Dispatches From the Cape

When Captain William Sayles in the 1600s discovered the island of Eleuthera and shipwrecked at Devil Backbone, he and his crew camped inside Preacher’s Cave for safety.

During your visit to Cape Eleuthera, you can explore that very same cave and see history up close. For over 100 years, the cave was used as a place of worship and a boulder inside was made into an altar. Recent excavations have even unearthed Arawak artifacts making the history of Preacher’s cave even more extensive and interesting.

Preacher’s Cave is located on the north side of the island, but this incredible collision of history, nature, and adventure is worth the trip. You can make a whole day of the trip by packing food for a picnic lunch on the beautiful beaches that surround Preacher’s Cave.

After your fun day of exploration and adventure, make your way back to the Cape Eleuthera Resort and Marina to unwind before a delicious dinner at Harbour Pointe Restaurant.

If you are looking to experience one of the most beautiful beaches in the Bahamas, and arguably the entire world, then you will want to make the journey to see Lighthouse Beach at the southernmost point of Eleuthera.

The thing that makes Lighthouse Beach, located about 45 minutes from the Cape Eleuthera Resort, so unique is the beautiful rose sand beach that stretches for miles. Additionally, while on the beach, you can take in views of the Atlantic Ocean as well as the Caribbean Sea.

If you are feeling adventurous, you can attempt the slightly challenging trek to the old lighthouse that gives the beach its name. If you are looking for something a little more laid-back, pack a blanket and a nice lunch for a picnic that you will not soon forget.

Lighthouse Beach is filled with beautiful rock formations and ocean views that everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime.

Some of the best things about a vacation at Cape Eleuthera Resort are the ample opportunities to explore and engage in fun-filled beach activities in the delightful Bahamian weather.

If you are looking to add some action and adventure to your vacation, then you will want to take advantage of the bicycle, paddleboard, kayak, and snorkel gear rentals that the resort offers.

The bike trails near the resort offer guests the opportunity to explore the local wildlife while getting in some exercise. The paddleboards, kayaks, and snorkel gear allow you to get the full Cape Eleuthera ocean experience. If you are looking for something a little more low-key, you can rent a golf cart to explore the beaches and trails at your leisure.

You can even try your hand at fishing with rental poles and all the bait and tackle that you need. Whether you land a keeper or not, you will definitely leave with a great fish story.

Now that we have fully entered a new year, and even a decade, it is time to finally start living up to those new year’s resolutions.

At Cape Eleuthera Resort and Marina, there are plenty of activities that can help you focus on your exercise and wellness goals. First, you can participate in yoga sessions designed for yogis of all skill levels on the beach, which will change your entire perception of what zen can really be.

Next, there are nature tours and hiking trails available that allow you to take in all the beauty of the island while working up a healthy sweat. The trails allow you to work at your own pace, and they encourage curious bird watchers too.

There are also incredible bike trails that similarly allow you to experience nature while you work out. Lastly, you can play a variety of beach sports. Contact the Crusaders for information about equipment: (844) 884-1014.

The Glass Window Bridge is one of the most incredible natural sights in all of the Caribbean. One of the things that make the Glass Window Bridge so unique is that you can see the beautiful Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Bight of Eleuthera on the other side. 

The two bodies of water are separated by a strip of rock only about 30 feet wide, so you are able to compare the sides with ease.

The Glass Window Bridge is the slim piece of land that connects Northern and Southern Eleuthera, and it is the perfect little day trip during your stay at the Cape Eleuthera Resort and Marina.

If you enjoy taking the beauty and majesty of the natural world, then you will definitely want to make the short journey to the Glass Window Bridge. It is sure to be one of the highlights of your Bahamian vacation.

The cave that simply goes by The Cathedral is smaller than the more well-known Preacher’s Cave, but it offers visitors a more unique and interesting cave experience.

Plus, since it is relatively small, by cave standards at least, it is easily traversed without the aid of even a flashlight. The Cathedral is naturally decorated by roots from the trees growing on top of the cave, and sunlight floods some of the chambers on cloudless days.

The rock-lined trail leading to the cave is the perfect place to snap some photos. In fact, an outing to The Cathedral promises to offer some of the most adventurous photo opportunities of your entire visit to the Cape Eleuthera Resort and Marina.

There are even ecological tours offered by a local resident if you are looking for a deeper understanding of the rich history and culture of the cave and the surrounding area.

Guests of the Cape Eleuthera Resort have the unique opportunity to participate in an interesting variety of “Island School Experiences” during their stay.

All such experiences are led by Cape Eleuthera Institute research scientists and can be arranged with guest services. The first experience gives guests the chance to learn about coral reefs and the restoration efforts being conducted by the scientists.

The next experience allows you to join the sea turtle team as they survey the animals and track their movements and habitats. This excursion includes a boat ride and snorkeling for interested guests. 

You can also join the stingray team for a similar experience that includes a boat ride, wading in the clear, blue water, and the need for protective footwear.

If you are looking for something a bit more exhilarating, you can join the shark team for an offshore activity that offers the chance to free dive and snorkel. No matter which wildlife adventure you choose, you are sure to make memories that will last a lifetime.

When Hurricane Dorian made landfall earlier this month, it caused unprecedented damage throughout the Bahamas, especially the islands of Grand Bahama and Abaco.

In times like these, it is important to come together as neighbors in the global community. There has already been an unbelievable outpouring of love, but if you are looking for an opportunity to help, we encourage you to make a monetary donation through one of the trusted partners of the Bahamas which can be accessed here.

Furthermore, you can donate from the list of goods provided below. Every little bit of assistance helps, and all of the love, thoughts, and support are very much appreciated.

Building Supplies:

• Plywood/Lumber
• Sheetrock
• Roofing materials (shingles, tar paper, etc.)
• Drip caps
• Nails
• Plastic Sheeting Rolls/Tarpaulin (various sizes)
• Chain Saws

Cleaning Supplies:

• Mops & Buckets
• Towels & towelettes
• Gloves
• Wet Wipes
• Large Plastic Trash Bags
• Bleach
• Chlorine tablets
• Lysol
• Disinfectant

Groceries:

• Water & Water Containers
• Canned goods
• Meals Ready to Eat (MRE's)
• Non-perishable Dry Goods
• Baby Juice
• Baby Food
• Baby Formula
• Cereal

Home & Outdoor:

• Generators
• Portable Stoves
• Butane Canisters
• Blankets
• Air Mattresses
• Mattresses (single or double)
• Pillows
• Sheet sets
• Non-Electronic Can Openers

Safety & Hygiene:

• First Aid Kits
• Water Filtration Devices
• Mosquito repellent
• Flashlights
• Hygiene Kits
• Diapers
• Baby wipes
  
  
  

*Although it is appreciated, we are unable to accept used clothes or old mattresses.

Every year, the Ministry of Tourism holds an event at the end of August called the Goombay Summer Festival.

This year’s event is taking place on Saturday, August 31, and it will run from 6 pm until midnight. The main goal of the festival is to promote and celebrate Bahamian culture by allowing visitors the chance to experience it up close.

Locals and visitors alike will mingle while enjoying all things Bahamian. All festival long, there will be live music, delicious Bahamian food, bush teas, arts and crafts, and even a fashion display.

Some of the acts performing this year are Blue Waters Entertainment and Blaudy & Franshawn Evans. When you hear the beat of the drums, you will be unable to stop yourself from dancing in the streets all night long. If you are looking for a fun and authentic Bahamian experience, then you will definitely want to attend the Goombay Summer Festival.

When you visit a new place for the first time, it can be fun and interesting to seek out authentic experiences by interacting with the people who live there. 

If you are looking for insight into Bahamian culture, then you will want to attend the Bannerman Town Festival which will take place from July 25 through July 28.

Bannerman Town is only about half an hour from the Cape Eleuthera Resort and Marina, and to experience this authenticity is definitely worth the trip. Throughout the festival, there will be activities, food, drinks, and games, all with a Bahamian twist.

Everything at the festival will be inspired by the history of the area as well as the culture of those who live there. Don’t forget your dancing shoes because the local musicians will have you dancing the night away every night of the festival.

The Bannerman Town Festival has a little something for everyone and really highlights Bahamian culture.

There is simply nothing like taking a big bite out of a juicy, ripe piece of pineapple. When the fruit has reached the perfect point, it's incredibly sweet and simply delicious.

From June 6-9, Eleuthera will be celebrating pineapples at the 2019 Pineapple Festival. Each day, there will be pineapple-themed activities from 7 pm until midnight. Some of the highlights include a pineapple cooking contest, plaiting of the pineapple pole, a pineapple eating competition, and even pineapple sports.

The Pineapple Festival, which began in 1988, was created to remember the tradition of pineapple farming on the island and the amazing contributions that pineapple farmers have made in the community.

Throughout the festival, there will delicious native food, lots of pineapple-themed drinks, and plenty of live entertainment.

You can eat, drink, and dance the night away while celebrating something that has defined Eleuthera and truly left a mark on the world.

Leon Levy Native Plant Preserve is the island of Eleuthera’s first national park. It was created by Shelby White as a memorial for her husband, Leon Levy.

You will want to plan a day trip to the unbelievable nature preserve since it is about an hour from Cape Eleuthera Resort and Marina, but the drive is worth all of the incredible wildlife that you will see.

Leon Levy Native Plant Preserve contains 300 species of plants, over 70 different kinds of birds, and a wide variety of animal life, all in one location.

The preserve has unique and interesting trails covering over 20 acres. Plus, you will be delighted by the gardens and wetlands designed by world-famous architect Raymond Jungles.

If you are looking for an adventurous excursion to add to your vacation, then a visit to the Leon Levy Native Plant Preserve is just the destination for you.

Imagine jumping into the beautiful blue waters of an inland ocean, or swimming hole, and being surrounded by friendly aquatic life.

This can be your experience if you visit the famous Ocean Hole of Rock Sound. The waters are thought to have healing qualities, so a dip or sip from the water might help you feel refreshed.

During your aquatic adventure, you will be greeted by tropical fish that were added to Ocean Hole by locals. Fishing is not allowed, but you are welcome to feed the curious fish.

In addition to the colorful fish species, there are also turtles that enjoy the water, and lots of local birds that nest in the surrounding trees.

The ambiance of Ocean Hole makes it the perfect place to rest, reflect, and recharge. After exploring the same waters as the legendary Jacques Cousteau, make your way back to the Cape Eleuthera Resort to get ready for the rest of the adventures that you have planned for your stay.

During your stay at the Cape Eleuthera Resort and Marina, there are many sights to see and a variety of ways to see them.

Just about everything that you need to make your island adventure a reality is available to rent from the resort. If you are looking for a relaxing way to cruise around the water, exploring the bay, then paddle boards are probably the best choice for you.

Strong swimmers will want to grab some snorkel gear for some breathtaking views under the beautiful blue water. Those visitors looking for transportation along the beaches, maybe in the hopes of finding that perfect secluded spot, will be delighted by the golf carts available.

Last but not least, the athletes in the group will love kayakingalong the ocean; one and two-seater models are available. Regardless of your preferred mode of exploration, the Cape Eleuthera Resort and Marina has got your adventure covered.

If you consider yourself an active vacationer, then you will be pleased to find out that there is an incredible bike trail located extremely close to the Cape Eleuthera Resort and Marina.

The trail, which covers just over 4 miles in its entirety, offers guests the opportunity to work up a sweat while also enjoying incredible views of Eleuthera.

Do not forget to bring your camera along with you as you will pass great photo opportunities like a nearby lagoon, High Rock Cliffs, the beautiful Sunset and 4th Hole Beaches, Osprey Nest, and even the Island School.

You can take the trail as fast or slow as you like, so you could even pack a picnic lunch to enjoy at any point along your journey.

After a workout like the Loop Road Bike Trail, you deserve an ice-cold beverage from Harbor Pointe or Barracuda’s Bar. Just try to get back by Happy Hour for daily drink specials.

During your stay at the Cape Eleuthera Resort and Marina, you will find that there are plenty of activities to keep your entire family entertained, even the little ones.

To start, your children will love splashing and playing in the beautiful swimming pool. The incredible beaches lend themselves to sand castle building, so your kids can engage in their creative side while you relax.

Speaking of beaches, there are plenty of opportunities on Eleuthera to search for and find a variety of lovely seashells. Imagine the look on your children’s faces when they put a conch shell to their ear and hear the ocean waves.

Last, but not least, there are fishing lessons available for the young anglers in your family. They will be shown the ins and outs of ocean fishing by experienced fishing guides.

Cape Eleuthera is the perfect place for the whole family to relax, have fun, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Junkanoo is one of the largest parties and celebrations that takes place in the entire Bahamas every year. Traditionally, street parades filled with music, dancing, and costumes take place on Boxing Day, December 26, as well as January 1 as a New Year’s Celebration.

This year, the Eleuthera Junkanoo Festival will have an extra weekend of fun on January 10-13, 2019. It may seem a little crazy to be preparing for the New Year already, but Christmas will be over before you know it.

That makes now the perfect time to plan your visit to the Cape Eleuthera Resort and Marina to coincide with the Junkanoo Festival. 

It is one of the best times to visit Cape Eleuthera because you can experience the luxuries of the resort while also getting to experience some true Bahamian culture. With traditional food, music, and dances taking place all weekend long, Junkanoo is a festival that you will not want to miss.

Because of the unique location of Cape Eleuthera, there are a wide variety of fishing opportunities for you to enjoy. The local fishermen specialize in spearfishing, and you will enjoy the challenge as well if you are up for it.

You will have the opportunity to catch or spear a variety of grouper, snapper, lionfish, and even lobsters. If you want to try your hand at bonefishing, be sure to bring your patience as well as a fishing license.

Those looking for adventure on the high seas can charter a fishing excursion where you have the chance to catch tuna, mahi-mahi, cobia, shark, kingfish, marlin, sailfish, wahoo, grouper, snapper, and king and Spanish mackerel.

Regardless of the type of fishing techniques, you would like to try, you can hire a local guide or just give it a shot on your own. Just be sure to follow all of the sizes and limit regulations and respect the local fishermen while you're out reeling in the fun.