Stingrays??! Rad. These ‘friendly kites of the deep’ (we’re really hoping that term catches on) glide through the water with effortless cool — and during the Stingray Beach Encounter, you’ll get to meet them face to face. With a snorkel vest on and a guide nearby, you’ll have the chance to feed, touch and learn about these graceful creatures in their natural environment. After the encounter, swing by a shaded area for a hands-on look at conch, sea stars and other local marine life.

Kayaking is great. You never see an unhappy person on a kayak. But can Kayaking get even better?  How about with a window looking down? The Lagoon Clear-Bottom Kayaking Adventure lets you glide across calm, turquoise waters in a see-through kayak built for sightseeing. Below the surface, you’ll spot fish, coral and waving sea grasses doing their thing, while you stay comfortably above the action. It’s an easygoing way to explore — perfect if you’re not into snorkeling but still want to see what the reef is up to. Paddle solo or with a partner, and let the gentle rhythm of the water set the pace.

Sometimes the best way to see a place is on two wheels and island time. The Island Bike Adventure is an easygoing guided ride that takes you from the buzz of Princess Cays® into Eleuthera’s quieter corners. Pedal past the Straw Market, wave hello to local vendors, then cruise into rolling hills and postcard-worthy lagoons. Along the way, your guide shares stories about the island’s history — from salt ponds to wishing wells — with plenty of photo stops built in. It’s breezy, scenic and just the right kind of workout to earn a post-ride frozen drink.

No boat? No problem. The fish come to you. Grab a rod, some bait and a prime spot along the rocky shore for a relaxed round of surf fishing at Princess Cays®. This easygoing excursion includes everything you need: gear, guidance and a stretch of shoreline that’s known for its catch-worthy fish. It’s quiet, meditative and just unpredictable enough to keep things interesting. (And don’t worry about our aquatic friends; it’s catch-and-release — the fish have their own adventures to get to.)

You could fill your entire day at Princess Cays® with just one word: beach. But for guests who like their lounging with a side of activity, there’s a full menu of watersport rentals ready to go. Snorkel gear lets you dive into shallow reefs filled with darting fish and hidden sea fans. Paddle boards and aqua bikes offer a chance to cruise the calm coastline at your own speed. Prefer dry relaxation? Rent an aqua chair, beach clamshell or umbrella for that toes-in-the-sand, drink-in-hand kind of day. Just pick your vibe.

Oh man. If you’re doing this for the first time, do we ever envy you. One side calm, one side wild — and right in the middle, a stretch of road with the best view on the island. The Glass Window Bridge connects Eleuthera’s two halves while showing off the dramatic contrast that defines them. To the west: the gentle, turquoise blues of the Caribbean. To the east: the deep, churning Atlantic. Standing at this slender crossing, you’re just feet from where these two oceans almost meet. It’s a quick stop that leaves a big impression — after all, where else can you straddle the most significant boundary on the planet?

Looks like a hot tub, feels like a well-kept secret. Queen’s Bath is a rocky stretch of shoreline where shallow pools form in the limestone, filled and refreshed by crashing Atlantic waves. These sun-warmed basins sit just past the Glass Window Bridge and offer a soak-with-a-view. At low tide, you can dip into these natural baths for a quick cool-down or just perch nearby and listen to the ocean fizz around you. It’s less “spa day,” more “how is this even real?” Water shoes are a good idea. Your camera is an essential.

Before Eleuthera had resorts and reef tours, it had Preacher’s Cave. In the 1600s, a group of English Puritans shipwrecked nearby and found shelter here — giving the cave its name and its place in Bahamian history. Today, it’s a quiet, shaded spot that feels more historic than spooky. You’ll find a stone pulpit, a scattering of wooden benches and an air of stillness that makes you want to whisper, even if no one’s around. It’s a different kind of Eleuthera experience — rooted, raw and full of echoes.

You’ve seen the beaches — now meet the botanicals. Tucked into the heart of Eleuthera, the Leon Levy Native Plant Preserve is a 25-acre sanctuary dedicated to Bahamian plants and the people who’ve used them for centuries. This isn’t your typical walk in the park — it’s more like stepping into a living field guide. Jungle paths lead past towering medicinal trees and whispering mangroves. Native orchids cling to limestone outcrops. There’s even a medicinal garden that reads like a herbalist’s wish list. It’s quiet, wild and unexpectedly soulful — a perfect palate cleanser between beach days.

Conch salad, rock lobster, guava duff — Eleuthera’s menu deserves at least as much attention as its beaches (maybe more, depending on how recently you ate). While Princess Cays® offers plenty of amazing bites, venturing a little farther can reward you with other meal experiences worth writing home about. Local spots serve up seafood straight off the boat, slow-cooked stews, and desserts made from fruits you might not recognize but will definitely want to remember. Look for roadside stands with smoky grills or beachside shacks. The flavors are bold, the portions generous and the hospitality next-level. Come hungry — leave hungry to do it all again.