Making the most of Eleuthera
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Cruise-ship tender boats collect and set down passengers at Princess Cays, also called The Love Boat Marina. The marina is the activity hub, with an island band, water-sports desk and a large map showing the island and its attractions.
Princess Cays is a private beach resort on Eleuthera in the Bahamas. The island measures 100 miles in length but only two miles across.
As its name suggests, Princess Cruises developed the resort and that line has used it since 1992. It features on itineraries not only for Princess cruise ships, but also for affiliated lines including Cunard.
Most passengers simply stay nearby and make use of the facilities.
At 110 miles long and only two miles wide, Eleuthera keeps visitors close to its pink- and white-sand beaches. Alongside harbor Island and Spanish Wells, it appeals with colonial villages and pineapple plantations.
Getting around
Taxis are plentiful, but agree the fare before setting off.
Eleuthera has no public transport.
Ride a 10-minute water taxi to harbor Island, also known as Briland, to see Dunmore Town’s 200-year-old New England-style clapboard houses, with picket fences and fragrant, colourful blooms. Watch the sun go down over the harbour with a Goombay Smash: pineapple, coconut, light and dark rum, pineapple juice, lime, plus a little grenadine and bitters.
Car rental: be prepared for gas prices $1-2 higher than in the U.S. Rentals are charged per day without extra fees, and in most cases no paperwork is signed. Eleuthera has no chain rental firms; cars are hired from locals, who may keep fleets in their yards, and some combine car hire with a gas station or taxi company. Driving is on the LEFT-HAND side, so take a good map.
Nearby places
Eleuthera and its satellite islands, Spanish Wells and harbor Island, offer excellent snorkeling and diving among coral gardens, reefs, drop-offs and wrecks. Anglers come for bottom-, bone- and deep-sea fishing, targeting dolphin fish, wahoo, blue and white marlin, Allison tuna and amberjack. Charter boats are available from Powell Point, Rock Sound, Spanish Wells and harbor Island, while Sunfish, sailboats and Boston Whalers can be rented for reef fishing.
Club Med Beach: although the resort has disappeared, this sweeping curve of powdery pink sand near Governor’s Harbour remains outstanding.
Governor’s Harbour has daintily painted wooden cottages, with stone walls full of hibiscus and oleander, along the steep lanes rising from the harbour.
Tarpum Bay is a fishing village with one of the most photographed sights: whitewashed St Columba’s Anglican Church set before the sea.
Food and shopping
The Bahamas are known for Androsian batik fabric, produced by a small operation in Andros Town on a remote Out Island. The factory is fascinating to visit, but batik goods can also be bought through many outlets in Nassau, Freeport and major Out Islands, including Abaco and Eleuthera.
Money
The local Bahamian dollar (B$) has the same value as the US dollar. Either currency is accepted throughout the country.
Staying connected
English is spoken.
Opening Hours and
Although Bahamian stores are allowed to open on Sunday, almost none do, leaving the day very quiet for commerce. Otherwise, mornings are the best time to shop, with fewer crowds and milder temperatures.