Eleuthera and Great Abaco
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Positives
- Good varied reefbreaks
- Low crowd pressure
- Incredibly clear water
- Close to Florida
- Great Weather
Negatives
- Flat summers
- Unreliable hurricane swells
- Unpredictable winds
- Close to Florida
- Quite expensive
Eleuthera and Great Abaco surf travel guide
Shaped like a shallow satellite dish, expectantly listening for the next broadcast of North Atlantic waves, the Bahamas occupy an enviable position facing the longest fetch to the NE. During the 70s, Puerto Rican surfers expanded their horizons and the Bahamas became a hot surfing destination but during the 80s its popularity began to fade as places such as Costa Rica became known for being cheaper and more consistent. All the eastern “out islands” have good surfing potential but only Abaco and Eleuthera receive traveling surfers on a regular basis from Florida and the US East Coast, plundering the offshore cays and reefs at Indica’s, Garbanzo and Surfer’s Beach, where a second generation of local riders are now ripping.
Surf spots in Eleuthera and Great Abaco
Research the 23 surf breaks in Eleuthera and Great Abaco and discover what spots suit the current conditions.
Break lowdown
We’ve collated the wave data giving you a unique insight into the 23 breaks in Eleuthera and Great Abaco.
When to go
Surf and weather statistics to help plan your surf trip to Eleuthera and Great Abaco
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Travel Information
General
- Current Time
- Tourists
- 1,633,000
- Population
- 393,244
- Tourist Info
- Tourist Info
Security
Health
Money
- Currency
- BSD
- Exchange rate
- $1 = 0.99 BSD BSD
Cost of living
Communication
- Dialing in
- +1 242
- Dialing out
- 011
- Language
- English, Creole
Electricity
- Plug Type
- ab
Visas
Most nationalities can visit visa free for stays of up to 90 days. Citizens of the US, Canada, UK, Italy and Norway can stay for up to 8 months.
Getting There
No visa required for most nationals. Flights from Miami (MIA) and Fort LauderdaleÐHollywood International Airport (FIA) are common and cheap. For Abaco, fly to Marsh Harbour (MHH) then ride the ferry to Elbow Cay ($15r/t, 20mn). For Eleuthera, fly to Governors Harbour (GHB), 30km (20mi) south of Gregory Town.
Getting Around
Go through Nassau to hop between Abaco & Eleuthera . Car rentals start at $40/d; a 4x4 is required to reach James Point. A golf cart ($35/d) or bike ($10/d) will do for Elbow Cay. Don’t count on public transport. Small boat rentals start at $100/d. MystoSurf (aka Surf Quest Adventures) boat trips focus on islands below Eleuthera (£875/p/7d) hitting the empty SE Bahamas and offer month long trips.
Accommodation
Expensive destination, winter is peak tourism season. On Elbow Cay, the Abaco Inn is the place to be ($125/dbl). Bahamas Out-Island Adventures offers guided camping surfaris on Eleuthera. Other lodging options include The Cove Eleuthera in Gregory Town ($245/dbl). Surfers Haven Guesthouse from $40/n/dbl camping.
Activities
Fishing, snorkelling and diving are great, live coral, tropical fish and dolphins are abundant. The Abacos are known as the 'Sailing Capital of the World'. In Hopetown, take photos from the lighthouse.
Hazards & hassles
Crowd levels are lower than 30 years ago. Live coral heads and urchins lurk, so take reef boots. Many shark attacks on spearfishers, snorkelers and divers - only 1 on a surfer at Elbow Cay in 2010. The burning sun is much more of a threat; use plenty of sunscreen.
Handy Hints
Take a regular shortboard plus a longer one for those steep waves on Eleuthera. Rebecca's beach shop in Gregory Town rents boards. There are many more islands with good surf in the Bahamas.
Due to global pandemic, Visas, Getting There, Getting Around or Accommodation information and pricing may have changed. Always check Government Travel Advice before travelling.