Salty Starfish Travel Club: Eleuthera Trip Report
- Jacob Allen
- Mar 26
- 10 min read
The Salty Star Travel Club embarked on an exhilarating week-long adventure to the stunning Eleuthera, Bahamas in 2023, where the promise of sun, sand, and epic exploration awaited us. Our journey kicked off with a smooth flight into Nassau, followed by a quick Bahamas Air charter to the Rock Sound Airport in southern Eleuthera. As we landed, the excitement in the air was palpable, with Jacob Allen ready to whisk us away to our spectacular beachfront rental in Tarpum Bay.
Tarpum Bay Beach House:
The moment we arrived at our beach house, we were instantly captivated by the exceptional surroundings. Stepping inside, we were greeted by elegant beachy decor and spacious living areas with an open concept that exuded comfort. Each bedroom was a private oasis, complete with its own ensuite bathroom, allowing everyone to unwind in style.
As we ventured out the back door we were stunned to find the beauty of our very own private beach! The soft, powdery sand stretched for miles, with no neighbors in sight! Kayaks and paddle boards beckoned us to the water, while a cabana equipped with bluetooth speakers promised spontaneous dance parties under the sun. Lush coconut and papaya trees swayed in the breeze, inviting us to explore. After taking in the breathtaking views, we grabbed our swimsuits and dashed to the beach.
When we arrived at our beach house, it was stocked with delicious food, refreshing beverages, and local Bohemian rum, so we could fully embrace relaxation without having to venture into town. I wanted to make sure that our members were taken care of so they could seamlessly vibe into a deep chill.
Day 1: Arrival, and Chill
Our first day consisted of unpacking, and relaxation after a long trip from the states. After unpacking, we couldn’t resist the allure of the beach. The Sea called to us, so we spent the afternoon and evening hours on the beach and in the salty Caribbean Sea, reveling in the warm Bahamian sun with cocktail in hand.
We vibed all day in the sun and witnessed what for many was a first Bahamian Sunset...
As the sun began to set, we gathered around the outdoor dining area, where we enjoyed a delicious dinner prepared in the fully equipped kitchen. The vibrant colors of the sunset painted the sky, providing a picturesque backdrop for our first evening together.
Day 2: Beach Day!
Day two began with the sun rising over our private paradise, and we wasted no time diving into the day. We spent the morning basking on our secluded, private beach, which felt like our own slice of heaven. The pristine waters were perfect for kayaking, Nicole and Johan paddled out to explore what this salty paradise had to offer as others soaked up the sun.
As the sun dipped lower in the sky, we set off for Governor’s Harbor to eat at Tippy’s, a local beachfront bar bursting with character and flavor. The atmosphere was electric, with the sound of waves crashing in the background and laughter filling the air. It was July 4th in the Bahamas and the Bahamian locals put on a fireworks display for the Americans visiting Tippys that night. I was quite surprised to see fireworks. It set the scene for what was ahead in our epic Bahamian adventure.
Tippy’s Menu Recommendations:
- Appetizers: We devoured conch fritters—crispy, golden bites that were a perfect start to our meal—and fish tacos that were both fresh and flavorful.
- Main Courses: The grilled lobster was a standout, succulent and perfectly seasoned, while Tippy’s famous burger was a hearty crowd-pleaser.
- Drinks: We quenched our thirst with rum punch and local Kalik beer, both refreshing after a day in the sun.
After dinner, we returned to our villa, where we gathered on the beach to witness a magnificent sunset that painted the sky in vibrant colors. We ended the evening with a few laughs and the waves gently serenading us as we celebrated the 4th of July in The Bahamas!
Day 3: Harbor Island Adventures?
On day three, our adventure took us to northern Eleuthera, where we set out to explore the legendary pink sand beaches of Harbor Island. Our first stop was Gregory Town, stopping to check out local shops and take pictures of the Church there. I stop at this location and take pics on every visit to Eleuthera. The church and its back drop are irresistible to a photographers lens!
Our next stop was the breathtaking Glass Window Bridge, a natural wonder where the deep blue Atlantic Ocean crashes against the lighter Caribbean Sea. (pictured below) The contrast was mesmerizing and made for some incredible photos.
Our day was vibing as we adventured north, however, fate had a twist in store for us when our GPS led us to Jean’s Dock instead of the intended dock for Harbor Island. But every cloud has a silver lining. This detour allowed us to catch a water ferry to Spanish Wells, a fishing village known for its stunning beaches and friendly locals.
Upon arrival, we rented golf carts and set off on an adventure, zipping around the island, exploring colorful cottages and lush landscapes. Our quest led us to a breathtaking white-sand beach that felt like our very own paradise.
For lunch, we stopped at the Sands Bar and Grill, where I indulged in a mouthwatering lobster cheddar burger. Umm, yummy! The atmosphere was laid-back and the sun shining on the sea boasted amazing blues to sooth the soul
Feeling adventurous, I suggested we take a trek to Ben Bay Beach, a secluded stretch of paradise that required navigating through dense jungle trails and mangroves. The path was challenging, with twists and turns and a few creepy crawlers along the way, but the reward was worth every step: a pristine deserted beach.
Ben Bay Beach! Not a soul around! We had it all to ourselves!
We spent the afternoon soaking in the sun, swimming in the crystal-clear waters, and snorkeling in the secluded bay. The thrill of discovering such a hidden gem made the effort all the more rewarding, as we shared the beach and its secrets, we enjoyed our hidden slice of paradise until the sun went down.
Day 4: A Day of Rest and the Fish Fry
After three exhilarating days of adventure, we welcomed a day of rest on day four. Our morning began with refreshing swims and leisurely naps under the warm Bahamian sun. We fired up the grill for a delicious barbecue lunch, enjoying grilled red snapper right from the docks that day, along with BBQ chicken and fresh salads while lounging in the beach cabana.
As the day turned to evening, we dressed up in our best Bahamian attire, with me in a fantastic big time shirt, and ventured to Governor’s Harbor for the Friday night Fish Fry—a lively street party that epitomized the local culture. The Friday Fish Fry has become a Eleuthera tradition.
Fish Fry Delicacies:
- Dishes: We feasted on barbecue chicken, fresh red snapper, rice and peas, and the must-try Bahamian macaroni and cheese, which was bangin!
- Drink: We indulged in the famous Rum Bubba, a secret recipe cocktail that was a hit with everyone. They warned us not to drink more than 2, or you would be dancing in the streets naked. Well, I put that theory to the test!
The energy was electric as we danced, mingled with locals, and even joined in a spontaneous dance contest in the street. The infectious spirit of the community made the night unforgettable, and we felt a deep connection to the island and its people.
The drive back to our villa was a bit of an adventure in itself—navigating narrow, unlit roads required focus—but we arrived home safely, our bellies full and our livers hurting. But we danced, socialized and lived life to the fullest!
Day 5: Lighthouse Beach
On the fifth day, I chartered a private boat for Eliza and I to explore the stunning Lighthouse Beach, my top choice for the best beach in the world. With its untouched deserted shores, majestic cliffs, and beach caves, it truly is a magical place. We departed early to join our charter with Big Mac Charters, where Captain Little John awaited us with a boat full of equipment ready for a day of romance and adventure.
Our journey began with a visit to a vibrant reef situated off the southern coast of Eleuthera. As we approached the reef, the water shimmered in shades of turquoise, revealing a bustling underwater world teeming with life. The corals, resplendent in their vivid hues of pink, orange, and purple, created a breathtaking beginning to our adventure. Eliza, filled with excitement and a hint of nervousness, experienced her first snorkeling excursion on a true reef. Watching her face light up as she discovered the reef's hidden treasures was a moment I will cherish forever. Together, we found ourselves mesmerized by the underwater kaleidoscope of colors, as schools of fish darted gracefully through the coral formations, and delicate sea fans swayed gently with the currents. Every minute in the water deepened our connection with the sea and all of its inhabitants.
Next we headed to Lighthouse Beach where Little John anchored just off shore. We had to swim for it! Upon stepping onto the soft, white sand, it felt like we had found our own secluded paradise meant just for us. The beach's isolation offered a sense of adventure and romance that was indescribable.
We climbed the cliffs near the lighthouse, exploring the ruins of the lighthouse and taking in sweeping views of the sea. The descent to the beach was a bit treacherous, requiring us to navigate a steep trail, but the sight that awaited us was nothing short of awe-inspiring.
We spent the day swimming in the turquoise waters, lounging on the beach, and basking in the serenity of this untouched paradise. Sharing these moments with Eliza felt like a dream, as the feeling of pure bliss filled our souls we laid together on the soft sand. Sadly, due to Disney's acquisition of the area, access to Lighthouse Beach is now limited, making this experience even more precious.
On our way back, Captain Little John surprised us with a stop at another stunning reef for yet another amazing snorkel experience. We ended the day with dinner at the marina at Northpoint Restaurant and Bar, enjoying conch fritters and shrimp while we shared a moment that neither of us wanted to let go of.
Day 6: The Clubs Most Epic Adventure
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