Experience Governor's Harbour

Overview

The Capital of Eleuthera is the hub of Governor’s Harbour, its name is due to the first seat of government being established here. The island was established in 1648 by William Sayle and the Eleutherian Adventurers. Governor’s Harbour is a charming beachfront town decorated with picturesque wooden houses, it sits on the curve of Cupid’s Bay and Rock Sound at the south end of the island. The island is another piece of paradise with 100 miles of coastline and pristine beaches, it's a great place to visit for a beach vacation and to enjoy authentic Bahamian hospitality. Governor’s Harbour is the largest town on Eleuthera after Rock Sound and it is the oldest settlement with a British colonial Heritage that dates back over 300 years.  

Things to see and do

Visit the Leon Levy Native Plant Reserve filled with 25 scenic miles of walking trails through indigenous trees, plants, and some wildlife. It's a nature lovers dream funded by the Leon Levy Foundation it serves as an environmental education center focusing on traditional bush medicine. It was the first national park on the island of Eleuthera. Visitors can follow the boardwalk over a small waterfall to take the path to the Observation Tower and see hundreds of plants and trees like mangroves, five-finger plants, and bullfinches. There are group tours available. 

Check out Edwin’s Turtle Lake Marine Reserve and its 43-acre deep blue saltwater lake filled with some marine life such as various kinds of fish, and lobster. The marine reserve was established in 1954 by the Burrows Family in order to protect the endangered green sea turtles. There are guided kayak tours available, and options to rent kayaks and canoes. 

Visit Haynes Library set in the heart of Governor’s Harbour this 19th century-pink library is housed in one of the oldest Government buildings on Eleuthera, It was built by Governor William Frederick Haynes Smith in 1897 and holds a wide selection of books. There is an internet cafe on-site boasting spectacular views of the harbor, and there are weekly classes hosted here such as the Monday morning painting class taught by Martha’s Vineyard artist Donna Allen. 

See the famous Glass Window Bridge that sits just off the coast of Gregory Town on the east coast of Eleuthera. Considered the crown jewel of the island and one of the most popular attractions where visitors can witness the dramatic juxtaposition of calm blue waters and rough navy waves and the fascinating contrast of the different color blues from both oceans. 

Take a dip in the Queen’s Baths, an iconic landmark that draws in visitors who can sit or float in the warmed pools created by dramatic waves crashing and warmed by the sun.  

Head to St. George’s Cay on the northern tip of Eleuthera Island where the little community of Spanish Wells is found. This is considered the fishing capital of the Bahamas, excellent deep sea and sport fishing can be found just a few miles offshore, and closer to the island are world-class bone fishing grounds. If you are into fishing this is the place to be with opportunities to catch tuna, marlin, and wahoo. 

Beaches

Governor’s Harbour is home to some exquisite beaches where beachgoers can seek out peace and tranquility and fall in love with the laidback island vibe. French Leave Beach is a stunning stretch of pink sand home to the French Leave Resort on the Atlantic side of teh island. The beach is lined with casuarina trees, it is a very popular beach but also at times can be deserted. The French Leave Marina Village is close to the beach and offers accommodations, dining, shopping, and entertainment options. Buccaneer Beach is a public beach sitting adjacent to the Buccaneer Club on the western side of the island facing Exuma Sound. The waters here are calm and clear perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Cocodimama is a secluded beach that's 6 miles north of Governor’s Harbour, it's the perfect location to find small sea shells. Twin Coves Beach is a unique beach that received its name due to its interesting geography; it split into two coves by a narrow sand bridge.

Cuisine

There are some fantastic dining options in Governor’s Harbour, many boast idyllic beachfront locations, and alfresco dining, boasting spectacular views of the ocean. The harbor is home to some excellent seafood restaurants as well as options for American cuisine, Bahamian fare, French, and Italian. The menus here are packed with all kinds of delicious cuisine including freshly caught fish and seafood, and the Bahamas national dish conch served up in several delicious ways. There is a popular Friday night Fish Fry held in Governor’s Harbour next to the Haynes Library, where locals and visitors alike gather along the waterfront for a delicious dinner, drinks, and music.

Nightlife

Governor’s Harbour offers plenty of action after the sun goes down, with cocktails, music, and dancing at Tippy’s on the beachfront, Ronnie’s Smoke Shop and Sports Bar is one of the most popular spots in Cupid’s Cay serving up local cold Kalik beer, great tunes, and Eleuthera’s only walk-in cigar humidor. Most of the resorts and hotels will also offer their own evening entertainment options with music, shows, and beach parties.