Tay Bay Beach

The Devil's Backbone and Shipwreck History

Just offshore, a hidden reef known as the Devil's Backbone lurks beneath the waves. This jagged coral formation has claimed countless vessels over the centuries, including the ship carrying Eleuthera's first Puritan settlers from Bermuda. Survivors scrambled ashore and found refuge in the nearby cave, holding the first recorded Christian service in the Bahamas.

The reef remains a hazard for boaters but a boon for divers and snorkelers who can explore its historic wrecks with a guided tour. From the beach, you can often see waves breaking over the reef line in the distance.

Beach Character and Conditions

Tay Bay is a long, gently curving beach with fine sand that carries a faint pink hue from crushed foraminifera shells. The water is typically calm enough for swimming, though the Atlantic exposure means conditions can change with weather systems. At low tide, tide pools form along the rocky edges, offering glimpses of small crabs and marine invertebrates.

The beach sees few visitors on most days, offering a sense of solitude that more famous shores cannot provide. Bring a picnic and spend the morning exploring before visiting Preacher's Cave a short walk away.

Visiting Preacher's Cave

A grassy path from the beach parking area leads to Preacher's Cave, a wide limestone cavern that served as the first church in the Bahamas. Inside, a simple altar marks the spot where services were held, and interpretive signs explain the historical context.

The cave is cool and shaded, a welcome respite from the midday sun. Combined with a morning on Tay Bay Beach, it makes for a memorable half-day excursion into Eleuthera's founding story.

Getting there

From North Eleuthera Airport, drive west 1.5 miles to the large Texaco station and turn right toward Spanish Wells. Continue north for about 6 miles until you reach a sharp 90-degree bend to the left. Instead of following the bend, turn right onto the dirt road and continue 1.7 miles to a small sign for Preacher's Cave. Turn left and follow the final dirt track for a quarter mile to the parking area, where paths lead to both the cave and the beach.

Frequently asked questions

What is the connection between Tay Bay Beach and Preacher's Cave?

Tay Bay Beach adjoins Preacher's Cave, where Eleuthera's first English settlers took shelter after shipwrecking on the Devil's Backbone reef in 1648. The cave hosted the first Christian service in the Bahamas.

Is Tay Bay Beach good for swimming?

Yes, the water is generally calm enough for swimming, though conditions vary with weather. The Atlantic exposure means occasional swells, so check conditions before entering.

Why is the sand pink at Tay Bay Beach?

The subtle pink color comes from crushed foraminifera shells and coral fragments mixed with white sand, a characteristic shared by several Eleuthera beaches.