About Eleuthera

Eleuthera, meaning "Freedom" in Greek, was founded over three hundred years ago by a small band of English pilgrims, now referred to as the Eleutheran Adventurers, seeking religious freedom. The island was renamed from Cigatoo, its' aboriginal name, to Eleuthera by the pilgrims to represent their new found island. It's probably one of the first democratic societies ever started in the western world. Eleuthera is the longest island in The Bahamas measuring approximately 110 miles long and a few miles wide. From several areas on the island, you can see both the Atlantic Ocean on the East and the Caribbean Sea on the West.

Once you arrive, you will notice the casual atmosphere this island possesses as well as the cultural history that has been preserved. The island features many area attractions that date back to the "pirate" era. You will notice the colonial style villages and the lust and vibrant colors that represent the tropical island. Turquoise blue, yellow, orange and pink, the homes burst with color against the many miles of pink and white sandy beaches. In the heart of the island, you will find lush areas best known for harvesting pineapples and tomatoes. Eleuthera is so popular for their pineapple harvesting that they dedicated a week in early June to what is known as the Pineapple Festival. People from all the other islands as well as the tourists come to celebrate a tradition of farming and the bragging rights of having the best tasting pineapples in the world! And you thought Hawaii was the only place that farmed pineapples!

Eleuthera has many settlements on the island, one of which is Harbour Island. Located off the north coast of Eleuthera, Harbour Island can be reached via ferry boat. It is known to be the site of one of the first and oldest settlements on the island, Dunmore Town. Here you will find a settlement reminiscent of the colonial era dating back to the 18th century. While on Harbour Island, visit the "hill steps", believed to have been hand carved by the prisoners on the island and Titus Hole, a cave with an open mouth that overlooks the harbour and is said to be the first jail.

Another settlement access via ferry boat is Spanish Wells. Known as the "quiet corner of The Bahamas", this is where the sailors came ashore from Spanish galleons to restock their supplies after long voyages across the seas. The people here have deep ancestral roots and are believed to be direct descendants of the original Eleutheran adventurers and Loyalists. The local economy is driven by the highly skilled fishermen of the settlement. There are also great diving excursions and sites to see as well as bicycling around town to enjoy the history of the homes. You can even rent a golf cart!

Other settlements are Current Island, The Current, Gregory Town, The Bluff, Lower and Upper Bogue, Alice Town, Hatchet Bay, James Cistern, Governor's Harbour, North and South Palmetto Point, Tarpum Bay, Rock Sound, Green Castle, Wemyss Bight, Savannah Sound, Winding Bay, Deep Creek, Waterford, John Millars, Bannerman Town, and Cape Eleuthera.

No matter where you go on the island, you won't need a watch because there is no such thing as time. You will feel you are traveling back in history and wish you never had to break the spell and return home. You will notice the calm atmosphere and friendly people as well as no traffic on the only highway that is known as Queen's Highway. You can explore the island and sometimes not see anyone for miles on the beaches. This is truly what has come to be known as "freedom" on the island of Eleuthera!