After leaving Spanish Wells, we sailed through the heart of Northern Eleuthera to some of the most spectacular views we’ve seen in the Bahamas. If you’re for some reason hesitant to skip Eleuthera, don’t. It’s picturesque in most every way and will be any adventurers favorite. Here’s a look at some of the beautiful views we had on our way to Hatchet Bay and some of the fun you can have while staying in Bahamas’s “Safest Harbour”.
The Current
Sailing past Meeks Patch (another place with island pigs), we made our way to the cut between the main land and Current Island. This is a shortcut through to the midst of Eleuthera rather than going around the speckled chart of reefs and cays towards the southwest. This cut is difficult to see from afar but once you get close, you’ll start to see why it is called the current. Strong current passes through this cut and is important to wait until slack tide before passing through (at least for slower speed vessels). Call ahead to any other vessels who’ve cleared the cut to get an idea of current conditions or plan ahead.
We passed through with the current against us but still made it through easily at close to slack tide. The sunny morning allowed us to see all different colors of blue, helping us to read the water’s depths. The water is absolutely stunning in this area and made us want to stop multiple times to take a dip. We continued on though because we had a full day to sail around. The sail was slower (4 knots on average) but didn’t matter because we had nowhere to be and there would be calm weather for the night.
Glass Window
After a couple hours of slow sailing, we made it to the Glass Window and stopped for a while. There is a nice beach here but the main attraction is the window-like view in the land from the Bight of Eleuthera to the Atlantic Ocean. There is a road passing above the window now but back in the day it actually looked like a window made in the land. We took a few close shots but passing by on a sailboat, is the best way to see it.
Queen’s Bath
After taking the dinghy over to see the window, we beached it to hang out on land for a bit. Walking around barefoot, we made our way across the road to the Atlantic side where we stumbled across the Queen’s Bath. This area is a scenic pool that fills with large waves crashing over the high cliffs. There is a cave and is a beautiful scene we had not expected. Being barefoot was not the best way to visit this area either. The rocks are sharp but we made it through in the excitement of finding such an amazing spot.
Hatchet Bay
We thought we might stay in the Glass Window anchorage but the swell rolling in made it kind of uncomfortable. We hauled the hook and continued south to Hatchet Bay.
Hatchet Bay is a well protected harbour that was considered the safest harbour in the Bahamas but still not considered hurricane proof. The wreckage from Hurricane Andrew shows that no anchorage is completely safe with the high winds in hurricane season. We are fair weather sailors though so we hope Tipsy Gypsy will never have to endure a hurricane.
Alice Town in Hatchet Bay, not to be confused with Alice Town in Bimini, is a quaint town providing convenience to their community and the sailors who take refuge there. Groceries, water, and trash removal are all conveniently located at the main dinghy dock. You are also able to tie up at the Government Dock as long as you tie up away from where the ferry lands. Looking to visit by ferry? Check out the Bahamas Ferries schedule and then take the Island Link connecting ferry over to Hatchet Bay.
Twin Brothers
One of the few restaurants to enjoy around the area is Twin Brothers offering a quality food menu and the BEST daiquiri’s in the world. I’m confident in saying that because I didn’t even add alcohol to mine and drank every last drop. They also offer the best accommodations on the island at the Bay Inn Estates. We enjoyed stopping here for lunch and relaxing in their roomy outside seating.
The Front Porch
Another restaurant we enjoyed while visiting Hatchet Bay was The Front Porch. They are a cute intimate restaurant located right on the water. Their menu features freshly caught seafood and great attention to detail and service. Try heir rum punch it’s delicious! Their fresh catch was Mahi so we shared a meal which ended up being some of the best seafood we’ve had on the islands this season. This place is highly recommend, even if you do not actually stay in Hatchet Bay.
We stayed in this area for a few days because of the exceptional accommodations and convenient accessibility to everyday items. There is plenty to keep you busy and if you rent a car here, you can drive anywhere north or south within an hour or two.
Cheers and thanks for reading!
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