Alice Town

The Safest Harbor

Hatchet Bay is the only fully protected harbor on Eleuthera, offering 360-degree protection from wind and waves. Before the 1940s, this was simply an inland lake alongside the Alice Town settlement. When the 90-foot inlet was cut through the rock, connecting the lake to the ocean, it created a natural hurricane hole that has sheltered countless vessels since.

Cruising sailors prize Hatchet Bay for its security during unsettled weather. The narrow entrance prevents ocean swells from entering the harbor, while the surrounding hills block wind from all directions. The harbor offers good holding in sand and mud, with depths suitable for most cruising vessels.

Hatchet Bay Cave

Just outside Alice Town lies Hatchet Bay Cave, the largest cave system on Eleuthera. This mile-long underground wonder features three levels of passages filled with spectacular stalagmites and stalactites. Local names for formations include Cathedral Hall, The Wizard's Hat, Wedding Cake, and Frozen Waterfall.

The cave walls bear centuries-old charcoal signatures, some dating to the 1870s from visitors who explored by carbide lamp before electricity reached the island. Archaeological evidence suggests the Lucayan Arawak people used the cave for burial purposes, believing caves were gateways to the afterlife. Colonies of leaf-nosed bats still inhabit the deeper passages.

Settlement Services

Alice Town provides essential services for both residents and visitors. The settlement includes a laundromat, post office, markets for provisioning, bars, and several restaurants serving fresh Bahamian cuisine. The infrastructure reflects a working community rather than a tourist destination, offering authentic Out Island character.

The Hatchet Bay Plantation silos stand as reminders of the settlement's agricultural heritage. Established in 1936 by Austin Levy, the plantation produced dairy and poultry products for decades, with the silos storing grain and feed for farm animals that supplied milk, eggs, and ice cream to Nassau. Though the plantation no longer operates, the silos remain a landmark.

Getting there

Alice Town is located on the Queen's Highway in Central Eleuthera, approximately midway between Gregory Town and Governor's Harbour. North Eleuthera Airport is roughly 15 miles north, while Governor's Harbour Airport is approximately 10 miles south. Both airports offer rental cars and taxi services. Cruising sailors enter Hatchet Bay through the marked inlet, which should be approached with caution due to its narrow width. The entrance is well-marked and straightforward in good conditions.

Frequently asked questions

Is Hatchet Bay safe in all weather conditions?

Hatchet Bay is considered the safest harbor in the Bahamas, offering 360-degree protection from wind and waves. It serves as an excellent hurricane hole and refuge during unsettled weather. However, entrance through the narrow cut should only be attempted in reasonable conditions with good visibility.

Do I need a guide for Hatchet Bay Cave?

While the cave can be explored independently, hiring a local guide is recommended. Guides know the safest routes through the three levels, can point out significant formations and historical signatures, and ensure a more informative and secure experience. Bring flashlights and wear closed-toe shoes.

What services are available for cruisers in Alice Town?

Alice Town offers grocery stores for provisioning, a laundromat, post office, fuel dock, and several restaurants and bars. The harbor provides good anchoring with protection from all directions. Water and some supplies are available, though major provisioning should be done in Governor's Harbour or Nassau.