Surfers Beach on Eleuthera draws wave riders from across the Atlantic, but the real secret to a great Bahamas surf trip is starting on Bimini. That island sits closer to the Gulf Stream than any other in the chain, which means it catches groundswells that barely register further east. A well-planned run from Bimini to Eleuthera gives you two distinct surf zones, a handful of reef breaks, and enough variety to keep a family interested for a week. This itinerary covers the route, the waves, and the logistics that make it work for surfers traveling with kids.
Bimini sits roughly 50 miles east of Miami, making it the closest Bahamian island to consistent Atlantic swell.
I put this route together after Michael and I started looking for a trip that balanced real surf with something the kids could actually enjoy. Lily and Ethan are old enough to bodyboard in the shallows but not quite ready for reef breaks, so we needed beaches with forgiving entry points and enough tide pools or sand to keep them occupied between sessions. This itinerary works for that kind of family — surfers who don’t want to sacrifice wave quality but also don’t want to spend the whole trip arguing about who’s bored.
This route works best for intermediate surfers who can handle a reef break and families who don’t mind island-hopping by small plane. If you’re a beginner looking for gentle beach breaks, you’ll find more forgiving waves on the south shore of Eleuthera, but Bimini’s main break is better suited to people who’ve already stood up on a green wave.
Intermediate surfers
Families with older kids
Travelers who want two distinct surf zones
Here’s what the week looks like at a glance.
| Day | Where You’re Going | What You’re Doing | Time Needed | Key Tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1–2 | Bimini (Alice Town) | Settle in, surf Bimini Bay break, explore the island | 2 days | Fly into South Bimini Airport (BIM) — the runway is short, so small planes only |
| 3 | Bimini to Eleuthera (flight) | Fly via Nassau to North Eleuthera Airport (ELH), pick up rental car, drive to Gregory Town | Full travel day | Book the Bimini–Nassau leg early — seats fill up fast on the 9-seat planes |
| 4–5 | Surfers Beach, Eleuthera | Surf the main point break, explore nearby coves | 2 days | Surfers Beach works best on a mid-to-high incoming tide — low tide exposes sharp reef |
| 6 | Eleuthera south (Tarpum Bay area) | Surf south shore breaks, visit the beach at Lighthouse Point | 1 day | The south shore picks up more wind swell than the north — check the forecast before driving an hour south |
| 7 | Depart from ELH | Return rental car, fly out | Half day | ELH has no jet bridge — you walk across the tarmac, so pack rain gear if the forecast looks wet |
Bimini Bay Break: Your First Two Days
Bimini isn’t a big island — you can drive from one end to the other in about 20 minutes — but the wave at Bimini Bay is the reason surfers make the trip. It’s a right-hand reef break that wraps around the point, and it holds swell up to about 6 feet before it gets too fat to ride. The best part for a family is the beach on the inside of the point, where the water stays shallow and the current is mild. Lily spent most of our first afternoon there with a boogie board while Michael and I traded off surfing.
Flights from Fort Lauderdale or Miami take about 30 minutes. The runway is short — only about 5,000 feet — so you’ll be on a small turboprop. Book early because the planes seat 9 passengers max. Once you land, a water taxi runs across the channel to Alice Town on North Bimini, where most of the accommodations are.
Alice Town has a handful of guesthouses and small hotels. Walk or bike to Bimini Bay — it’s about a mile north of town. The wave is visible from the beach, so you can watch a set roll through before paddling out. The reef is live coral, so booties are a good idea if you’re not used to it.
Tides matter here. The wave works best on a rising tide — low tide exposes the reef and makes the takeoff shallow. Aim for a session starting around two hours before high tide. The crowd is almost never more than a handful of people, even in winter.
Bimini’s north end has a few small beaches and the Bimini Road, a natural rock formation that looks like a submerged road. It’s a decent snorkel spot if the water is calm. The kids can paddle around in the shallows while you float nearby.
If the swell drops, skip the afternoon session and drive to the south end of the island instead. The beach near the airport has a small wave that breaks over sand — it’s not world-class, but it’s rideable and much safer for kids who want to try catching their first wave on a foam board.
Travel Day: Bimini to Eleuthera
This is the least glamorous day of the trip, but it’s the only way to connect the two islands without a long ferry ride. You’ll fly from Bimini to Nassau, then catch a connecting flight to North Eleuthera Airport (ELH). The total flight time is under two hours, but the layover in Nassau can stretch things out. We booked the earliest flight out of Bimini and still didn’t land on Eleuthera until early afternoon.
This leg is operated by small carriers like Bahamasair or Western Air. The flight takes about 45 minutes. Baggage allowance is tight — typically 50 pounds per person — so pack light. Surfboard bags often get charged an oversize fee, so check the airline’s policy before you book.
Nassau’s airport is small but can feel chaotic during the midday rush. You’ll clear customs here even if you’re connecting, so budget at least 90 minutes between flights. Grab lunch at the airport — the conch fritters at the small cafe near gate C are decent.
Another 45-minute flight. ELH is a single-runway airport with no jet bridge — you walk down stairs onto the tarmac. Rental car desks are inside the terminal. Book a 4×4 if you can; some of the roads on Eleuthera are unpaved and potholed, especially near Surfers Beach.
Gregory Town is the closest settlement to Surfers Beach, about a 15-minute drive from the airport. It’s a small settlement with a grocery store, a couple of restaurants, and rental cottages. Stock up on supplies here — there’s no supermarket near the beach.
If the flight connections don’t line up, consider spending a night in Nassau. It’s not ideal for a surf trip, but it breaks the travel day into two manageable chunks and gives the kids a chance to swim in a pool before the next leg.
Surfers Beach: The Main Event
Surfers Beach on Eleuthera is the kind of wave that makes you cancel your return flight. It’s a long, peeling right-hand point break that can run for 200 yards or more on a good day. The wave works best on a north or northwest swell, which is common from November through March. The best time to visit Eleuthera is from November to April, with temperatures around 75°F (24°C), according to the Bahamas tourism board. That window lines up perfectly with the North Atlantic swell season.
Walk from Gregory Town to the beach — it’s about a 10-minute walk down a sandy track. The point is visible from the road. Check the tide before you paddle out. Surfers Beach works best on a mid-to-high incoming tide. Low tide exposes a sharp reef that can cut through booties.
The takeoff zone is near the rocks at the northern end of the beach. The paddle out is short — maybe 50 yards — but the current can push you south, so keep an eye on your position. The wave is a right-hander that wraps around the point, so you’ll get long rides if you position yourself correctly.
The beach south of the point is sandy and slopes gently into the water. It’s safe for kids to wade and bodyboard. Ethan spent most of our second day there digging in the sand while I took turns surfing with Michael. The water is clear and warm — no wetsuit needed in summer, though a spring suit is comfortable in January.
Drive south to the Glass Window Bridge, about 20 minutes from Gregory Town. It’s a narrow strip of rock that separates the Atlantic from the Bight of Eleuthera. The contrast is dramatic — rough ocean on one side, calm turquoise water on the other. It’s a quick stop, but worth the drive.
If the swell is too big or too small at Surfers Beach, drive 10 minutes north to the beach near the airport. It’s a beach break that works on a smaller swell and is much more forgiving for beginners. The wave isn’t as long or as clean, but it’s a solid backup option.
South Shore Exploration: Tarpum Bay and Lighthouse Point
Eleuthera’s south shore faces a different wind direction than the north, which means it can be working when Surfers Beach is blown out. The drive from Gregory Town to Tarpum Bay takes about an hour on the Queen’s Highway, a two-lane road that runs the length of the island. The south shore breaks are mostly beach breaks and reef points that pick up wind swell from the southeast. They’re not as consistent as Surfers Beach, but they’re worth a look if the forecast favors a south wind.
The south shore is exposed to the Trades, so a strong southeast wind can make the waves messy. Check a surf forecast app before you commit to the drive. If the wind is light or offshore, the waves can be clean and fun — waist to chest high on a good day.
There’s a reef break just south of Tarpum Bay that works on a south swell. It’s a left-hander that breaks over a sandy bottom in places, so it’s less intimidating than Surfers Beach. The crowd is almost nonexistent — you might have it to yourself.
Lighthouse Point is at the southern tip of Eleuthera. The beach is wide and sandy, and the water is clear. It’s a good spot for a picnic and a swim after a morning surf session. The lighthouse itself is closed to the public, but the surrounding area is worth the drive.
If the south shore isn’t working, skip the drive and spend the day exploring the coves near Gregory Town instead. There are several small beaches within a 15-minute drive that offer calm water for snorkeling and swimming. The kids will enjoy the change of pace, and you’ll save the gas money.
Surfers Beach works best on a mid-to-high incoming tide — check a tide chart before you paddle out. Low tide exposes sharp reef that can cut through booties, so time your session accordingly.
Practical Section: Getting Between Stops, Transport, and Costs
Island-hopping in the Bahamas isn’t cheap, and the surf trip route from Bimini to Eleuthera requires two separate flights. Here’s what you need to know about the logistics and costs before you book.
Flights and Booking Windows
You’ll need three flights: Miami or Fort Lauderdale to Bimini, Bimini to Nassau, and Nassau to Eleuthera. The total round-trip airfare for a family of four typically runs between $1,200 and $2,000, depending on the season and how far in advance you book. Book at least 8 weeks out for the best prices — last-minute seats on the small planes can cost double. Surfboard bags usually incur an oversize fee of $50 to $100 each way, so factor that into your budget.
Rental Cars on Eleuthera
You’ll need a car on Eleuthera. The island is 110 miles long, and the surf breaks are spread out. Rental cars are available at North Eleuthera Airport (ELH), but the fleet is small — book at least two weeks in advance during peak season (December through March). A 4×4 is recommended for the unpaved roads near Surfers Beach. Expect to pay around $70 to $100 per day for a basic SUV.
Accommodation Costs
On Bimini, guesthouses in Alice Town start around $150 per night. On Eleuthera, rental cottages near Gregory Town run $150 to $250 per night. Book through Airbnb or local rental agencies. Hotels are limited near Surfers Beach, so cottages are the most practical option for a family.
Hurricane season runs from June through November. Swell is less reliable during those months, and flights can be disrupted. The best time to visit Eleuthera is from November to April, when the weather is drier and the North Atlantic swell is consistent.
- Book flights at least 8 weeks out to avoid last-minute price spikes on small planes.
- Rent a 4×4 on Eleuthera — the roads near Surfers Beach are unpaved and potholed.
- Time your surf sessions around the tide: Surfers Beach works best on a mid-to-high incoming tide.
- Pack light — baggage allowance on the small inter-island planes is typically 50 pounds per person.
Before You Go: Bahamas Surf Trip Questions Answered
Do I need a passport for the Bahamas?
Yes. U.S. citizens need a valid passport to enter the Bahamas. Make sure it’s valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates. You’ll clear customs in Nassau even if you’re connecting to another island.
Can I bring my own surfboard?
Yes, but expect to pay an oversize baggage fee on most airlines. A travel bag with a foam pad is a good investment — the baggage handlers on small planes aren’t always gentle. If you’d rather not bring a board, a few shops on Eleuthera rent boards, but the selection is limited.
Is Surfers Beach safe for kids?
The surf break itself is not safe for young children — the reef is sharp and the current can be strong. But the beach south of the point is sandy and shallow, making it a good spot for kids to wade and bodyboard. Keep an eye on the tide, as the water can reach the base of the dunes at high tide.
What’s the biggest downside of this itinerary?
The travel day between Bimini and Eleuthera is long and involves two flights with a layover in Nassau. If you only have a week, you lose a full day to transit. An alternative is to pick one island and stay there for the whole trip — Eleuthera has enough surf variety to fill a week without the hassle of island-hopping.
Is the water warm enough for a wetsuit?
In winter (December through March), the water temperature drops to around 74°F (23°C). A 2mm spring suit or a rash guard is comfortable for most people. In summer, the water is bathwater warm — no wetsuit needed.
Why This Route Rewards the People Who Show Up Prepared
A Bahamas surf trip isn’t the kind of vacation where you show up and figure it out. The flights are small, the rental cars are limited, and the waves depend on tides and wind direction in ways that matter more than they do on a beach break. But if you do the planning — book early, check the forecast, time your sessions around the tide — you get two completely different surf zones in one trip. Bimini gives you a punchy reef break with a Caribbean feel, and Eleuthera gives you a long, open-ocean point break that feels like a different sport entirely. That variety is hard to find in a single destination, and it’s what makes the logistics worth it.
For more on what else the Bahamas offers beyond the waves, check out the guide to the Bahamas’ national parks and nature reserves.
References
Bahamas Ministry of Tourism. “Eleuthera.” Bahamas.com, 2025. ↗
If you’re still weighing your options, the eco-adventures guide covers responsible tour operators across the islands, which pairs well with a surf trip focused on remote breaks. For families considering a different kind of water day, the snorkeling guide to Thunderball Cave offers a calm-water alternative that works for all ages.
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