EleutheraEleuthera at a Glance
About Eleuthera
Eleuthera is a thin, elongated island in the Bahamas known for its long beaches and coastal cliffs. The island extends about 110 miles (roughly 180 kilometres) and is characteristically narrow, often under a mile wide.
Key draws include long sandy beaches including stretches with pink-tinged sand, the dramatic color contrast at the Glass Window where deep ocean meets shallow sea, and small coastal settlements such as Governor’s Harbour and Dunmore Town. The island is popular for beach activities, fishing and low-density coastal tourism.
Arrival and settlement date to the 17th century when English settlers known as the Eleutheran Adventurers established communities; the island has since developed a mix of small towns and resort areas. Its economy mixes tourism, fishing and local services.
Eleuthera lies to the east of New Providence (the island that hosts Nassau) in the central Bahamas, running roughly north-south with narrow ridges and sheltered bays along its flanks.
- Size and shape: The island is very long and narrow, roughly 110 miles in length and frequently less than a mile across in places.
- Name origin: Named after 17th-century settlers called the Eleutheran Adventurers, the island has a history tied to early English colonization in the Bahamas.
What to See#
- The Glass Window (Glass Window Bridge): A natural narrow isthmus and scenic viewpoint where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Caribbean Sea with a sharp color contrast between deep blue and turquoise waters.
- Governor’s Harbour: Governor’s Harbour is one of the main settlements and the administrative centre on the island, serving as a transport and service hub.
- Pink sand beaches: A long stretch of coastline known for pink-tinged sand produced by crushed coral and shells; notable beaches are found near Dunmore Town and Cape Eleuthera.
Best Time to Visit Eleuthera
Best visited December-March for dry weather and ocean clarity; avoid hurricane season (June-Nov) if possible.
Weather & Climate near Eleuthera
Eleuthera's climate is classified as Tropical Savanna - Tropical Savanna climate with hot summers (peaking in August) and warm winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 18°C to 31°C. Moderate rainfall (997 mm/year).
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | 19° - 24° | 21° | 35 mm | - | - | 4.4 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | 18° - 25° | 22° | 44 mm | - | - | 4.5 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | 19° - 27° | 23° | 31 mm | - | - | 4.6 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | 22° - 27° | 24° | 41 mm | - | - | 4.6 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 22° - 29° | 26° | 106 mm | - | - | 4.4 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 25° - 29° | 27° | 152 mm | - | - | 3.8 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 25° - 31° | 28° | 84 mm | - | - | 4.4 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 25° - 31° | 28° | 111 mm | - | - | 4.1 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 25° - 31° | 28° | 130 mm | - | - | 4.6 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 23° - 29° | 26° | 166 mm | - | - | 4.6 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | 21° - 27° | 24° | 54 mm | - | - | 5.5 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | 20° - 25° | 23° | 43 mm | - | - | 4.9 m/s | - | - |
How to Get to Eleuthera
Flights to North Eleuthera Airport (ELH) from Nassau (NAS) and select US gateways. Ferries and water taxis connect to nearby islands; car rental recommended for exploring long distances on the island.
Tips for Visiting Eleuthera
- Fly direct to North Eleuthera (ELH) for quickest access to the island; from Nassau there are frequent inter‑island flights.
- Rent a car or use local taxis-Eleuthera's attractions are spread out along the long island.
- Visit Glass Window Bridge at sunrise or sunset for dramatic contrasts between the deep blue Atlantic and the turquoise Bight of Eleuthera.