Until 2020, I had never been to the Caribbean. I know, I know. I should have gone long before but stories I had heard about overcrowded destinations with little local feel didn't entice me to travel there, even though turquoise water and warm temperatures prevail. I started looking for somewhere off the beaten path, somewhere I could just relax and enjoy the sun and that’s when I found Eleuthera. Actually, I found Bahamas Out Island Adventures.

BOIA, hereafter known as Tom and Liz, is a small, family owned adventure company that teaches surfing and rents surfboards, and provides snorkeling, caving, and spear fishing adventures. They can help tailor a day trip or a package that suits your interests and abilities. I booked their 3 day package that included room and board (Liz prepared fantastic meals, by the way) and then booked some extra time staying at Cathy's (Tom's mom) through Airbnb on the same property. I told you it was all family!

I was a complete rookie when I arrived. I had canoed but never kayaked. I had tried snorkeling when I was a kid and ended up with a mask and tube full of water. I did not seemed destined for adventure greatness but I’m a good swimmer so I hoped that would make up for some of my shortcomings.

Needless to say, Tom was THE BEST.  On my first day, our small group spent the morning kayaking and the afternoon snorkeling. I figured I could learn to kayak - I know how to row a boat and paddle a canoe. What I didn’t plan on was being so distracted by the crystal clear water and there was  light breeze that slowly but consistently thwarted my efforts to paddle in a straight line. Tom was very patient and guided me through getting unstuck when the color of the water drew me to areas that were too shallow and I managed to beach myself in the middle of the cove! Needless to say, more kayaking is going to be necessary before I'm considered competent!

Snorkeling was another matter. I fell absolutely in love and discovered another world under the waves. I saw huge brain coral, baby barracudas, a stingray, needle fish, and cushion starfish on my first attempt in very calm water.

The second day included more snorkeling, a trip to the blue hole and swimming, as well as a bit of caving and the history of how the island came to be inhabited. Each day included a delicious packed lunch that we ate on the beach before continuing our day.

I was the only guest on day 3, so Tom, Liz, and I did some more snorkeling in the morning and then went for a drive on the island, out to lunch on the beach with the opportunity to meet some locals, to shop in the local market (more about that in just a minute) and to see some spectacular scenery — including pink sand!!

We stopped at the Glass Window Bridge and then drove about halfway down the length of Eleuthera. The itinerary was pretty much up to me so we spent some time walking around small towns and just enjoying the remainder of the day.

As I mentioned, I continued my stay in Cathy's Airbnb. I had a kitchenette, a cozy balcony to gaze at the stars, and a great view of the water that was a 5 to 10 minute walk down the hill to Surfer's Beach.

Groceries and supplies can be a challenge on a remote island so if you are planning to stay independently like I did for a few days, I would recommend bringing any supplies you need, particularly food, with you. There are grocery stores in Nassau and there is also a grocery store on Spanish Wells where the ferry docks so you can stock up before you head out to Eleuthera. A quick water taxi ride from Spanish Wells gets you to Eleuthera where you can be picked up by Danny Boy -- the best taxi service on the island! Be sure to ask about his specially made beverages that are available.

If you are going to rent a car while you are there, and I would if you are staying independently and want to see a good portion of the island, be sure to rent a car that can handle the roads. They can be a bit...um...challenging --especially the roads to the beaches.

Trust me, you definitely want to be able to access the gorgeous, uncrowded, beaches!

I contacted Tom to see about one more opportunity to get in the water before I left and it was the best day of snorkeling for me! By now, Tom knew my swimming ability and so on an open day he took me to an area where there was more surf but the snorkeling was fantastic. We saw huge elkhorn coral, hundreds of fish of all colors and sizes, and even a line of squid bobbing along.

It is clear that Tom and Liz are passionate about what they do. Tom knows about seemingly every plant and animal species on the island as well as every creature in the water. They take great pains to be protective of the environment and run their business responsibly. And on top of that, they are great people and wonderful hosts!

I hope that if you are looking for a Carribbean adventure that might take you to a place more remote and off the tourist track, you will consider BOIA. The coronavirus has hurt many businesses and Tom and Liz would appreciate the support, I’m sure. I’m not sponsored in any way by Bahamas Out Island Adventures but I just enjoyed my time with them so much that I want to share it with you!