Preacher’s Cave, Beach, and Train Wreck
Located on the picturesque island of Eleuthera, Preacher’s Cave is a fascinating historical site that draws visitors from all over the world. This cave has a rich history and is known as one of the earliest places of worship in the Bahamas.
History of Preacher’s Cave
Preacher’s Cave was used as a place of worship by The Eleutheran Adventurers who arrived on the island in the 1600’s. The Adventurers, led by Captain William Sayles, were a group of English Puritans, who were expelled/fled their homeland, Bermuda, in search of religious freedom and found refuge in Eleuthera. Shipwrecked on North Eleuthera, the cave was discovered by the Adventurers and became their first place of worship on the island, hence its name “Preacher’s” Cave.
As a Tourist Destination: The cave is a popular tourist attraction in North Eleuthera and there are several reasons why…
Easily accessible from both Spanish Wells and Harbour Island, Preacher’s Cave is sandwiched between these two family islands on the mainland of Eleuthera, and only takes a 20 minutes boat ride to get there. The cave is located next to a beautiful pink sand beach, making it accessible by both car (mainland/taxi) and boat. Tourist can enjoy a nice swim on the pink sand beach and cave tour with the two only being a 2 minute walk from each other. The hike to reach the cave is through tropical and lush vegetation on a well maintained path.
Once at the cave, visitors can explore its natural beauty, which features high ceilings, natural skylights, and limestone walls. In fact the cave was formed due to a mixture of its limestone composure, sea levels rising and falling, sinkholes, and millions of years. The cave is also a great spot for bird watching and is home to a variety of bird species, for any ornithologist out there.
More history about the cave and surrounding area can be learned at The Spanish Wells Museum. We would recommend a visit to the museum, before a visit to the cave, in order to fully appreciate the experience. Please note, visits to the museum are by appointment only. As of the writing of this article, you can schedule a time by calling or visiting The Islander Shop on Spanish Wells. The shop is located directly next-door to the muesum.
Lastly if coming by smaller vessel and with an experienced guide of the area, there is a train wreak directly off of the beach from the cave. The wreck must be found by boat, and is by no means to be found by swimming. It is too far to swim and the reef too dangerous. When attempting to find by small boat, only go when it’s calm and with good visibility to see the reef and any hazardous obstacles. The Devil’s Backbone which is the name of the reef off of Preacher’s Cave is infamous for its long list of shipwrecks (Eleutheran Adventurers). Most days are too rough to safely find the wreck; and you do not want your vessel added to the list. So please use caution and judgement. The train, on The Train Wreck, itself was on a barge in transport between the U.S. and Cuba during the American Civil War when it hit the reef and sank. It is historically fascinating like much of the area and other nearby wrecks.
In conclusion, Preacher’s Cave is a must-visit destination for anyone visiting Eleuthera Island in the Bahamas. The cave's rich history, natural beauty, and cultural significance make it a unique and fascinating attraction that appeals to visitors of all ages. Whether you're interested in history, nature, or simply looking for a beautiful spot to relax, Preacher’s Cave is definitely worth a visit.