Boating in Eleuthera offers a magical way to explore the island’s stunning Caribbean coastline, allowing you to reach secluded beaches, discover hidden coves, and experience Eleuthera’s beauty from a whole new perspective. A boating trip from Rainbow Bay, with a boat rental from Governor’s Harbour, gives you the freedom to craft your perfect island adventure. Here’s a full itinerary for a boating day, complete with tips on where to rent a boat, what to pack, and what to see.
Morning: Start from Rainbow Bay
Departure Time: 8:00 AM
Start your day by heading 25 minutes south to Governor’s Harbour. Make sure you’ve pre-booked your boat to avoid any last-minute rush.
Boat Rental Options in Governor’s Harbour:
Eleuthera Island Boat Rentals: Offers a variety of boat sizes, perfect for exploring the nearby islands and coastline.
Fishbone Tours: They also offer boat charters with a captain, in case you’d rather relax and let someone else take the helm. You can customize your tour with them to suit your itinerary.
Packing Essentials for Your Boating Day
Lunch & Beverages: Pack a cooler with drinks, sandwiches, snacks, and fruits. You can prepare a picnic at Blue Haven or stop by Eleuthera Supply or East and Final to grab fresh ingredients.
Ideas: Bahamian-style sandwiches with fresh conch salad or tuna salad, chips, tropical fruits (mangoes, pineapples), and baked goods from Da Perk Café in Governor’s Harbour. Don’t forget refreshing drinks like coconut water, sodas, or a few cold beers from a local shop.
Beach Essentials: Towels, sunscreen, snorkeling gear, hats, and sunglasses.
Camera or GoPro: Capture the stunning beauty of Eleuthera’s waters and hidden beaches.
Bluetooth Speaker: Bring some music for when you’re relaxing on the boat or a secluded beach.
Set Sail: Explore the Caribbean Coastline
Departure Time: 9:00 AM
Once you’ve got your boat, it’s time to hit the water and head out along the Caribbean side of Eleuthera. The west coast is known for its calm, turquoise waters, making it ideal for a leisurely day of exploration.
Exploring the Caribbean side of Eleuthera between Hatchet Bay and Tarpum Bay by boat reveals a series of secluded and stunning beaches. Here are some top spots to visit:
North of Governor's Harbour:
Rainbow Bay Beach
Known for its picturesque beauty, Rainbow Bay Beach offers soft, white sand and calm, clear waters. It’s a perfect place to relax and enjoy a tranquil swim.
Receivers Beach (Cocodimama Beach)
Located near the Cocodimama Resort, Receivers Beach features pristine sands and crystal-clear waters. It’s an excellent spot for snorkeling and basking in the sun.
Holmes Bay
Holmes Bay provides a more secluded experience with its serene setting and clear waters. It’s an ideal spot for those looking to enjoy a quiet beach day away from the crowds.
South of Governor's Harbour:
Paw Paw Beach
Paw Paw Beach is a beautiful, tranquil stretch of sand with calm, inviting waters. It’s a great place to relax and enjoy the stunning Caribbean views.
Ten Bay Beach
Ten Bay Beach offers a picturesque and serene environment with soft sand and clear waters. It’s a perfect spot for a leisurely swim and beachside relaxation.
Pineapple Cays
The Pineapple Cays are a series of small, uninhabited cays with stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters. They are ideal for exploring, snorkeling, and enjoying a peaceful retreat.
Palmetto Point Beach
Palmetto Point Beach features beautiful, soft sand and clear waters, with a more laid-back atmosphere. It’s a great place to anchor and enjoy a quiet beach day.
Tarpum Bay Beach
Tarpum Bay Beach offers a charming and relaxed beach experience with clear waters and soft sand. It’s an excellent spot for swimming and taking in the natural beauty.
Sandy Cay Beach
Located on a small island just offshore, Sandy Cay Beach provides a secluded and picturesque escape. With its pristine sands and lush surroundings, it’s a perfect spot for a serene beach day. These beaches, each offering its own unique charm and beauty, provide a wonderful mix of relaxation and exploration along Eleuthera's Caribbean coastline.
Lunch on a Secluded Beach
Lunch Time: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Find a quiet, secluded beach or cove along your route. Drop anchor, bring your cooler ashore, and set up for a peaceful lunch on the beach. Spread out your beach towels, and enjoy the tranquil surroundings while savoring the fresh food and beverages you packed.
Lunch Ideas:
Fresh Conch Salad: If you picked up conch salad from a local vendor, enjoy it beachside with crackers.
Sandwiches: Bahamian-style tuna or chicken sandwiches with Bahamian hot sauce for extra flavor.
Fruits: Freshly sliced tropical fruits like mango, pineapple, and watermelon for a refreshing snack.
Afternoon: Snorkel, Swim, and Explore
After lunch, continue exploring the coastline or venture to some of the offshore reefs for snorkeling. The waters around Eleuthera are teeming with marine life, from colorful fish to the occasional ray or sea turtle.
Snorkeling Spots:
Rainbow Reef: If you head back toward Rainbow Bay, consider stopping at Rainbow Reef for some of the best snorkeling on the island. The reef is home to a variety of fish and coral formations.
James Cistern Area: If you’re near James Cistern, look out for shallow spots perfect for snorkeling.
Governor’s Harbour Coral Heads: Just offshore from Governor’s Harbour, you’ll find small coral heads where tropical fish congregate.
Drinks on the Water
As the day winds down, relax on the boat and enjoy a drink while drifting along the Caribbean. Many of the beaches and cays you’ve visited will start to glow in the late afternoon sun, making it the perfect time to kick back and take in the scenery.
Suggested Drinks: Rum punch, local Kalik or Sands beer, or a cool soda. If you want something non-alcoholic and refreshing, try coconut water or a fruit punch you’ve packed earlier.
Return to Governor’s Harbour
Return Time: 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Head back to Governor’s Harbour by late afternoon to return your boat. If you feel like extending the day, stop at one of the local bars or restaurants for a sunset cocktail or early dinner.
Post-Boat Dining in Governor’s Harbour
After a day on the water, treat yourself to a nice meal before heading back to Rainbow Bay. Here are some excellent options:
1648 Bar & Grille
Located at French Leave Resort, this waterfront restaurant offers fine dining with a spectacular view. Try the fresh catch of the day or Bahamian seafood dishes.
Recommended Dishes: Grilled lobster, conch fritters, or fish tacos.
Buccaneer Club
A laid-back option with a family-friendly atmosphere. They offer Bahamian dishes and comfort food in a casual setting.
Recommended Dishes: Grouper fingers, cracked conch, and burgers.
Tippy’s Beach Bar & Restaurant
If you’re craving beachfront dining, head to Tippy’s for fresh seafood and wood-fired pizzas.
Recommended Dishes: Seafood pizza, grilled snapper, or coconut shrimp.
Return to Rainbow Bay
After dinner, it’s time to head back to your Airbnb at Blue Haven. The 25-minute drive gives you just enough time to reflect on the perfect day spent boating, swimming, and relaxing along Eleuthera’s stunning coastline.
Final Tips for Your Boating Day:
Reserve Your Boat in Advance: Be sure to book your boat a few days ahead of time, especially during high season.
Pack Smart: Bring plenty of sunscreen, water, and snacks to keep everyone hydrated and energized.
Safety First: Always check the weather before heading out and ensure your boat rental includes all necessary safety equipment.
This boating day from Governor’s Harbour provides an unforgettable experience of Eleuthera’s pristine coastline, secluded beaches, and crystal-clear waters. You’ll discover a side of the island that few get to see, making it a highlight of your stay at Blue Haven in Rainbow Bay.
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