Your Comprehensive Packing Guide for an Unforgettable Trip to Eleuthera

Eleuthera, a remote out island nestled in the heart of the Bahamas, promises an idyllic escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. With its stunning pink sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, incredibly friendly culture, and laid-back atmosphere, this hidden gem offers an unparalleled opportunity to connect with nature and rejuvenate your soul. As you prepare for your journey to Eleuthera, it's essential to pack wisely to ensure a seamless and unforgettable experience. In this comprehensive guide, we'll cover everything you need to bring to make the most of your time in this tropical paradise. As suggested, this is a guide and may or may not cover everything that you would need to pack for you vacation on Eleuthera.

Essentials for Your Adventure:

Travel Documents and Identification – Check your passport now for expiration dates.

Cash and Cards – There are three ATM’s on the island but sometimes they are down. Bring enough cash for tips (most restaurants add gratuity- make sure you ask or check your bill)) Although in the last couple of years stores have put in merchant services, many stores and restaurants still do not take cards.

Google Maps- Download this app so you can use it offline- internet here can be unreliable.

Communications- Download WhatsApp- this is what everyone uses. Contact your service provider to find out what international plans you can use. T-Mobile is free but only downloads 2G (think maybe you get your emails) but for $5 a day you get high speed unlimited data from most cell phone providers.

Clothing and Accessories:

Swimwear and Beach Attire- Bring two or three swimsuits you can mix and match. Rinse out and hang to dry. Flowy sundresses to cover you when going into restaurants and stores is ideal. The Bahamian culture is a modest one. T-shirts and shorts for men are ideal.

Sandals and Walking Shoes- Although flip flops are great for the beach if you want to do any exploring, I suggest strap sandals like Teva’s with strong soles for the rocky ledges and beaches roads you will encounter on your way to a your adventures.

Sun Protection Gear (Hats, Sunglasses, Sunscreen) MINERAL REEF SAFE SUNSCREEN PLEASE- anything that sprays out of can destroys our reefs. Mineral sunscreen or zinc will protect you and protect our fragile ocean’s ecosystem.

Rain Gear (Lightweight Jacket, Umbrella)- discretionary unless you are here during hurricane season (Sept and Oct)

Evening Attire (Casual Clothing for Dining Out)- Think casual.

Refillable Water Bottle- There is no recycling and they only have dumps to burn trash here.  Please help keep plastic out of the dumps.

Beach Day Must-Haves:

Beach Towels or Blankets- check with where you are staying to see if they have towels before you waste the space packing them, most do.

Beach Bag or Backpack- Always a good idea

Snorkeling Gear – Mask and snorkel is a must. If you want to go into the Atlantic Ocean where there are currents, bring fins!

Waterproof Phone Case- Zip lock bags work great for the beach.

Cooler- Soft sided coolers are easy to pack and a great to use for the beach.

Electronics and Connectivity:

Smartphone and Charger

Power Bank – Make sure it has a voltage regulator. We experience power surges daily. Plug your strip cord into the voltage regulator. Amazon has reasonable ones.

Portable Speaker

Underwater for your Phone- (for Capturing Marine Life and would not recommend the zip lock for this.

Health and Personal Care

Prescription Medications- We now have a pharmacy on the island, but it probably will not have the medications you take.  

Basic First Aid Kit – Triple antibiotic cream and a couple of Band-Aids should do.

Bug Spray and Cortisone Cream- Avoid being out at sunrise and sunset will help incredibly but if you use deep woods off the noseeums will not bite.

Personal Hygiene Items- Everything here is shipped in and will cost 2-3 times the price of what you are used to at home.

After Sun- Best is to ask a local for aloe plant and put on raw or bring aloe gel. They are also along the road.

Local Culture and Respectful Attire:

Modest Clothing for Visiting Local Communities- Covering shoulders and knees.

Respectful Attire for Places of Worship- Covering shoulders and knees.

We suggest bringing a few of your favorite items from home. If you like a certain type of tea or coffee, bring it. If you have a creamer you like, pour out a couple of teaspoons and freeze it. Put it in your soft sided cooler and pack it and it serves as an ice block. Buying local is great and much appreciated but healthy snacks are limited and very expensive so think about packing some almonds, trail mix, protein bars, and the like in your bag especially if you’re coming with kids. Restaurants cook to order here. What does that mean? It can take an hour and a half to get your food. Making sure you have snacks in your car and extra water so when you can’t find a store or restaurant open you are prepared. Stores and liquor stores close on Sunday and after 6 pm. The out islands vibe is laid back and easy and with the right preparation you will find it much more enjoyable!

Packing for your trip to Eleuthera requires understanding the island's unique environment. With its serene beauty and remote charm, Eleuthera welcomes you to embrace a simpler way of life. The electricity and internet may go off and on. When this happens go to the beach, stop by a library, or hang out with locals and learn how to play dominos. Bahamians love to laugh and are incredibly warm and inviting. Don’t be shy!

We hope by helping you to pack the essentials it will enhance your own experience to this remarkable destination. As you embark on your adventure to Eleuthera, remember that the memories you create will stay with you long after you've left its shores. Safe travels and enjoy your unforgettable journey in paradise!

Any questions or something we missed? Please drop us an email at eleutheraoutdoorcenter@gmail.com or WhatsApp us at 242-470-6171, we are happy to assist!

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Eleuthera’s Best Keep Secret Beaches, Blue Holes, and Snorkeling Spots

Although the Internet is great for researching Eleuthera’s beaches, blue holes, caves, swimming pigs, turtles, sandbars, and other sites, sometimes it's best to get it straight from a local. We asked Ketelen Dorcent, KK, guide with Eleuthera Outdoor Center, where he goes when he wants to get away. Born in the Southern settlement of Tarpum Bay, Eleuthera,  KK has been in the  water since before we could walk. We consider more than qualified as a local expert.

“Ever since I was small I remember going to a beach just South of Tarpum Bay where I grew up. There is a little tide pool out front of it that comes and comes up and down with the changing of tides. It's a great place to kick back and relax on a beautiful beach. It's not really well known, one of those places where you can go all day and never see anyone else. The snorkeling out front on calm days is spectacular also. Look for low winds or winds on out of the SW, W, or NW for this beach” He recently shared with us.

We put the maplink below for guests who would like to check it out.

Tide Pool Beach

https://goo.gl/maps/iziVKxq67DapQ591A

 As we continued talking, KK mentioned another favorite beach spot up near Governors Harbour Airport. He says everyone normally goes to Airport Beach or the old Navy Base Beach but in between is a dirt road that accesses a beach the locals call No Name Beach. Whether you are getting off or hopping on a plane, this beach is always a favorite place to say hello or goodbye to Eleuthera.

No Name Beach

https://goo.gl/maps/36ZXJM4DxLA7BUrc9

“Further up the island by Glass Window Bridge is a hidden tide pool. Everyone usually goes to Queens Anne’s Bath right down the road and that is a great place as well.” KK says, “but this little gem is hidden in plain site”

He did mention a word of caution around any of the tide pools on the Atlantic side is recommended. Any time the tide is high, or the winds are above 15 miles per hour, it is best to stop way before the edge and make sure the waves are not breaking over the rocks. It is always best accessed on low tide. Both places always  provide hours of entertainment. Cleverly Named by locals The Other Tide Pools this spot is best access with hard sold shoes and to making sure the waves are not breaking over the side.

The Other Tidepools

https://maps.app.goo.gl/WvZddrAPLTmxtWt4A

Want more local favorites? Just drop  us an email at Eleutheraoutdoorcenter@gmail.com and we will be happy to share our 25 places to go and things to do while on Eleuthera for snorkeling, blue holes, caves, local restaurants and more!  Eleuthera Outdoor Center provides boating, fishing, snorkeling, and paddle tours from North, Central, and South Eleuthera. All tours can be booked online at www.eleutheraoutdoorcenter.com

Top Five Free Things to Do on Eleuthera

Nestled a short hop over from South Florida, the Out Island of Eleuthera is just 260 miles from Miami but a world away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Here you will find a rich culture of friendly locals more than willing to share a warm smile, where everyone still waves to each other and says hello. The culture of the Bahamas is by far its greatest charm. Life moves at its own pace here and locals are genuinely friendly. There are hundreds of miles of pristine reefs and untouched remote beaches, but did you know there is so much more? We love Eleuthera and want to share some of our local spots with all those looking to find free things to do and places to go. Starting off are the top five free things to do on Eleuthera.

5. Swing in the Water

Located on the beach in Tarpum Bay is a swing set in the water. Come take a photo on the swings in this picturesque settlement. Home to Eleuthera Outdoor Center, Tarpum Bay is a fishing village located on the Caribbean Ocean where the fisherman still bring in their catch every afternoon. After frolicking in the shallow clear waters rest on our beach and enjoy the locals playing Dominos at Seaside Breeze, located right across from the beach.

Tarpum Bay Beach Swing

https://maps.app.goo.gl/pCRScpzJEYNyfSe37

4. Find a Sand Dollars at Receivers Beach

Best to visit at low tide, this beach is located just south of Governors Harbour Airport. We like to make a day of it at this beach and watch the difference the tides can make. This is a quintessential Caribbean beach with fifty shades of blue and white sandbars that stretch out hundreds of feet on low tide. Finding the sand dollars is easy! Just walk out to the thirds set of sandbars and drag your toes slightly under the surface of the sand. You will feel them right below the surface or see them sticking out of the sand. The brown ones are still alive so after a picture please put them back. The white ones make great souvenirs as do the shells along the shoreline.

Receiver's Beach

https://maps.app.goo.gl/EPweqFxwj1hUDG7PA

3. Swim in a Blue Hole

The Bahamas has over 2,000 blue holes and National Geographic has only mapped 10% of them. Eleuthera is home to Ocean Hole, the most famous inland blue hole, and located minutes from Cathedral Cave (see below). This blue hole is large and has a ladder. Make sure to bring bread to feed the fish or cliff jump off the rocks. Sapphire Blue Hole was found a couple of years ago by a drone and as the name suggest is crystal blue. A platform and ladder rope have been put in and now is the place to go to cliff jump. There are more blue holes in ocean but only accessible by boat. Check out our boat tour that takes you to the blue holes in the ocean around Eleuthera.

Ocean Hole

https://maps.app.goo.gl/2yT3vcHCwQFjGhe86

Sapphire Blue Hole

https://maps.app.goo.gl/RSbk4ZRYyHyfzSik7apphire 

2. The Caves of Eleuthera

Eleuthera is home to three cave systems, all completely different, and definitely worth checking out. Cathedral Caves in South Eleuthera has a trail leading to steps that take you down into the caves. The caves are open at the top and have 60 ft root systems from the trees on top that hang to the floor. Truly a spectacular site! Central Eleuthera has the Hatchet Bay Caves. It is the longest and deepest cave system. You will want a guide if you plan on venturing into this cave system as it is over a mile long and pitch black. The opening is well lit with stalagmites hanging down that are easily and safely visible. Preachers Cave is located in North Eleuthera and is an open cave system used by the Eleuthera Adventurers who found the cave in the 1600’s. Also worth seeing is the pink sand beach out front of Preachers Cave, it is a spectacular beach!

Cathedral Cave

https://maps.app.goo.gl/TG1RBMR7tB6QAZVn6

Hatchet Bay Cave

https://maps.app.goo.gl/dTHQjATRKKLkpDDS7

Preacher's Cave

https://maps.google.com/?q=Preacher%27s+Cave&ftid=0x89253bb1afb1b8c3:0x9590567ffa9a3caa&entry=gps

1.  Snorkel the Pristine Reefs on Eleuthera

Not only are the beaches remote but also have hundreds of miles of world coral reef systems steps from your towel. The reefs are not overfished so seeing elkhorn, stag, and brain coral is normal.  Soft corals and fan corals in vibrant colors are plentiful as are the tropical fish that call this glorious place home. When the wind is down or blowing from the south or west the Atlantic side turns incredibly smooth. Best visibility is on low tide. As a free diver that has traveled far and wide to find the best reefs in the world, Eleuthera’s world class pristine reefs systems kept me coming back. South Eleuthera, south of Palmetto Point all the way to Lighthouse Point, is my personal favorite as it is not overfished, and the reef systems are shallow.

Here are a few of my favorite.

Islandia

https://goo.gl/maps/VwJbnGVDLfEyker68

White Sand Road Beach

https://maps.app.goo.gl/G4U6kDiaGZXmTNdx8

Double Bay Snorkeling Spot

https://maps.app.goo.gl/RzjRjRy7UQT6vaCM8

Contact us for free trip plans so you can navigate the wind and tides to find the flattest calmest water for the many adventures that await for you. The east side of Eleuthera’s tides run two hours behind the west side and the tides change by an hour each day. Contact us for our free link to 30 Things to Do and Places to Go on Eleuthera. For over 30 years we have been loving Eleuthera and look forward to sharing this love with you! We also offer kayaking and paddleboarding on our Turtle Tours and Cathedral Cave and Blue Hole Tours. For boating options check out our 4 Island Epic Exuma Adventure or our boat tours that leave from North, Central, and South Eleuthera. Come join us as we swim with the pigs and turtles, explore sandbars, deep sea, reef, and spearfish. Looking for a land-based option? Our private land tour stops in historic sites and take you to the breathtaking picturesque blue holes, caves, tide pools, beaches, and reefs. Come see that makes this place such a treasure! Adventure travel packages available at www.eleutheraoutdoorcenter.com  WhatsApp or call 242-470-6171. Our mission is simple, to share our love and knowledge of Eleuthera through exceptional experiences hosted by local guides. It’s what we do!

Author, Sharon French, Manager of Eleuthera Outdoor Center and Lover of Eleuthera.

Snorkeling Pristine Coral Reefs

Snorkel with the locals!

What to do on Eleuthera Island, Bahamas

So you have reached, as the locals would say. Now what? You will quickly notice there are no street signs or maps and the locals will tell you to take a left at the palm tree after the broken down car. Is this normal? Absolutely! This is all part of the experience and charm that makes Eleuthera magical. The island is 110 miles long and one mile wide at its narrowest point. It is divided into three districts, North, Central, and South. Each has their own distinct vibe. Today we are going to discuss the three districts, settlements in them, and a couple of things to do in each one.

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Cliff Jumping at Sapphire Hole in Eleuthera Island Bahamas

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North Eleuthera is home to Harbor Island and is normally associated with Eleuthera. It is fun to rent the golf carts and spend the day on the pink sand beaches. You can get there via Three Island Ferry Dock. Water taxis run back and forth all day for around $5.00 one way. Spanish Wells is another island that is a fun day trip off the island. You can get there from the Government dock by Jeans Bay. It is a tight knit community based around tourism and fishing. Spanish Wells is very clean, has some great restaurants, and very nice beaches. On the mainland, North Eleuthera is home to several settlements Current, Current Island, Bluffs, Lower Bouge, Upper Bouge, Gregory Town, Rainbow Bay, and Alice Town. North Eleuthera is known for it pineapples, rolling hills, and miles of beaches. Places to visit include Preachers Cave, Sapphire Hole, Glass Window Bridge, Queens Annes Bath, and Hatchet Bay caves. North Eleuthera Airport (ELH) services these areas.

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Queen Annes Bath, Eleuthera Island, Bahamas

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Central Eleuthera is home to Governors Harbour. This quaint town has French Leave beach, an exceptional beautiful beach on the Atlantic side. It also has quite a few restaurants and large government office. The town and also Banks Road is known for vacation homes and the Friday Night Fish Fry by Cupids Cay. Central Eleutheras settlements are James Cistern, Governors Harbour, Cupid Cay, Palmetto Point, and Savannah Sound. Places to visit include Leon Levy, French Leave Beach, Double Bay, Fish Fry on Friday nights and then dancing at Ronnies, Ten Bay Beach, and Island Farm. Governors Harbour Airport (GHB) services this area.

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Turtle near Double Bay, Eleuthera Island Bahamas

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South Eleuthera is the most remote part of Eleuthera. Miles of empty beaches and pristine coral are located off every beach in this area. South Eleuthera is known for its incredible fishing and vibrant sea life. Winding Bay and Half Sound boasts over 40 square miles of bays, beaches, estuaries, mangroves, and reef systems. Walk for the day and never see anyone else type of beaches. South Eleuthera settlements are Tarpum Bay, Rock Sound, Green Castle, Waterford, Wymes Bight, Bannerman Town, and Deep Creek. Places to visit include Ocean Hole, Cathedral Caves, Dock in Tarpum Bay to buy fish, Lighthouse Beach, Cape Eleuthera, Winding Bay Road and Half Sound Beaches. Rock Sound Airport (RSD) services this area.

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Snorkeling with Seahorse Tour at Eleuthera Outdoor Center

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If you are on Eleuthera and have not seen football fields of pristine elk horn, stag, and brain coral covered with tropical fish, lobster, rays, and turtles then please call or email us! We will send you on self guided tours (give you directions) so that you can check out this magnificent water wonderland. Our daily scheduled tours include Da Turtle Tour and Snorkel Safari, Blue Holes and Cave Tour, Lighthouse Beach/Schooners Cay Boat Tours, Four Island Epic Exuma Adventure, and Deep Sea, Reef, and Spearfishing Tours. We also have paddleboard and Kayak rentals on our waterfront location in Tarpum Bay. Out local guides can, depending on the wind and tides, find you flat water to snorkel and paddle on. Since the island is so long, no matter which way the wind is blowing there is an area that will be wind blocked and offering great adventures!

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Pig Beach on the 4 Island Epic Exuma Adventure- Swim with the Pigs! Eleuthera Outdoor Center

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Whether you are in the planning phase or already are booked we would love to add to your Eleuthera experience. If you would like fresh seafood, produce, massages, or private chef we can make it happen!