5 Best Sights in Eleuthera and Harbour Island, Bahamas

This 43-acre, deep-blue saltwater lake is the perfect place to see much of The Bahamas' beautiful marine life up close. The marine reserve was established in 1954 by the Burrows Family to protect the endangered green sea turtles and the other various kinds of fish, lobster, and other marine life that call the lake home. One-hour guided kayak tours are available. You can also rent kayaks and canoes for off-property use. Call to book reservations before visiting.

This stretch of pink sand is home to French Leave Resort. The gorgeous Atlantic-side beach is anchored by fantastic bistros like The Buccaneer Club and Tippy's. The wide expanse, ringed by casuarina trees, is often deserted and makes a great outpost for romantics. Amenities: food and drink. Best for: solitude; swimming; walking.

The heart of the community, this 19th-century building has a local book club and offers art classes and Tuesday-morning coffee hours for visitors and residents. The library has a wide selection of books and computers, with gorgeous views of the harbor.

Walk miles of scenic trails in this 25-acre nature preserve located on Banks Road. Funded by the Leon Levy Foundation and operated by the Bahamas National Trust, the preserve serves as an environmental education center with a focus on traditional bush medicine. Follow the boardwalk over a small waterfall and take the path to the Observation Tower to see hundreds of indigenous trees, plants, and wildlife, such as mangroves, five-finger plants, and bullfinches. Group tours are available, or if you'd prefer to tour the preserve on your own, the welcome center will provide you with a map and a plant identification guide.

This unique beach got its name because of its interesting geography: being split into two coves by a narrow sand bridge. Frequent sightings of nurse sharks, lobster, various kinds of fish, rays, and other marine life are what you'll find on either side of the beach. Not many people visit here during the week, so it's the perfect place to relax and go swimming or snorkeling. Amenities: parking (free). Best for: swimming; snorkeling; solitude.