When I first heard the catchphrase from the enchanting island of Eleuthera in the Bahamas, “It’s not for everyone,” I laughed out loud, but once you experience it and really start to think about it, there’s a lot of truth to those words. Eleuthera is a beautiful and special place, but it is definitely not for everyone. If you’re looking for casinos, nightlife, and lots of activities, you’ll probably be disappointed. If you’re looking for a vacation that cleanses your mind and soul, where your body tunes in to the rising and setting of the sun, and where peace, solitude, and private beaches are your cherished memories, then Eleuthera may be the place for you. perfect option for you. you!
Private beaches.
In Eleuthera, your vacation starts with the beaches. With two 100-mile long coastlines running north-south and touching both the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, you’d expect some spectacular beaches. The beaches are not only indescribably beautiful, but they are usually deserted. Travelers often ask me to explain how crowded the beaches are, and the easiest answer I can give is that if you find even one set of footprints in the sand, just one, you can probably find a beach that has been less frequented. Often you will have an entire beach to yourself, and I mean the entire beach. It is possible to be like this all day without seeing a single soul. If that level of privacy is in your plans, then you will love Eleuthera!
The Atlantic or the Caribbean?
Since the island is only two miles wide, it is very easy to move from the Atlantic to the Caribbean whenever you want. Often guests want to know which is better so they can choose a villa on one side or the other, and there is no right answer. They’re both great, and they’re slightly different.
The Caribbean side.
The Caribbean offers shallower water, no deeper than fifteen feet, and is free from cruise ship pollution. There are fewer beaches that tend to be quaint crescents that require you to stray quite a bit from shore before you’re even waist deep. The water tends to be calming, slightly cooler, and is a light aquamarine color that almost glows with the shimmer of the white sand below.
The Atlantic side.
The Atlantic is deep blue, has more wave action, and generally offers more ambient sea sound for those who love to listen to the song of the ocean. The beaches are wider and longer, and there are more. You’ll be able to dive into deeper water much faster, but instead of trying to choose which body of water you prefer, try choosing this way. If you want sunsets choose the Caribbean. If you want sunrises choose the Atlantic. You can always drive just two miles and go to a different beach if you want to play in the water on the other side of the island.
Oceans crashing in the south.
Lighthouse Beach, on the southeastern tip of the island, is one of the places where you can watch two oceans collide. The beaches are arranged in a “V” shape separated by high lime cliffs that can be climbed and offer stunning views from the top. There is a separation between two rock formations and there you can see where east meets west, and where the direction of the wind and tide work in opposite ways until they seemingly merge in a burst of spray. It’s quite a special day trip and requires a 4-wheel drive vehicle and quite a bit of patience to navigate the long and not-so-easy road to the beach, but once you’re done with the drive, you’ll visit probably the two most impressive beaches of the island. It is possible to swim through that channel and feel the power of the meeting of the oceans. There are also a couple of smaller cave beaches on the Atlantic side that are fun to explore where the beautiful pink sand is even cooler than normal.
As you prepare for your trip to Eleuthera, remember that the island moves at a much different pace than you’re probably used to. It takes longer to be served. You’re going to have fewer people around, and the cities are pretty far apart with little to do. Relax and let yourself go!! You’re going to have your pick of gorgeous beaches with soft pink sand lovingly lapped by turquoise blue water teamed with colorful fish fit for an aquarium. As you sit in the hot sun and soak up the warmth of another perfect day in paradise, you’ll begin to understand why so many people choose this tropical oasis as their perfect respite from society. While it’s not for everyone, it will only take an hour from the Florida coast to find out if Eleuthera is right for you.