Eleuthera

Eleuthera offers a series of anchorages linked by modest towns where fuel, food, and basic services are available, making it a practical routing choice for cruising yachts. The main provisioning centres are Spanish Wells in the north and Rock Sound in the south.

The village of Spanish Wells offers docks, simple restaurants, supply options and fuel.

The south of Eleuthera is known for its natural attractions, drawing visiting yachts to explore its unique coastal formations. While ashore, visitors often stop by the Queens Baths, a series of natural swimming pools formed by the sea. Another notable geological feature is the Boiling Hole & Cathedral Cave, where the water appears to fizz with natural gasses.

Harbour Island requires careful navigation at the entrance due to shifting sands and changing depths, and anchorage space can be tight, especially in the peak season.

Places to stay

Below are the most popular and highly rated places to stay, based on feedback from the noforeignland community:

Anchorages

	Goulding Cay	5.0 ★	Review summary: Anchoring at Goulding Cay offers excellent holding with good shelter, allowing for comfortable stays during varied weather. The area is quiet and accommodates only a few boats, with easy access to beaches and nearby walking trails. Several Reviews highlight its convenient dining options onshore.
	Rock Sound West	4.9 ★	Review summary: Rock Sound West is a popular anchorage used by visitors waiting out storms, with good holding in sandy bottoms. The bay provides space amidst varied wind conditions, though it can be bouncy when wind is from the south. Visitors should bring repellent for insects onshore.
No image	Rock Sound South	4.8 ★	Review summary: Rock Sound South offers good holding conditions with sandy patches and is accessible for provisioning and refueling. The anchorage is spacious and well protected from the Northeast to Southeast. However, loud music may be experienced on Friday nights.
	Laughing Bird Cay	4.8 ★	Review summary: Anchorage at Laughing Bird Cay is sheltered from westerly and northerly winds, making it a favorable location for weathering fronts. Sailors reported good holding in the area, especially northwards from the marker where the depth decreases towards the shoreline. The west swell is a noted factor.
	Ten Bay Beach	4.8 ★	Review summary: Anchoring at Ten Bay Beach is generally favored, with strong holding in all-sand areas noted. Visitors commonly anchor at the northern end, which provides excellent shelter even in easterly winds. Caution is advised to avoid areas where sand thinly covers hard rock.
	Egg Island	4.6 ★	Review summary: Anchoring at Egg Island can be delightful if caution is taken to avoid coral and find sandy spots. The location is praised for beautiful snorkeling nearby, and peaceful conditions are reported with easterly winds. The anchorage sees regular visits due to its scenic and ample space.
	Levi’s Island	4.6 ★	Review summary: Anchoring in Levi's Island offers suitable conditions with consistency in 15 ft holding depth and reliable anchorages even amidst strong winds. Visitors often find the place accommodating during shifting winds due to the island buffering, although caution around visible float lines is advised.
	The Current	4.6 ★	Review summary: Visitors find The Current a tranquil anchorage with good holding in sand and clear waters. The site provides ample room for multiple boats and is well-suited for staging before navigating the cut. The town offers limited provisions, with a small store and walking opportunities.
	Meeks Patch East	4.6 ★	Review summary: Anchoring at Meeks Patch East is beneficial due to strong holding in sandy bottoms, accommodating both strong and lighter winds. The area provides ample space for multiple boats, predominantly favorable for S-SW wind protection, and features a beach for activities.
	The Bluff	4.5 ★	Review summary: Anchoring at The Bluff offers good holding in sandy conditions, supported by multiple Reviews citing calm waters during S/SE winds. The anchorage presents a straightforward approach, with anchorages reporting depths slightly deeper than some charts indicate.

Show more

Marinas

	Vacation Time	5.0 ★	Review summary: Arriving at Vacation Time marina offers clear depth for a 4-foot draft and power, water, and laundry facilities. Conveniently located near a playground, beach, and local exploration opportunities, this marina is well-maintained and appreciated for its easy access to nearby amenities.
	Cape Eleuthera Resort and Marina	5.0 ★	Review summary: The marina offers easy access for vessels including those with deeper drafts. Visitors appreciate the friendly staff and amenities such as clean laundry, accessible fuel docks, and a responsive marina office. The resort's facilities, including multiple beaches and a restaurant, create a comfortable experience.
	Spanish Wells Yacht Haven	4.4 ★	Review summary: Staying at Spanish Wells Yacht Haven is highly regarded for its well-maintained facilities, including clean showers, a pool, and convenient location on the island. Visitors appreciate the helpful marina staff and the restaurant Wreckers, which offers both good food and a pleasant atmosphere.
	Davis Harbour Marina	4.3 ★	Review summary: Navigating into Davis Harbour Marina requires skill and timing, especially for boats with deeper drafts. The marina offers a restaurant, bar, showers, and fuel services with wind protection. Visitors have noted helpful staff and received positive mentions for dining options on-site.

Show more

Moorings

Bandits Moorings Spanish Wells

3.2 ★

Review summary: Mooring at this spot frequently experiences challenges due to close proximity of buoys. The setting may accommodate smaller vessels better, as the limited space can cause difficulty with larger boats, particularly when tidal currents affect swing patterns.

Boat services

Below are the most popular and highly rated boat services, based on feedback from the noforeignland community:

Boatyards

	R & B Boatyard	4.8 ★	Review summary: R & B Boatyard specializes in haul-outs and maintenance work like bottom painting and saildrive seal replacement. Experiences often mention the effort in coordinating haul-out dates, but highlight reasonable pricing compared to the U.S. Catamaran owners find the facility well-equipped for larger vessels.
	Master’s Marine Boatyard	3.5 ★	Review summary: Services include hull inspection, cleaning, and repair, with a reputation for efficiency. Master’s Marine Boatyard is noted for its protective setting and well-stocked marine store. The facility is accessible Monday to Friday. Visitor experiences highlight professionalism in hull-related services.

Chandlers

	Hot Rodz & Tackle	5.0 ★	Review summary: This chandler offers a variety of hand-crafted tackle and souvenirs, which are unique to the Bahamas. It features helpful staff who are willing to assist visitors with fishing equipment and advice. Availability of custom rods and lures is also noted.
	Spanish Wells Marine and Hardware	4.7 ★	Review summary: Customer interactions reveal a focus on service, with Spanish Wells Marine and Hardware providing guidance to obtain necessary items from other suppliers when unavailable in-store. Additionally, they accommodate engine maintenance, assisting with both small and large outboard repairs.

This table summarizes first-hand reviews from sailors who have checked in to this part of Bahamas.

Useful yacht clearance links