Located centrally, Governor's Harbour is the principal settlement of Eleuthera.  Established by William Sayle and the Eleutherian Adventurers in 1648, it lays claim to being the beginning of the post-Lucayan  Bahamas.

Governor's Harbour bristles with more energy and activity than other parts of the island while still retaining its charming laid-back feel and old world charm. Here you will find several grocery and liquor stores, a smattering of restaurants, small gift shops, local businesses, banks, schools, churches, Hayne's Library, a movie theater and several gas stations. It is the hub for economic activity on the island. It raps around the body of water knows as Anchor Bay, which also serves as the home of the famous Friday night Fish Fry, which begins each week ~6:00pm-ish. It's a fun outdoor party that you won't want to miss complete with fresh grilled food, very strong adult beverages and entertainment. The road leading past Anchor Bay leads to the peninsula known as Cupid's Cay, where the loading dock for incoming supplies and goods can be found. There are also several small community beaches on either side of Anchor Bay that are good swimming spots for little ones.

Drive up the hill in the center of town that leads to a road known as the Bank's Road, which runs all the way to North Palmetto Point. There are several nice beaches that can be found in this direction including Club Med Beach, where the old Club Med facility used to operate, Twin Coves Beach, and French Leave Beach. Several popular waterside restaurants can be found on this road, too. 

The nearest settlements to Governor's Harbour are Palmetto Point, ~3 miles to the south, and James Cistern, ~19 miles to the north without much in between except for several small communities, a few local businesses and the Governor's Harbour Airport (GHB).

Travelers who want the convenience of being able to walk to bars, restaurants and stores will prefer this part of the island. Plus, with its central location it is very easy to drive and explore both down north and up south, as we say!

What Restaurants Are Near Governor's Harbour

Governor's Harbour has many restaurants right in the settlement or just a short walk or drive away. 1648 is located at French Leave Resort and offers both indoor and outdoor dining right on the bay. It is considered one of the best restaurants on the island by many, but there are many other choices. Ask around. The locals love to offer opinions and point tourists in the right direction. Be sure to visit the Fish Fry on Friday night and consider purchasing fresh fish to cook at home at the dock across from the church. If the weather is good then the fishermen will usually be on shore selling fresh conch, lobster and fish around 2pm - 3pm each day.

What Is There To Do On Eleuthera

Beaches  - Eleuthera is home to 135 pristine beaches most of which you will have completely to yourself. You could do nothing other than explore beaches for your entire vacation. Pack a picnic. Grab some beverages. Go beach hunting. Make sure to purchase  The Beach Book, Eleuthera, Bahamas edition before your trip so you can plan ahead. This travel guide is not available on the island.

Natural Attractions  - there are quite a few Bahamian heritage sites worth visiting. These include, in no particular order.

1. Preacher's Cave
2. Glass Window Bridge
3. The Cow and Bull
4. The Cliffs
5. Hatchet Bay Cave
6. Sapphire Hole
7. Boiling Hole
8. Ocean Hole
9. Ten Bay Cave
10. Gully Hole
11. Current Cut
12. Mal Flanders Castle
13. Queen's Bath
14. Cathedral Cave
15. Haynes Library

Tours  - consider taking a nature tour with one of the island tour guides. They can cater your tour specifically for your group. They offer a variety of land and sea options that include snorkeling  (The Eleuthera Snorkel Book) deep sea fishing, scuba diving, scenic tours to the Schooner Cays, visits to pig island, spearfishing, paddle boarding, kayaking and much, much more.

Leon Levy Preserve  - this 30-acre preserve has been designed as a research center for traditional bush medicine; a facility for the propagation of indigenous plants and trees; and an educational center focusing on the importance of native vegetation to the biodiversity of The Bahamas.

Day Trip to Harbour Island and Spanish Wells  - consider exploring one or both of Eleuthera's two neighboring island to the north. Both are reached via water taxi. A golf cart can be rented at the dock so you can explore. They are both different and unique in their own way.

Lighthouse Beach  - considered by many to be one of the best beaches in The World, Lighthouse Beach is at the southeastern tip of the island. A series of small beautiful cays form a set of giant steps leading out to sea from where the old lighthouse building still stands guard from its hilltop perch. Hike, relax, picnic, explore the natural ponds and visit the gap where two oceans collide.

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