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Though
the miles of soft pink sandy beaches, lush green
foliage and an atmosphere that breeds relaxation
are enough reasons to choose Eleuthera, truth be
told; it’s the resorts that give this island
the reputation of being among the most inviting
in the world. Now would
be a good time to explain that the island is divided
into North and South Eleuthera but neighbouring
Harbour Island is the island’s ‘hot
spot’.
Located just off the tip of North Eleuthera, separated
by a narrow channel regular ferry service shuttles
guests daily from Eleuthera for exciting day trips
of exploration and shopping in Dunmore Town. Great
accommodations can be found here as well.
Now what you do not want to do .. is leave Eleuthera
before visiting one or two of the historical landmarks
and natural attractions like the Glass Window Bridge
and ‘The Cow & The Bull’ rock formations.
The Glass Window Bridge before destruction by hurricane
Andrew in 1992 was a striking rock formation that
spanned a gap in which the turbulent waters of the
Atlantic meet the calmer seas of Exuma Sound on the
island’s leeward side. Though the existing
man- made structure replaced the once naturally formed
bridge it is still a magnificent sight to see. The
other interesting land formation on Eleuthera is
The Cow & The Bull. About a mile south of the
Glass Window Bridge, there are two large boulders,
on one side, the boulder looks like a bull with two
cows and on the other side, a bull with one cow.
Both sets of boulders overlook the sea on both sides,
and when the weather is inclement and the wind passes
through, the result is a roar that sounds like a
bull. Preacher’s Cave, a subterranean cave
in which the Eleutheran Adventurers (pilgrims) who
first landed here, took refuge and held religious
services upon their arrival. Stop in to at the Cave
at Hatchet Bay its a vaulted cathedral more than
a mile long, the cave is filled with stalagmites
and stalactites that gleam in torch light. Surfer’s
Beach just two miles south of Gregory Town is an
excellent winter surf spot. The waves at James Cistern
Beach sometimes reach ten feet due to a brisk southerly
wind and when the ‘surfs up’ it makes
this beach another great surfing site but when the
water is calm its a snorkeler’s delight to
explore an old shipwreck, just offshore. Known for
its miles of unspoiled pink, soft sandy beaches as
well as an old lighthouse located on a dramatic limestone
promontory overlooking the ocean (great for snorkeling)
is Lighthouse Beach, Bannerman Town: perfect for
romantic afternoon picnics and sunset strolls. On
Harbour Island visit Loyalist Cottage, a wonderful
example of loyalist architecture, Commissioner’s
Residence built in 1913, and St. John’s Anglican
Church built in 1768.
Besides being a ‘hit spot’ for adventure,
sight seeing and a great deal of fun during the ‘Pineapple
Fest’ (cultural experience celebrating local
artisan, authentic Bahamian music and cuisine, usually
held June annually) Eleuthera Island is also a place
to ‘come home’ to – natural, serene
and unpretentious where the locals are friendly,
the atmosphere unrushed. It’s a fantasy island
short of Mr. Roarke and Tatoo!, but; where the
fantasy of peace, quiet and relaxation is granted.
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