- Tradewind Aviation offers scheduled, direct flights to North Eleuthera from Stuart or Ft Lauderdale, Florida. Short flight times and easy departures from private terminals provide frictionless travel compared to the hassle of commercial flights
- On North Eleuthera, a flexible itinerary allows for customized experiences, from private boat charters and sandbar picnics to exploring the natural geological wonders of the island
- Unspoiled and uncrowded, North Eleuthera delivers barefoot luxury and a Blue Mind feeling without overscheduling your vacation itinerary
North Eleuthera is the place you wish no one else knew about, so you could keep it a secret as your own private hideaway. The island of Eleuthera, a 110-mile long slender swath of green, is one of The Bahamas’ tranquil Out Islands. Powdery pink and white sand beaches that are peacefully uncrowded, transparent waters the color of turquoise, and a rugged, natural beauty are part of the attraction of this former pineapple-farming island.
A derivative of the Greek word for freedom, Eleuthera lives up to its name. There’s not a single traffic light in this quiet paradise. Time slows down naturally, and the laid-back ambiance is calming.
The most desirable part of the island is the north side, served by North Eleuthera Airport, which is also the closest entry point for Harbour Island. Following flights to North Eleuthera, catch a water taxi for a short ride across the channel to Briland, as the locals call it (say “Harbour Island three times really fast, and you’ll see why). This exclusive island attracts discerning guests who come for the low-key luxury vibe and 3-mile Pink Sand Beach. Base your trip here, or in North Eleuthera, and you’ll be in close proximity to many attractions, natural sites, and the best places to stay.
Tradewind Aviation offers conveniently scheduled, direct flights to North Eleuthera (ELH/MYEH) from Stuart (SUA) or Ft. Lauderdale (FLL), Florida. Choose Tradewind for an elevated, efficient travel experience with short flight times that touch down to The Bahamas in just over an hour. When you fly personal with Tradewind, you reap all the benefits of private service for the cost of a single seat. Bypass the hassle of major commercial terminals and TSA delays by departing from private terminals, allowing you to arrive only an hour before departure. Relax in the FBO before being escorted directly to the aircraft, a modern Pilatus PC-12 with two pilots at the helm. Onboard, there’s ample room for eight passengers and luggage in the pressurized, air-conditioned cabin, with complimentary snacks and refreshments, including wine and beer, available throughout your flight. Arrive relaxed and refreshed in North Eleuthera, ready to discover this hidden gem of The Bahamas.
There are many Eleuthera attractions to see, and you also want to take time to absorb the mellow ambiance of this special destination. This itinerary of exclusive experiences can be curated around individual interests, activity level, and length of stay.
Courtesy of The Cove Eleuthera
Day 1: Settle in, Chill out
Embrace the island’s serene pace by spending your first day at ease in your private villa or boutique resort. This is not the place to tick off a list of must-dos, but rather to melt into luxurious bliss.
The Cove Eleuthera, one of Tradewind’s partners, is an intimate and secluded Relais & Chateaux property just 13 miles south of North Eleuthera Airport. It’s an ideal base for exploring the north end of the island, and it’s also close to the central hub of Gregory Town. Spend the day getting into a “Blue Mind” state, that peaceful, calm, and happy feeling brought on by being near or in a body of water. Stroll barefoot on the two private sandy beaches; snorkel the coral reef nursery to look for sea turtles, barracudas and tropical fish; and swim in the hilltop infinity pool with a terrific view. Get a coconut body scrub and de-stress massage in the spa suite. Polished and relaxed, meet up on the bluff at the open-air Point Bar to toast the sunset before dinner at Freedom Restaurant & Sushi Bar.
For those interested in staying on Harbour Island, The Dunmore, also a Tradewind partner, offers a welcoming retreat of retro simplicity, with hotel cottages set in tropical gardens. Relax on private breezy patios that evoke a 1960s resort glam and walk the Pink Sand Beach to sink your toes in the famous rose-colored sand. For old-school glamour directly on the beach, check out Pink Sands Resort. Enjoy a body scrub made from locally sourced coffee or coconut followed by a Pink Sands Signature Massage, and then end the day with a modern island-style feast at Malcolm 51.
Day 2: Explore Natural Wonders
Among the things to do in Eleuthera are several unique sites and experiences. Choose one or all of these, which are in close proximity to each other, for an adventurous day exploring some of the natural wonders of the island.
On Harbour Island, visit The Lone Tree, a solitary driftwood tree on the sand at Girls Bank on Bay Street. It is said to have arrived during Hurricane Andrew, and has remained upright on the beach ever since, becoming a sculptural landmark and unique photo opportunity. Nearby is Briland’s Blue Hole, a natural sinkhole with underwater caves favored by scuba divers.
Glass Window Bridge, located on the Bight of Eleuthera, the skinniest part of the island, is a study in contrasts. This is where a sliver of rock, 30 feet wide, divides the deep blue churning waters of the Atlantic Ocean from the calm turquoise waters of Exuma Sound. It’s called the narrowest place on earth, but don’t expect to walk over a glass bridge. Glass Window was named for a naturally formed stone arch, long since eroded by storms, that provided a window-like view of the dramatic juxtaposition of the two waters. A concrete bridge has since replaced it, connecting North and South Eleuthera. The original stone arch is immortalized in Winslow Homer’s 1885 painting, “Glass Window, Bahamas,” housed in the collection of the Brooklyn Museum.
A half-mile further are The Queen’s Baths, a series of natural tidal pools carved into the rock by centuries of pounding surf from the Atlantic. In this collection of natural hot tubs, the water is so clear you can see tiny tropical fish, especially at low tide. Visit when the water is calmer and make sure to wear sturdy water shoes for climbing over the sharp rock. To enjoy the warmest water, explore the baths toward the grotto.
If you’re seeking an adrenaline rush, head to Sapphire Blue Hole. This natural marvel was formed from a sinkhole, with its depth estimated to be 60 – 90 feet. There’s a platform about 20 feet above to jump into the sapphire-hued cold water below, which is so clear you can see the bottom even from the platform. The most challenging part, once you’ve summoned the courage to jump, is climbing up and out on the rope ladder, so water shoes come in handy.
For travelers seeking unspoiled shorelines, Eleuthera Bahamas beaches offer more than 130 sandy choices. Pink Sand Beach on Harbour Island is famous for its three-mile stretch of rose-colored sand. Protected by a coral reef, the waters are calm for swimming and snorkeling.
On North Eleuthera, Gaulding Bay is a gorgeous beach for a swim and a picnic. Snorkel in the shallow waters around the nearby rocky island for the best underwater viewing of stingrays, sea anemones, and colorful fish. Pack a picnic lunch with fresh bread, Bahamian cheese, and tropical fruits from a local market to enjoy in the shade of the pine-like Casuarina trees.
That evening, plan on dinner at Daddy Joe’s, a local favorite just off Queen’s Highway. Start with a pineapple mojito at the bar and dine on island-style comfort food like spicy shrimp and conch fritters. Over on Harbour Island, enjoy Mediterranean-style fare back at The Dunmore at their signature restaurant, The Dunmore Club.
Seamless flights to North Eleuthera mean more time enjoying clear, blue waters | Photo via Envato
Day 3: A Day on the Water
The transparency and colors of the water around Eleuthera are considered to be among the world’s best. The best way to appreciate it is with a private boat charter. Design a day or even a few hours with a charter boat captain to visit secluded spots and reefs for snorkeling. Plan on a leisurely sandbar lunch with chilled rose and something fresh from the sea, and you have a perfect day on the most beautiful water in the world. Boat charters can launch from marinas or docks in Harbour Island or North Eleuthera.
Depending on the wind and weather, your day could include snorkeling the spectacular shallow reef at Devil’s Backbone to see parrotfish, snapper, angel fish, moray eels, and other marine life. Take a break from your exploration with a luxe picnic at a sandbar off Spanish Wells where the warm water is no more than ankle-deep and you can lounge in the ocean.
Finish with a snorkel over a shipwreck. The Arimaroa wreck dates from 1970 and is partially visible above water. The 260-foot freighter has become an artificial reef encrusted with sponges and corals, with massive schools of fish circling the hull. The shallow water is a boon for snorkelers who can easily view the wreck.
If you prefer fishing to snorkeling, Spanish Wells is just a mile across the channel from North Eleuthera and is known as the fishing capital of The Bahamas. This historic fishing village is the place to arrange a boat charter for deep sea fishing, reef fishing, bonefishing, and lobster spearing.
Day 4: Tropical Flora and Fauna
Just south of North Eleuthera, you can walk through a 30-acre Bahamian botanic garden at the Leon Levy Native Plant Preserve. Winding trails and boardwalks take you through mangroves, wetlands, and tropical forests with 300 species of native plants like orchids, bromeliads, cactus, and palms. The Mangrove Boardwalk leads visitors through four different species of mangrove forest, and there’s a medicinal plant trail as well. Native wildlife in the gardens include birds like the Great Lizard Cuckoo, Bahama Slider Turtles, butterflies and dragonflies. Climb to the top of Ethanʻs Tower, 75-feet above sea level, for a panoramic view of the forest canopy.
In Dunmore Town, the historic heart of Harbour Island, there’s an abundance of orange, purple, and pink bougainvillea and century-old trees. Explore the narrow streets lined with candy-colored cottages and white picket fences on foot or by golf cart. Visit local clothing boutiques, art galleries, and cafes, then transition to drinks and dinner in town at Da Vine Sushi & Wine Bar with a view of the waterfront.
In Eleuthera, natural beauty can be the most desirable luxury of all. Escape on flights to North Eleuthera with Tradewind and discover the rich heritage of an island that still feels like a well-kept secret.
To learn more about Tradewind’s private charter and scheduled flights to North Eleuthera and booking your vacation, please visit our website. To receive a private charter quote, please submit an inquiry here or contact our specialists at sales@flytradewind.com or 1-800-376-7922 option 2. For questions regarding scheduled flights, contact our scheduled service team at scheduledservice@flytradewind.com or 1-800-376-7922 option 1.