Staying on the Island of Eleuthera in The 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.
However, if you simply want to relax on a secluded pink sand beach and enjoy the sound of the ocean and the search for sells, then Eleuthera fits the bill.

Accommodations

Finding accommodations on the island of Eleuthera can be an adventure on its own.
Places to stay range from modern (but small) hotels and quaint inns to renting self-catering homes or cottages.
Prices range from several hundreds of dollars to under one hundred dollars per night.
There are options available to fit most budgets.

Car Rental

Although sparsely populated, Eleuthera is a very long, but narrow island. The island is approximately 100 miles long but only 2 miles wide at its widest point.
So, having access to a vehicle is tantamount if you plan to travel around and visit the beaches, restaurants and local attractions.
Renting a car on Eleuthera will be a different experience than most people are used to. There aren’t any national car rental companies. You’ll rent directly from a Bahamian business person. Most likely you’ll rent a car at the airport where you arrive. 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 person renting you the car may ask for you name, where you’re staying and the phone number there, if you have it. 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 can be that simple.
Be sure to ask the cost of your rental. Rental rates vary - from about to per day - and are based on how long you plan to keep the vehicle. The long you keep it, the better rate you should be able to get. If you only want the car for a day or two, you’ll pay a higher rate.
Be sure to have enough cash for the total of your rental cost. It is rare that credit cards are 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.
At the moment, there are four airlines coming to Eleuthera directly from the US. Some airlines fly from Fort Lauderdale and some fly from Miami.

• Twin Air
• Lynx Air
• Continental
• American Eagle

By air from Nassau, Bahamas
You can also fly to Nassau (NAS) and switch to a local airline to continue to Eleuthera.

• BahamasAir
• Southern Air

By Fast Ferry from Nassau, Bahamas
If you’re making your way to Eleuthera through Nassau, you can take the fast ferry - The Bo Hengy. It leaves Nassau from Potter’s Cay in the morning and stops at Spanish Wells and Harbour Island.
You’ll be able to get a water taxi from either Spanish Wells or Harbour Island to the main island of 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 many fabulous beaches, the most famous of which is 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.