Snorkeling in Eleuthera
Only a mile wide over most of it’s 112 mile length, Eleuthera embodies an odd assortment of qualities. Quiet, isolated communities and well developed resorts, fishing and farming, tall rock bluffs and low-lying wetlands, blue holes and caves, massive coral reefs and sweeping pink sand beaches combine to create a fascinating picture. Eleuthera was first settled in the 1600’s by Bermudians seeking religious freedom (the Greek word eleutheria means freedom). The only problem was, before they found the island itself, they found the Devil’s Backbone an extensive shallow reef line bordering the north end of the island. It ripped open the bottom of their boats leaving them to settle amongst the sharp coral heads.
Today’s visitors will have an entirely different experience with the Backbone as well as with the many other coral reefs skirting the island’s long coastline. Forests of elkhorn corals interspersed with star and brain corals are crowned by slowly waving sea fans. Watch lobsters poke their antenna out from holes as eels wind their way through the reef. The Devil’s Backbone still holds remnants of ill-fated, unfortunate ships— anchors, boilers, plating—and even an old train awaiting your discovery and exploration.
Eleuthera Snorkeling Sites
Pineapple Dock – Wreckage of a ship that is now home to a myriad of juvenile tropical fish.
Sea Fan Gardens – Home of “Baron the barracuda”, you’ll find gorgonians galore here.
Gaulding’s Cay – Area of magnificent soft corals, sea anemones and bonefish.
Oleander Reef – Directly off the beach boasts a tremendous variety of tropical fish including grunts and tangs.
Blue Hole – Low lying reef around an extinct blue hole. Many scattered corals.
Bird Cay – Watch for fish feeding and conchs crawling along the bottom. Try to find a spotted trunkfish.
Glass Window Bridge – An old bridge that has found new life as an artificial reef.
Muttonfish Point – Home to a variety of mutton snapper and various corals.
Current Cut – A roller coaster ride through a tidal cut that attracts all kinds of marine critters. One of the best rides ever.
Paradise Beach – A barrier reef system with lots of colorful fish and corals. Marine life includes huge parrot fish, schooling jacks and plenty of tropical fish.
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