harbour on the island of Eleuthera, in the Bahamas. Historic Hut Pointe, was built in 1944 by the first Premier of the Bahamas (1964-1967), Sir Roland Symonette.
“Best Beaches in the World”: Eleuthera and Harbour Island
The Island of Eleuthera is very inviting.
It has the quaint settlements of Harbour Island (with its unique pink sandy beaches) and Spanish Wells.
The New York Times Magazine has just declared the Bahamas as “the place to be for 2009 travel.”
Fodor’s called the pale pink sandy beaches on Harbour Island among the “best Bahamas beaches.”
Condé Nast Traveler ranked Harbour Island as one of the “Best Beaches in The World”
These romantic beaches are a favorite of professional photographers from around the world.
Many fashion designers, major retailers, and lifestyle magazines have traveled to Eleithera and Harbour Island for location photoshoots because of the island’s unmatched beauty and charm.