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 & Departure
Getting around
Highlights & Districts
Useful tips
Returning to the ship
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.
