Shoreline caves and hidden beaches in Central Eleuthera

According to one traveling mom in Eleuthera, Netflix is the secret to traveling with teenagers. Parents nonetheless are always looking for ways to pry their teens from their digital screens. In Eleuthera, one such way is transforming an ordinary a day on the beach to an extraordinary day exploring hidden beach caves. There are a number of opportunities to achieve this in Eleuthera, which is one thing to consider when trying to decide which Out Island to choose for a Bahamas vacation with the family. 

In James Cistern, Eleuthera, a town just 20-minutes north of Governor's Harbour, there is a special cove that hides a few hidden beaches. They are tucked inside little caves that run along the shoreline. It takes some stamina to venture off the beaten path to find these secret spots, but it is can be well worth the effort. 

Moray Pond Beach Cove 

There are two public access roads that lead directly to the beach in James Cistern, Eleuthera. Google Maps is a handy guide: Search James Point Beach to find the southern offroad and search Moray Pond to find the northern and recommended access road. The northern road crosses on the edge of Moray Pond, a large salt lake. A car can drive most of the way, but walking on foot (a 10-min hike) for the last portion is recommended when driving a car; there is a section with large uneven rocks. This road empties out on Moray Pond Beach Cove, which sits right at the point of James Point. Inside the cove, there are protective reefs that create a natural ocean swimming pool along the shoreline. 

First Hidden Beach 

To find the shoreline caves and hidden beaches you'll need to head out in the direction of "the point". Just around the bend, where the actual James Point Beach is within sight in the distance, there is the first of two Instagram-worthy shoreline beach caves hidden in the rocks. When you approach the cave it will be indistinguishable from the rocky coast, at first. But the closer you get to the edge of the rocks the more the secret lair will come into view. If you look carefully you will see the rocks form a staircase, albeit uneven, that can slowly and carefully guide you to the beach below.  

Second Hidden Beach

Just beyond the first hidden beach, you will find another. This one has a larger beach that cuts more deeply into the shape of the coast. The waves can be rough on this Atlantic Ocean-facing side of the island in these beach coves and along the main James Point Beach, but in typically good weather, when the seas are not roaring, these coves are beautiful spots to swim, lounge and play. 

For a semi-active day of beaching that could engage the interest of teenagers and general travel explorers, an adventure in search of these shoreline caves and hidden beaches is worthy of a day trip. The Moray Pond Cove is the best spot for base camp; the beach is protected and calm. But a hike to the point is where all of the surprises reside.