Population: 8,000
Size: 100 miles long, 200 Sq. miles in total
Highest Point: 168 Ft.
Location: Lat. N25 10' 00" - Long. W76 15' 00"
Distance from Nassau: 60 miles East
Distance from Miami: 240 miles, southeast of Miami

"Eleuthera, the other Bahamas"

History
Cupid’s Cay, directly adjacent to Governor’s Harbour, is actually the birthplace of the Bahamas (1648). Over 350 years ago, a small band of English pilgrims known as the Eleutheran Adventurers set sail from Bermuda seeking religious freedom, warmer climates and, to establish new lands. Several weeks later they shipwrecked on the reefs near Preacher’s Cave on North Eleuthera (the uninhabited Arawak Island of Cigatoo). After several months, the Eleutheran Adventurers worked their way to Cupid’s Cay. It was here that the thankful survivors renamed the island “Eleuthera”.

French Leave History
French Leave Resort was originally acquired and named in 1938 by Count Alfred de Marigny of Mauritius (Indian Ocean). During 1943, while living in Nassau with his new bride Nancy Oakes, Count Alfred de Marigny was accused of murdering his famous father-in-law, Sir Harry Oakes. Although acquitted, he was immediately deported from the Bahamas. Unable to return to Eleuthera, he sold French Leave to Sir Roland T. Symonette, who later became the first Premier of the Bahamas. Under Sir Roland Symonette, the property was offered as a guesthouse with 10 rooms and cottages. The property was managed by ex-British Lieutenant Commander in the Royal Navy Volunteer Reserve, Christopher Pawley, known as "the Commander," along with his wife. In the late 1950's, French Leave was sold to an aspiring actor by the name of Craig Kelley and the first French Leave Hotel was built, operating until 1972. Soon thereafter in 1976, Club Med opened and for 23 years, thousands of visitors came from around the world each month to vacation on the famous "pink sand" beaches. Club Med closed in 1999.

When Alfred de Marigny first laid eyes on this land (as stated in his book "A Conspiracy of Crowns"), he knew immediately he would buy it. You can't imagine how he felt or how anyone could feel about French Leave until you can see it for yourself. French Leave is simply special. With over 265 acres of lush vegetation on one of the most beautiful pink sand beaches in the world, it is truly difficult to describe. With gentle ocean breezes and ideal weather year round, you can explore and find your own deserted beach and walk for miles. At night, without the glare of city lights, you'll see more stars in an evening than most people might see in a lifetime.

Remember, Eleuthera is not a place for the masses. In fact, they sell t-shirts on Eleuthera that state; "Eleuthera, it's not for everyone"! Eleuthera doesn't really lend itself to planning but you'll find the fishing, boating, sailing, diving, snorkeling, shell collecting and exploring are limitless. Most of all, the vast majority of people on Eleuthera, are some of the finest and most caring people you'll ever meet.

Visit French Leave, Eleuthera, and decide for yourself!

Today
Eleuthera's close proximity to the southeastern United States, combined with its unbridled beauty, make it the exclusive haven for so many. Eleuthera is now quietly being rediscovered.

Governor's Harbour
The capital of Eleuthera and the oldest settlement in the Bahamas, Governor' s Harbour sits atop a high ridge that gently slopes toward a sheltered harbor. Victorian houses near the harbour recall the town's Loyalist heritage. Cupid's Cay and the settlement of Governor's Harbour, both located near the center of Eleuthera, side by side, are the oldest settlements in all the Bahamas. It is here that you will find incredible heritage homes over 150 years old, a small two cell jail over 125 years old, the site of the first Bahamian Parliament in 1746, the site of the first US Consulate General in July 1789, the restored Haynes Library from 1897, and the historic Methodist Church and St. Patrick's Anglican Church, both believed to be at least 170 years old.

Harbour Island
Affectionately called "Briland" by it's residents. Say "Harbour Island" many times over and you'll pick up the word "briland". On Harbour Island, off the north coast of Eleuthera (five minute water taxi ride), is Dunmore Town, one of the oldest and most charming of settlements, complete with white picket fences. While you are here, visit the Hill Steps, which were cut out by prisoners, with an underground tunnel leading from the cove to Rock House, a nearby resort. On Harbour Island, you'll see 18th century buildings restored in a Bahamian brigadoon setting. Also on Harbour Island is Titus Hole, a cave with an open mouth that overlooks the harbour and is said to be the first jail of Harbour Island. This three-mile long island can be explored by horse & carriage, bike or golf cart. Harbor Island's nightlife is vibrant and accommodations range from cozy, family run guesthouses to elegant resorts. Your trip will not be complete without visiting Sip-Sip for lunch.

Spanish Wells
A short ferry ride from North Eleuthera, Spanish Wells, aptly named, is where sailors came ashore from Spanish galleons to fill their casks with fresh water after long sea voyages. Spanish Wells is a quaint village where fortunes are made in craw fishing. The people of this prosperous fishing village, renowned for their seamanship, have deep ancestral roots. They are direct descendants of the original Eleutheran Adventurers and British Loyalists. There is excellent fishing and diving available, even a sunken train wreck for those seeking the exotic. Preacher's Cave, near Spanish Wells, is a subterranean cave in which the Eleutheran Adventurers, the happy few pilgrims who first landed here then split up, took refuge and held religious services upon their arrival. Easy to find, just ask anyone. The people of Eleuthera are without question, some of the most polite and friendliest in all the Islands.

Restaurants
Don't worry about what or where to eat on Eleuthera, and especially, Governor's Harbour. Fresh fish such as native groupers, stone crabs, lobster and conch is plentiful and sold at the various docks and harbor's throughout Eleuthera.

Tidal Charts
http://www.mobilegeographics.com:81/calendar/year/1786.html

Sunrise & Sunset

Moon Phases
http://aa.usno.navy.mil/data/docs/MoonPhase.html#y2004

http://tycho.usno.navy.mil/vphase.html