Taking a Vacation in Eleuthera, Bahamas

Eleuthera, an out-island of The Bahamas, is not for everyone. If you like nightlife, casinos and lots of stuff to do, then Eleuthera isn't for you.
But, if all you'd like to do is relax, enjoy secluded beaches, frolic in the ocean and collect sea shells, then Eleuthera is the perfect place.

Accommodations

Finding accommodations on the island of Eleuthera can be an adventure on its own.
Accommodations vary from modern, but small, hotels and quaint inns to renting a privately owned home or cottages.
Prices also run from several hundreds of dollars per night to less than one hundred dollars a night.
There are selections available to fit almost every budget.

Car Rental

Although sparsely populated, Eleuthera is a very long, but narrow island. The island is long - over 100 miles - and narrow - only 2 miles wide at its widest point.
So, having a car becomes very important if you want to explore the island.
Renting a car on Eleuthera will be a different experience than most people are used to. There are no national card rental agencies. You'll rent directly from a Bahamian business person. You'll likely rent a vehicle at whichever airport you arrive at. If not, any hot you stay at will be able to arrange a rental for you.
Usually a formal agreement isn't required by the person renting you the vehicle. The business person that rents you a vehicle may ask for some basic information, such as you're name and where you'll be staying. But, often as not, they'll hand yo the keys, give you their name and possible their card and ask you when you plan to return the card. Yes, it truly can be that simple.
Make sure to agree on the cost of the rental. Rental rates vary - from about to per day - and are based on how long you plan to keep the vehicle. The more days that you'll need the car, the better rate you should be able to negotiate. If you only want the car for a day or two, you'll pay a higher rate.
Be certain to set aside sufficient cash to pay for your rental. Credit cards will not often be accepted.

Getting To Eleuthera

By plane From the U.S.A.
If you're arriving in Eleuthera by air, remember that there are three airports and that Eleuthera is 110 miles long.
Eleuthera actually has three international airports - North Eleuthera (ELH), Governor's Harbour (GHB) and Rock Sound (RSD). Be sure to pick the airport that's closest to where you're staying.
Currently there are four airlines servicing Eleuthera directly from the US. Some airlines fly from Fort Lauderdale and some fly from Miami.

• Twin Air
• Lynx Air
• Continental
• American Eagle

By plane from Nassau, Bahamas

You can choose to arrive in Nassau (NAS) and pick up a local airline to continue on to Eleuthera.

• BahamasAir
• Southern Air

By Fast Ferry from Nassau, Bahamas
If you're coming to Eleuthera from Nassau, you have the option of using the fast ferry - The Bo Hengy. It departs from Potter's Cay each morning with stops at Spanish Wells and Harbour Island.
You can get a water tax from either Spanish Wells or Harbour Island to mainland Eleuthera. You'll be able to get a tax or rent at car at either dock.

Restaurants

Restaurants on Eleuthera range from small take-aways to world-class cuisine.
Be sure to try a Bahamian-owned restaurant to experience authentic local cuisine like peas and rice, conch salad or conch chowder.

The Beaches

Eleuthera has an abundance of incredible beaches, the most well known is probably Pink Sand Beach on Harbour Island.
But, if you're looking for a secluded beach there are several of them on Eleuthera. Unfortunately, a lot of them are difficult to find. A guide to finding the beaches - The Elusive Beaches of Eleuthera - can be invaluable in help you to find fabulous beaches that you'll often have all to yourselves.

No, Eleuthera isn't for everyone, but it can make for a memorable vacation experience.