Port information & tips for North Eleuthera Island
North Eleuthera is an exquisite jewel of the Bahamas, boasting untouched nature and luxurious seclusion in the north of the archipelago. The region enchants guests with crystal-clear waters and a relaxed island atmosphere that feels both authentic and elegant. Highlights include the world-famous Pink Sands Beach on Harbour Island, the impressive Glass Window Bridge, and the historic Preacher’s Cave. Since ships usually anchor off the coast, arrival is by tender boat at Three Islands Dock or Spanish Wells Dock. From there, travelers can reach exclusive Harbour Island in just a few minutes thanks to short water taxi connections or directly explore the charming fishing town of Spanish Wells.
Arrival at the cruise port on North Eleuthera Island for travelers from the DACH region is primarily by plane, as the island is located in the middle of the Bahamas. Cruise ships often visit private island resorts where passengers either tender or, in the case of Disney Cruise Line, dock directly.
Airplane
The nearest airport is North Eleuthera Airport (ELH), which serves as the main access point for Eleuthera as well as neighboring Harbour Island and Spanish Wells. From the DACH region, travel with a layover in the USA (e.g., Miami or Fort Lauderdale) or via Nassau (NAS) in the Bahamas is recommended to utilize direct flights to ELH. The airport has a single passenger terminal. Due to the long flight duration from Europe, arriving at least one day before the scheduled embarkation is strongly recommended to start the cruise experience relaxed.
Transfer to the Port
From North Eleuthera Airport (ELH), you can easily reach the so-called "Three Island Dock" (also known as North Eleuthera Boat Dock) by taxi, a journey of about five minutes. From there, a short water taxi ride of approximately 9 to 10 minutes takes you directly to Harbour Island, where many accommodations and departure points for excursion boats are located. If your cruise ship visits a private destination such as Princess Cays or Disney Lookout Cay, further transfer details are usually provided by the cruise line or local providers who will take you directly from the island to the ship's pier.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
An overnight stay on Eleuthera or charming Harbour Island before the cruise is highly recommended due to the international travel and necessary transfers. This allows for stress-free scheduling and provides the opportunity to get used to island life before the voyage begins. On Harbour Island, you will find a selection of hotels that promise a pleasant start to your stay in the Bahamas.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will generally receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for the journey to the port and keep in mind that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the voyage: for shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and notices on board, as docking and departure times can change at short notice.
Arrival at the cruise port on North Eleuthera Island for travelers from the DACH region is primarily by plane, as the island is located in the middle of the Bahamas. Cruise ships often visit private island resorts where passengers either tender or, in the case of Disney Cruise Line, dock directly.
Airplane
The nearest airport is North Eleuthera Airport (ELH), which serves as the main access point for Eleuthera as well as neighboring Harbour Island and Spanish Wells. From the DACH region, travel with a layover in the USA (e.g., Miami or Fort Lauderdale) or via Nassau (NAS) in the Bahamas is recommended to utilize direct flights to ELH. The airport has a single passenger terminal. Due to the long flight duration from Europe, arriving at least one day before the scheduled embarkation is strongly recommended to start the cruise experience relaxed.
Transfer to the Port
From North Eleuthera Airport (ELH), you can easily reach the so-called "Three Island Dock" (also known as North Eleuthera Boat Dock) by taxi, a journey of about five minutes. From there, a short water taxi ride of approximately 9 to 10 minutes takes you directly to Harbour Island, where many accommodations and departure points for excursion boats are located. If your cruise ship visits a private destination such as Princess Cays or Disney Lookout Cay, further transfer details are usually provided by the cruise line or local providers who will take you directly from the island to the ship's pier.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
An overnight stay on Eleuthera or charming Harbour Island before the cruise is highly recommended due to the international travel and necessary transfers. This allows for stress-free scheduling and provides the opportunity to get used to island life before the voyage begins. On Harbour Island, you will find a selection of hotels that promise a pleasant start to your stay in the Bahamas.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will generally receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for the journey to the port and keep in mind that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the voyage: for shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and notices on board, as docking and departure times can change at short notice.
The port of North Eleuthera serves as an ideal starting point for exploring the surrounding islands and, thanks to its location, offers convenient onward travel by boat or car.
Water Taxis
Water taxis are available at Three Islands Dock and will take you directly to Harbour Island or Spanish Wells in a short ride of about ten minutes. These boats are the main means of transport in the region and allow for a fast and scenic crossing over the turquoise water.
Land Taxis
Official taxis wait directly at the piers and at the nearby North Eleuthera airport. They provide a reliable way to transfer between the various ferry docks while also allowing for a comfortable ride to the sights on the main island.
Ferries
Regular ferry connections link the port with other destinations in the Bahamas and offer plenty of space for travelers. Departure times are well-coordinated with arrivals and also ensure a smooth transition to your next excursion destination.
To make your day in the north of Eleuthera perfect, we recommend exploring the charming neighboring islands and the impressive natural spectacles right off the coast.
Harbour Island & Pink Sands Beach
This world-famous destination is reachable in just a few minutes by water taxi and delights visitors with its legendary pink sand beach and the pastel-colored colonial houses of Dunmore Town. The relaxed atmosphere and excellent waterfront restaurants make this excursion a luxurious experience, ideal for a laid-back day at the beach.
Spanish Wells
The picturesque fishing village on St. George's Cay impresses with its well-kept streets and an authentic Bahamian way of life; additionally, the island's shallow bays offer perfect conditions for snorkelers and those seeking peace and quiet. The short distances allow for a stress-free discovery tour through the idyllic settlement and along the brilliant white sandy coast.
Glass Window Bridge
This spectacular natural wonder marks the narrowest point of the island and offers a breathtaking contrast between the deep blue Atlantic and the turquoise-green Caribbean Sea. Thanks to its easy accessibility from the mainland terminal, this viewpoint is perfect for impressive photos and provides a fascinating insight into the geological diversity of the Bahamas.
Pink Sands Beach (Harbour Island)
The world-famous Pink Sands Beach on Harbour Island is easily accessible from the pier in North Eleuthera via a short taxi ride to Three Islands Dock followed by a five-minute water taxi ride. This extraordinary stretch of coastline impresses with its fine, pale pink shimmering sand and calm, turquoise sea, and offers excellent infrastructure with high-quality sun loungers and first-class beach bars thanks to the adjacent luxury resorts. The relaxed elegance of the island can also be perfectly enjoyed during a short stroll through the charming main town of Dunmore Town. Ideally, visit the beach in the morning to admire the intense colours in peace, and plan your return to the harbour about two hours before departure to complete the transfer in a relaxed manner.
Returning to the pier in North Eleuthera is very straightforward and safe thanks to well-organized water taxis and local transport services. Plan some additional time for the tender boats for the transfer from the shore back to the ship.
Water Taxis and Ferries
Water taxis are the most important link and operate regularly between the Government Dock on Harbour Island and the North Eleuthera Ferry Dock on the main island. The crossing is short and offers you a beautiful view of the coastal landscape while taking you directly to the starting point of your return journey to the ship.
Taxis and Golf Carts
Taxis are available at the North Eleuthera Ferry Dock as well as at central locations in Dunmore Town to take you comfortably back to the pier. If you are exploring Harbour Island with a rented golf cart, you will find drop-off stations in the immediate vicinity of the Government Dock, making the transition to the boat quick and easy.
Orientation and Footpaths
The paths within the small settlements like Dunmore Town are very clear and, thanks to clear signage, will lead you back to the harbor almost by themselves. The locals are also extremely helpful and will be happy to show you the direct way to the dock so that you reach your tender boat punctually and relaxed.
