Located seven miles north of Rock Sound International Airport (RSD) and twelve miles south of the next northern settlement Savannah Sound, Tarpum Bay is one of the more vibrant Bahamian settlements. The sharp 45 degree turn just past the large white and blue Wesley Methodist church is one of its defining features along with the two fresh fish docks and all the brightly colored buildings. Staying in Tarpum Bay is a cultural experience as you will be interacting with the locals, understanding their pride in heritage, and seeing just how truly wonderful the island residents are. Plus, having the convenience of being able to walk to grocery stores, bars, restaurants and the fish dock is unlike anything else on the island except for a few spots. The largest selection of nearby restaurants is found in Rock Sound, but the Tarpum Bay waterfront does have a few establishments that are worth checking out.

You will also benefit from its proximity to a number of stores, shops, bars, gas stations and restaurants that are located in the next southern settlement of Rock Sound. You'll have to drive to reach these businesses, but you'll have a much shorter drive as compared to other parts of the island. One of the main advantages of staying this far south on the island is the ability to easily reach the island's southern attractions such as the Ocean Hole, Boiling Hole, Cathedral Cave, Gully Hole, Davis Harbour Marina, Cape Eleuthera Institute, and, of course, Lighthouse Beach.

Travelers choose Tarpum Bay for it's convenience. It's one of the few settlements where you don't have to spend the extra money to rent a car while still having a complete vacation experience. You'll be getting an immersion into a foreign culture and making new friends in no time. There is one beach within walking distance and several others just a short drive away. You'll also have the benefit of being able to walk to get fresh caught fish and lobster, which is brought in daily at the nearby docks, and sold right then and there. Purchasing groceries can be done in Tarpum Bay at several markets or you can drive to Rock Sound and be at one of the best and largest supermarkets on the island. Staying in Tarpum Bay is truly a unique experience!

What Restaurants Are Near Tarpum Bay

Most of the good nearby restaurants can be found in Rock Sound (~7 miles south). There are also a couple of waterfront restaurants, conch stands and bars in Tarpum Bay. Fresh fish and lobster can be purchased directly at the docks on the waterfront if you want to cook at home.

What Is There To Do On Eleuthera

Beaches - Eleuthera is home to 135 pristine beaches most of which you will have completely to yourself. You could do nothing other than explore beaches for your entire vacation. Pack a picnic. Grab some beverages. Go beach hunting. Make sure to purchase The Beach Book, Eleuthera, Bahamas edition before your trip so you can plan ahead. This travel guide is not available on the island.

Natural Attractions - there are quite a few Bahamian heritage sites worth visiting. These include, in no particular order.

1. Preacher's Cave
2. Glass Window Bridge
3. The Cow and Bull
4. The Cliffs
5. Hatchet Bay Cave
6. Sapphire Hole
7. Boiling Hole
8. Ocean Hole
9. Ten Bay Cave
10. Gully Hole
11. Current Cut
12. Mal Flanders Castle
13. Queen's Bath
14. Cathedral Cave
15. Haynes Library

Tours - consider taking a nature tour with one of the island tour guides. They can cater your tour specifically for your group. They offer a variety of land and sea options that include snorkeling (The Eleuthera Snorkel Book) deep sea fishing, scuba diving, scenic tours to the Schooner Cays, visits to pig island, spearfishing, paddle boarding, kayaking and much, much more.

Leon Levy Preserve - this 30-acre preserve has been designed as a research center for traditional bush medicine; a facility for the propagation of indigenous plants and trees; and an educational center focusing on the importance of native vegetation to the biodiversity of The Bahamas.

Day Trip to Harbour Island and Spanish Wells - consider exploring one or both of Eleuthera's two neighboring island to the north. Both are reached via water taxi. A golf cart can be rented at the dock so you can explore. They are both different and unique in their own way.

Lighthouse Beach - considered by many to be one of the best beaches in The World, Lighthouse Beach is at the southeastern tip of the island. A series of small beautiful cays form a set of giant steps leading out to sea from where the old lighthouse building still stands guard from its hilltop perch. Hike, relax, picnic, explore the natural ponds and visit the gap where two oceans collide.

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