The Secret Bahamas: 7 Nights in Harbour Island & Eleuthera

Beyond the Crowds

The Bahamas’ Best Kept Secret

A yacht charter through Harbour Island and Eleuthera offers a more off-the-beaten-path experience than the bustling hubs of Nassau or the Exumas. This corner of the Bahamas is known for its vivid pink sand beaches, authentic island culture, and hidden anchorages that can only be reached by private yacht or tender.

The best time to visit is between November and July, when the weather is warm and dry, and the waters are at their most inviting. While the islands are more laid-back than other Bahamian hotspots, the region is home to sophisticated dining, charming boutique hotels, and unforgettable natural beauty. From swimming with pigs and turtles to dining barefoot on the beach and exploring colonial-era towns, this itinerary is a perfect blend of adventure and elegance.

Experience the ultimate serenity with exclusive access to secluded beaches and hidden anchorages.
The best time to charter is between November and July, guaranteeing warm weather and pristine waters.
The itinerary is a perfect blend of adventure (swimming with pigs/turtles) and refinement (sophisticated dining in colonial-era towns).

Contact a Charter Specialist

Day 1

Arrival in Eleuthera & Transfer to Harbour Island

Arrive at North Eleuthera Airport, where a short 5-minute drive brings you to the dock, where your yacht’s tender awaits. A quick cruise across the bay delivers you to Harbour Island, often called “Nantucket meets the Caribbean.”

Explore Dunmore Town, known for its pastel cottages, bougainvillea-lined streets, and stylish beach clubs. Here, golf carts are the primary mode of transportation, adding to the relaxed, small-island charm. Enjoy your first evening strolling along the famous pink sand beach—three miles of soft, rose-tinted shoreline that glows at sunset.

Day 2

Meeks Patch: Swimming Pigs & Sandbars

Cruise west toward Meeks Patch, a small uninhabited cay that has become known for its friendly swimming pigs—a quieter, more relaxed alternative to those in the Exumas.

Anchor off the cay to enjoy a beach setup with sun loungers and umbrellas or float in the shallows with paddleboards and Seabobs.

This is a perfect spot for a private picnic or light lunch on the beach, followed by snorkeling along the nearby reef.

DAY 3

French Leave & Governor’s Harbour: Colonial Charm & Calm Bays

Cruise down the western coast of Eleuthera to French Leave Beach and Governor’s Harbour, one of the oldest settlements in the Bahamas. This area is rich in history, with 18th-century colonial architecture and quiet streets perfect for exploring by golf cart or foot.

Anchor near Cupids Cay, then head ashore to browse art galleries, visit the Leon Levy Native Plant Preserve, or dine at 1648, the elegant waterfront restaurant at French Leave Resort. The waters here are calm, glassy, and ideal for an afternoon swim off the yacht.

Day 4

Egg Island: Wrecks & Reefs

A short hop brings you to Egg Island, where secluded sandbars and vibrant snorkeling await. Conditions permitting, this is an excellent place to snorkel the Arimoroa wreck, a partially submerged freighter that has become a coral-covered habitat for tropical fish.

This spot is perfect for setting up a beachside lunch or sundowner cocktails, surrounded by turquoise water and absolute tranquility. The waters around Egg Island are often calm and ideal for water toys and exploring by tender.

DAY 5

Spanish Wells: Fishing & Island Flavor

Arrive at the charming settlement of Spanish Wells, an active fishing village with a rich heritage and some of the best seafood in the Bahamas. Wander the colorful streets, meet local lobster fishermen, or visit The Sandbar, a relaxed restaurant and bar set directly over the water and accessible only by boat.

Spanish Wells is also a great base for a deep-sea fishing excursion or a guided tour through the Devil’s Backbone reef system, known for its clear channels and shifting sandbanks.

DAY 6

Man Island: Barefoot Bliss

Cruise to Man Island, a long stretch of beach and dune just across the channel from Harbour Island. Still undeveloped and blissfully quiet, this is the perfect location for a laid-back beach day, complete with a shaded picnic setup and watersports in the shallows.

Paddleboard the coastline, comb the beach for sand dollars, or simply spend the day enjoying the peace and privacy that only a yacht charter can provide.

DAY 7

Return to Harbour Island: Turtles, Caves & Pink Sand

Return to Harbour Island for a final full day that combines elegance with adventure. Take the tender to a hidden lagoon to feed sea turtles, swing into the water from a rope swing, or enjoy a beach ride—horseback riding on Harbour Island’s pink sand beach is a truly unforgettable experience.

Spend the afternoon at The Dunmore or Coral Sands Beach Club, then enjoy a final dinner at The Rock House, where refined cuisine meets laid-back island luxury with a view over the bay.

DAY 8

Disembark in Harbour Island

After breakfast on board, cruise across the bay one final time to Eleuthera, where a car will be waiting to transfer you 5 minutes to the airport. The beauty of Harbour Island and Eleuthera lies in its quiet magic—never showy, always serene, and best experienced by sea.

Yachts for charter in Bahamas

BOLD

279 Ft (85 m)
Silent Yachts
2019

8 Staterooms
12 Guests
20 Crew

weekly rates from

€875,000

OKTO

217 Ft (66 m)
ISA, RODRIGUEZ GROUP ITALY
2014

6 Staterooms
12 Guests
16 Crew

weekly rates from

€590,000

TOP FIVE II

200 Ft (61 m)
Hakvoort
2021

7 Staterooms
12 Guests
19 Crew

weekly rates from

$600,000

Disclaimer

Prices displayed in converted currencies (USD or EUR) are calculated based on real-time market rates. EJ Yachts makes no guarantee regarding the final exchange rate; the actual amount debited will be determined by the client's bank or payment processor at the exact time the transaction is completed.