The best Eleuthera vacation rental listing site

list with us, tips, Travel - Bret S. - October 1, 2022

eleutheradirect.com listing site homepage

Are you looking for the best listing site to advertise your vacation rental property on Eleuthera, Harbour Island or Spanish Wells in the Bahamas? Are you sick and fed up with VRBO and AirBnB, two former listing sites that have now turned into online travel agencies (OTAs)? Then, look no further than Eleutheradirect.com, the premier vacation advertising site for Eleuthera, Harbour Island and Spanish Wells vacation rental homes.

Owner fees

Vacation property owners who rent their homes out want to maximize their profits while better serving their clientele. One of the primary benefits of listing with Eleutheradirect.com is that you are trading variable costs, commissions charged by VRBO and AirBnB, for a low fixed cost to advertise your property. Online travel agencies like VRBO and AirBnB charge 5% plus 3% payment processing for each booking, which often results in thousands of dollars in annual fees. A flat-fee listing site like Eleutheradirect.com only charges $99 or $199 annually, depending on subscription level, regardless of how many bookings you take. That’s a huge savings!

Fees, fees and more fees

And, if the fees taken out of your owner’s profits weren’t enough, the OTAs also have the audacity to charge renters a reservation fee. Guests are charged anywhere from 6% – 15% in addition to the fees the owners are charged. Talk about double dipping! On some rentals the combined fees for a single rental are 30%. Can you imagine if a hotel charged you an additional 15% fee just for booking through their website??!! Most hotel chains charge less to use their online booking system because it reduces their manual labor cost, but not VRBO and AirBnB. They charge more to use their software.

Use of working capital

Another advantage of using Eleutheradirect.com is that you set the payment collection rules, which means you can collect a deposit when the guest reserves. That not only reduces your risk by ensuring the guest has made a commitment to complete the booking, but it frees up working capital so that you can run your business. As we all know, vacationers often book 6 to 12 months in advance. It’s nice to have deposits in hand to manage your cash flow leading up to the booking. With the OTAs you don’t receive any money until the booking is complete. That means THEY are holding YOUR money all that time. Shouldn’t your money be yours? If you are going to take your property off the market for a period of time before the rental takes place then you should at least be the holder of that capital rather than some 3rd party middleman.

Regional listing sites like Eleutheradirect.com just make sense

Using a site like Eleutheradirect.com to list your vacaiton rental property simply makes good financial sense because it helps maximize your profit. There are no commissions for owners or renters and by charging a simple flat rate advertising fee you know what your costs are going to be. The variability is taken out of the equation.

You also get acceess to your working capital when you take the booking. Why let an OTA hold your working capital? It’s your business. You should have access to rental deposits when guests book, not when OTAs decide to release funds. Renters know that the OTAs don’t release funds right away and will often dispute charges during or after their stay knowing that the OTAs will most often side with them and return your rents without you even seeing a dime.

Listing sites like Eleutheradirect.com complement your direct marketing efforts. They refer guests directly to you and your website while also offering inquiry and booking features right on the Eleutheradirect.com website. Do you think the OTAs will let you communicate with a guest directly before a booking has been taken? Absolutely not! They must ensure that their software and payment systems take the booking. To that end they don’t allow communication except screened emails through their system, which eliminates your opportunity to properly screen your potential guests.

The bottom line is that working with Eleutheradirect.com is an excellent way to maximize your vacation rental profits. We offer all the same features as the OTAs, other than payment processing, while providing a better, more owner-friendly service. Give us a try. Click this link to get started and list your vacation rental property with Eleutheradirect.com today! We offer a 3 month trial subscription and do not require a credit card to sign up.

Want to Earn More Rental Income? 11 Keys to Create Great Vacation Rental Listings

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9 great ways to a killer Eleuthera vacation

Travel - Bret S. - May 30, 2022

9 killer ways to a great Eleuthera vacation

I was looking for ideas for a new article and embarked on finding out whether there was actually a way to have a better vacation. And, if there was, could I offer some pointers on how to have a killer vacation in Eleuthera. In doing some research, I found an interesting article on what they describe as “scientifically proven ways to have a better vacation”. Here’s the original article. I thought it might be a neat idea to apply these concepts to our beloved Bahamian islands so you can have your best Eleuthera vacation experience. Here’s my take on that.

Planning for a killer Eleuthera vacation

For Eleuthera, planning might be overrated, but that really depends on your personal style. I’ve always felt that the best way to vacation on Eleuthera is to wake up each day and see which way the wind blows, sometimes literally. That’s because depending on wind direction and speed you will favor one side of the island over the other. Since the island is at most 2 miles wide at its widest, it’s very easy to seek out a location on the side of the island that is less windy making your beach experience more pleasurable.

However, for those who do like to plan, my recommendation is to not overplan. I see time and time again folks trying to fit everything into a 7 day vacation. It’s just not possible. Eleuthera is a 100 mile long island with lots and lots of outdoor activities. Plus, you have several other Family Islands, namely, Harbour Island and Spanish Wells, that are easy day destinations and definitely worth exploring. When you then factor in the outstanding tours that are offered on three parts of the island, you can easily overdo it. With all that running around you’ll likely be more exhausted than relaxed and that’s not what you want on your vacation. Here’s one of my recommended itineraries for a chill 7 day visit:

Day 1 (Saturday arrival): No plans. Arrive. Clear customs. Get your luggage. Pick up your rental car. Shop for groceries and beverages. Find your rental. Relax at the house and on the beach if you are beachfront. Go to the nearest restaurant for dinner. Call it an early night.

Day 2: This is a beach day. Have breakfast at your rental. Pack up and head out. Be sure to bring your snorkel gear. Pick two beaches to visit that are in the same general vicinity as your rental property. Hit one beach in the morning. Have a picnic lunch. Hit a beach in the afternoon. Go back to your rental and watch the sunset. Have dinner in or preferably hire a private cook to come to your place and cook for you. You can also hire Cocojo to mix some dropoff libations.

Day 3: You’re going sightseeing today. Head north and visit Queen’s Bath, Glass Window Bridge, Sapphire Hole and hit either Tay Bay Beach or Ben Bay Beach. Have breakfast at Da Perk if it’s on your way, and lunch at the Glass Window Bar and Grill or Daddy Joe’s, both in Gregory Town. You’re going to dinner out at an authentic Bahamian restaurant tonight. Try either Unique’s in North Palmetto or the New Sunnset Inn in Governor’s Harbour. Enjoy an evening cocktail back at the house after dinner.

Day 4: Is another beach day. Go to one of the southern beaches such as Red Pond or Nort’side. Call ahead and arrange lunch at Nort’side Inn or Wild Orchids in Rock Sound. Stop on the way back in Tarpum Bay and have a drink and a conch salad on the waterfront. Talk to some of the locals and swing on the ocean swing. Pick up some fresh fish at the Tarpum Bay dock, head back to your rental and enjoy a delicious home cooked fish or lobster dinner!

Day 5: Today you’re going island hopping. Pick either Harbour Island or Spanish Wells, depending on what you like to do, and plan to spend the day there. Rent a golf cart, enjoy one of their beaches, have a late afternoon lunch, do some gift shopping, and talk to some of the locals. Stop on the way home in Gregory Town at either Pam’s Island Made or Rebecca’s Beach Shop and grab some unique gifts.

Day 6: It’s tour day. Pick which part of the island has the excursion you favor the most. To the north are the swimming pigs, sand bars, and turtles. To the south is Lighthouse Beach or Schooner Cays. The middle of the island is fishing and snorkeling. The travel to and from the tour plus your actual tour is going to fill up your whole day. Make it back to your rental and have dinner out at either 1648 or La Bougainvillea.

Day 7: Pack in the morning so you aren’t stressing. You have options on this day. Visit one of the caves or try one of the activities you haven’t done before such as paddleboarding in Edwin’s Turtle Lake, windsurfing in Savannah Sound, surfing at Surfer’s Beach, or bone or deep sea fishing with Fishbone Tours. Another option would be to do a nature walk through the Leon Levy Preserve if you want to take it easy. Grab a take-out lunch at Queen of Tarts or 3-J’s. Relax on your closest beach in the afternoon and then head to the Governor’s Harbour Fish Fry for dinner, street dancing and a few Rum Bubbas!

Day 8: Time for one last dip, walk on the beach, then head home.

killer eleuthera vacation

Quantity over once in a lifetime experiences

This particular item surprised me a bit as I would have thought that vacation highlights would have more of an effect on one’s persona than a smattering of pleasurable experiences, but I’ll defer to the experts. Eleuthera has highlights and it also has a lot of quality activities that you can do as many times as you want. Here are but a few examples.

Beaches – Eleuthera has 135 beautiful beaches. You can visit as many of them as you care to fit in. Some are long and good for walking, some are small and best for sitting, some are easy to get to and some not so easy. Regardless of what you like, you can find a myriad of choices as Eleuthera is a beach lover’s delight, for sure. Make sure to pick up your copy of The Beach Book before you go so you can find all of them.
Sightseeing – there are numerous natural attractions up and down the island. Most are easy to find such as the Glass Window Bridge, Queen’s Baths and The Cliffs while others are a bit more challenging. From blue holes to caves to natural formations, you can fill up an entire vacation with just sightseeing the island’s formations.
Tours – because the island is so long, the tour operators are quite spread out and offer a variety of different experiences. You can go on four different tours and never see the same thing twice. Here’s a link to most of the tour operators on the island.
Gastronomics – while Eleuthera can’t be said to have fine dining by most American, Canadian or European standards, the differences in cultural diets is quite interesting and extremely pleasing for most visitors. You can have a field day sampling all of the different local cuisines and delicacies with conch and pineapple being two of Eleuthera’s prime delights.
Water activities – if Eleuthera is a beach then the oceans surrounding it are it’s blood. You can swim, snorkel, scuba dive, fish, paddleboard, windsurf, surf or just float in the water. Make sure to pick up your copy of The Snorkel Book before you go.

great eleuthera vacation

New things

There are plenty of ideas when it comes to things you haven’t done that you can try on Eleuthera. It really starts with the food choices and, before that, the groceries. It’s often said that on Eleuthera you may not find what you want, but you can always find everything you need. That’s because all of the products, save for pineapples and fish, are going to be imported. Products come from Europe, Canada and the United States. Give some of those products and brands you never heard of a try. You will be quite surprised at how good they can be.

A lot of visitors are afraid to try the Bahamian staples like cracked conch, conch salad, stewed or boiled fish or any of the delightful fruits or desserts such as Guava Duff. It’s your vacation! Give ’em a go!

You will have an opportunity to try many new and different activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving, surfing, wind surfing, bonefishing and many, many others. Pick out at least one new activity and give it a whirl. You just might find your next passion. That’s how I became a diehard scuba diver!

best eleuthera vacation

Enjoyable things

Doing things that one finds pleasurable seems like a no brainer on Eleuthera. If you like to simply read and relax, then do it. If you prefer to sit on the beach all day and stare at the ocean, then why not? Do you like to cook? Do you like to sleep in late? Do you like to have a late night cocktail before bed? Indulge. It’s your vacation. Set aside time for the activities you love the most.

killer eleuthera vacation

Outsource chores or mundane work

Hiring someone else to handle work that you don’t want to do on vacation is an excellent idea and one that is easily accomplished. Have your property manager stock your house for you so you don’t have to go grocery shopping. Hire a private chef to prepare one or two meals for you in your rental or better yet, rent a house that comes with a staff included. Retain a bartender for a special occasion or have mixed drinks delivered to you that you can take to the beach. Have a cab driver bring you back and forth to the fish fry or another special meal. All of those are possibilities on Eleuthera.

In general, you don’t have to do everything yourself all the time. Don’t try to save money while you’re on vacation. It’s the time to spend what you have earned from all of that hard work during the rest of the year. Live a little and indulge.

Manage work

Going to Eleuthera means going on vacation. It doesn’t mean going to Eleuthera to work. By the way, did I mention that the infrastructure is notoriously weak? Yes, it has gotten a lot better over the years, but Internet service can be slow and sporadic. Power outages, while less frequent, still occur on a somewhat regular basis. If you think you are going to Eleuthera to be a remote employee then you might want to rethink your destination.

Work will be there when you get back. If you feel like the job just can’t go on without you then perhaps force yourself to limit online time and email checks to first thing in the morning. Then, shut your cellphone off and lock it away for the rest of the day. Check it again tomorrow morning.

End on a high note

On Eleuthera it is pretty easy to end on a high note. The question is which one will be the highest high! Everybody’s favorite thing to do is visit Lighthouse Beach where the beauty and majesty of the landscape is just unrivaled anywhere else on Earth. Today, as it stands, due to the ongoing Disney development of their private cruise ship port, you have to hike in from about two miles away. Still, this is a highly recommended pilgrimage and a surefire way to end your best Eleuthera vacation.

Going on one of the tours is also another killer way to end the trip. There are tours from the north, cental and southern parts of Eleuthera. Choosing one usually involves choosing between seeing the swimming pigs (north), snorkeling and fishing (central), and one of Lighthouse Beach, Schooner Cays or Marker Bars (south). All the tours are excellent and you can’t go wrong regardless of what you pick.

Finally, end with a memorable meal. This usually means visiting 1648, Tippy’s or La Bougainvillea, which are the three more upscale restaurants on the island and all in the Governor’s Harbour area. One of the fancier restaurants on Harbour Island would also work well or end up at the Anchor Bay Fish Fry if Friday is your last night on the island.

great eleuthera vacation

Manage transition

Going to back to you real life might be one of the hardest things to do. Once you get on island time, and feel all that stress leave your body, it’s certainly not enjoyable to let it back in. One of the best things to do is to transition a little earlier than you normally would. Instead of flying home Sunday night to face work on Monday morning, consider going home on Friday or Saturday. Give yourself a day or two to reacclimate before jumping right back into your work routine and daily life.

killer eleuthera vacation

Share your story

Finally, a great way to finish up your Eleuthera adventure is to put together a picture book or other keepsake. Make some home videos. Invite some friends over and show them what Eleuthera, Harbour Island and Spanish Wells are like. Teach them about the cultural differences. Use their energy and excitement over your trip to burn in those lasting memories of a killer Eleuthera vacation.

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How to Get to Eleuthera | 3 Best Ways

tips, Travel - Bret S. - November 25, 2021

Going to Eleuthera, Harbour Island or Spanish Wells: Travel tips for Bahamas Family Islands

Do you want to know how to get to Eleuthera? The Family Islands may not be on everybody’s bucket list. They don’t have crowds, casinos, non-stop partying, golf or motorized watersports. What they do have is peace, quiet, friendly people, beautiful natural attractions and hundreds of miles of deserted beaches. Some Bahamian islands cater to the tourist crowds, but what makes this trio of neighboring islands so special is that all of that pomp is mostly non-existent. Instead, you’ll find quaint vacation rentals, nostalgic settlements, tropical jungle, old fashioned pineapple farms and miles of untouched beaches. Here’s how to get to Eleuthera.

Lighthouse Beach is on the of the island’s best beaches

Arriving by commercial air

The easiest way to reach Eleuthera is aboard a commercial plane. There are three airports on the island, North Eleuthera (ELH), which caters to the northern settlements plus Harbour Island and Spanish Wells, Governor’s Harbour (GHB) in the center of the island, and Rock Sound (RSD), which caters to southern settlements plus Cape Eleuthera. Non-stop flights from the United States are available from Charlotte, Atlanta, Miami and Fort Lauderdale. Direct flights into all three Eleuthera airports are also available via Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS) in Nassau, Bahamas.

American Airlines flies direct from Charlotte (CLT) on a limited basis and more frequently from Miami (MIA). Delta flies via Atlanta (ATL). United, via it’s Silver Airways subsidiary, and Aztec Air both fly from Fort Lauderdale (FLL) although Aztec leaves from the smaller Fort Lauderdale Executive airport located at 5151 E. Perimeter Road. Most of the US based flights land in North Eleuthera, but you can find some flights into Governor’s Harbour.

Flying on one of the Bahamian owned carriers offers the most flight options into all three airports. Bahamas Air flies out of Fort Lauderdale with a connection in Nassau while Pineapple Air, Southern Air Charter and Bahamas Air all fly out of Nassau on a daily basis.

Regardless of where you leave from you have plenty of options to choose. Eleuthera is a little more than 250 miles from Florida, which makes it possible to fly there in just over an hour while Nassau is a short 30 minute hop.

Choosing your airport

Eleuthera is a long, narrow island that stretches over 100 miles from north to south although it is only 2 miles wide in most spots. The island’s settlements are up to 15 miles apart, which makes it important to consider which airport is the most convenient to where you are staying on the island. Fear not, though! If you find better airfares into an alternate airport then by all means choose that airport. It just means you might have a longer and more scenic drive to your vacation rental.

North Eleuthera International Airport (ELH) is at the northernmost tip of Eleuthera island and has the most direct flights from the US. It’s the closest airport to Harbour Island and Spanish Wells both of which require a water taxi ride to reach. ELH is the closest airport for the settlements of Current, Upper and Lower Bogue, Whale Point, Gregory Town, Alice Town and Rainbow Bay.
Governor’s Harbour International Airport (GHB) is centrally located near the middle of the island and about eight miles north of Governor’s Harbour, the capital of Eleuthera. GHB is convenient for the settlements of Rainbow Bay, James Cistern, Governor’s Harbour, North and South Palmetto Point, Double Bay, Ten Bay, Savannah Sound and Windermere Island.
Rock Sound International Airport (RSD) is the southernmost airport on the island. Options for direct flights from the US don’t exist, but you can get a flight from Nassau. RSD is the nearest airport to Tarpum Bay, Rock Sound, Green Castle, Waterford, Deep Creek and Cape Eleuthera.

Using ferry service

High speed ferry service is available between Nassau and Harbour Island, Spanish Wells and several locations on Eleuthera as well as several other islands in the Bahamas. While this choice seems carefree and romantic, it often proves to be very inconvenient due to scheduling, which does not line up very nicely with the arrival of flights from the US. Plus, there is no cost savings as the cost is equivalent to that of a flight. For those reasons, unless you are already vacationing on Nassau and wish to have an excursion to one of the Family Islands, there is very little reason to choose the ferry.

In days of yore, the mail boat, a large freighter that carried mail between islands, was an option for passengers, too. However, the mailboat no longer transports passengers to Eleuthera, Harbour Island or Spanish Wells.

Water taxi service

To reach Harbour Island and Spanish Wells you must take a water taxi from mainland Eleuthera. This short boat ride takes about 5 minutes each way and costs approximatly $6 to $8 per passenger depending on where you are dropped off. The water taxi for Harbour Island can be found at Three Island Dock, which is 1 mile north of ELH. The water taxi for Spanish Wells departs from Gene’s Bay Dock, an 8 mile ride from ELH. The boats depart roughly every 15 to 30 minutes or when they fill up. Each boat can usually handle 10 to 15 passengers plus luggage. Reservations are not required. It’s simply first come, first served.

Arriving by private plane

Private pilots have always had an advantage when traveling to Eleuthera. The convenience of being able to come and go as one pleases is incentive enough to get a pilot’s license. If one is lucky enough to have their own plane then flying into one of the airports is a breeze. You will need to follow the procedures outlined by the Bahamas Civil Aviation authority, which can be found here.

If you are traveling with 4 or more people then the cost and convenience of a private charter may well be worth it especially if you can make it to Nassau on a commercial flight.

Here are some private charter companies. Contact them individually to find out the size of their planes and the cost of the flights.

The FBO’s that serve Eleuthera are White Crown Aviation out of ELH (MYEH) and Odyssey Aviation out of Governor’s Harbour (MYEM) and Rock Sound (MYER).

Arriving by private boat

It is certainly possible to make the crossing from Florida or Nassau via boat if the conditions are right. There are some general rules that need to be followed to enter legally. There aren’t a lot of boat facilities on these islands so it’s important to plan properly. Dock, gas and/or repair services are limited especially on Eleuthera where Hatchet Bay, Governor’s Harbour, Davis Harbour and Cape Eleuthera are your options. Spanish Wells and Harbour Island cater to boaters and yachtsmen so offer a more complete set of services.

To operate in Bahamian waters, a cruising permit is required for all foreign, private, non-commercial pleasure boats and occupants. All visiting boaters must clear Customs and Immigration at the nearest designated Port of Entry. As you enter each port you must fly the yellow quarantine flag and notify Customs of your arrival. Only the captain is permitted to leave the boat until your vessel has been cleared. Customs and Immigration officials will come to your vessel. Everyone on board must have proof of citizenship. U.S. citizens must present a passport. Upon your arrival in the Bahamas, you will be asked to fill out an Immigration Arrival/Departure Card, which you will keep until your departure.

Boaters and sailors traveling to Eleuthera, Harbour Island or Spanish Wells can enter the country at numerous ports scattered throughout the islands. All boaters entering The Bahamas are required to pay an entry fee. Depending on the size of the boat and the duration of your stay that cost ranges from $300 to $2,000 annually.

Below is a list of docks and marinas on Harbour Island, Spanish Wells, and Eleuthera.

Harbour Island

Harbour Island Public Dock
Harbour Island Marina
Romora Bay Marina
Valentines Marina

Spanish Wells

R&B Boatyard
Spanish Wells Public Dock
Spanish Wells Yacht Haven Marina

Central Eleuthera

Hatchet Bay Inlet
French Leave Eleuthera Marina
Governor’s Harbour Public Dock

South Eleuthera

Cape Eleuthera Marina
Davis Harbor Marina

Customs and immigration

Whether you enter the Bahamas in Nassau or Eleuthera, that is where you will clear customs and immigration. Your passport will be checked and your luggage may be inspected to ensure that you are not bringing items into the country without paying import VAT (value added tax) on them. If you clear customs and immigration in Nassau then you will not have to do so again when entering Eleuthera. However, if you are flying directly from the United Stated into Eleuthera then you will clear customs and immigration there.

In Nassau, to speed up the process for those connecting to Family Islands flights, there is a line to the left of the main immigration line that can be used. It is much shorter and faster, and is often necessary to avoid missing your connecting flight. You will then go downstairs, collect your bags and clear customs. You will then need to walk to the domestic terminal, which is approximately 5 minutes away, to get your connecting flight. You will need to check in with the airline, check your bags and go through security screening. It’s important to allow enough time for all of that to happen and at least an hour and a half is suggested, especially if you are claiming and re-checking luggage.

If you arrive into Eleuthera from the US then you will follow the same process, but it will be a bit less chaotic because there will be fewer passengers. Be patient as it takes time to screen each arriving passenger and bag. If you have items that you are importing then please make sure to make note of them and bring receipts so that you can pay VAT and speed up your departure from the airport. Arriving passengers are allowed a $100 allowance on items that can be imported VAT free.

Getting around the island

Don’t let anyone tell you that a golf cart or scooter is a viable method of transport on Eleuthera. If you find an article that tells you that you can be assured that they have NEVER been to Eleuthera. If anyone tells you that a bicycle is a perfectly good way to get around then quickly close that article as it’s simply not true.

As previously mentioned, Eleuthera is a long island and the settlements are miles apart. The roads have few dividing lines and street lights. They can often be in disrepair in places with large potholes making night time driving treacherous. Bahamians tend to drive fast and use their high beams constantly at night. It’s simply not safe to drive in anything other than a car or SUV. You can expect to pay anywhere from $65 to $90 per day for a vehicle rental. There are no Hertz or Avis rentals on the island. All of the rentals are handled by local businessmen who own a fleet of vehicle rentals that are usually older in age. They prefer to receive cash as payment although some have started to take credit cards.

Taxi service is an option, but one way fares can often exceed the cost of renting a vehicle for the day. Also, be aware that the taxi drivers generally operate out of one of the airports. If you are relying on taxis to get around then you will have to pre-arrange all of your trips to make sure that your driver is available. Otherwise, prepare for a long wait.

On Harbour Island and Spanish Wells golf carts are the only method of transport for visitors and that’s half the fun of staying on those islands. The carts are equipped with lights and storage areas for luggage. Rental rates are equivalent to a car rental on Eleuthera and are dependent on the size of the golf cart and how long you will be renting it for.

Just always remember to DRIVE ON THE LEFT whichever island you are on!!!!

Summary

As you would expect of an island, plane or boat are the two methods to get there. The choice comes down to whether you take a private vessel or a commercial one. For the lowest rates, best schedules, and most options, commercial flights are your preferred choice. Coming by private plane or boat gives you the most convenience, but with some obvious added cost. Commercial ferries have the most difficult schedules without offering any real cost benefit. The best way to get to Eleuthera is commercial plane!

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Learn where to stay in Eleuthera, Bahamas to have 1 of your best vacations

tips, Travel - Bret S. - May 18, 2021

Not sure where to stay in Eleuthera, Bahamas? Let’s see if we can help you decide.

What makes Eleuthera a tricky place to choose what part of the island to stay on is because of its 100 mile length. There is a lot to see and do on Eleuthera and most first timers don’t want to miss a thing. Those of us who have been visiting for years know to take it slow because you can’t just cram it all in on one visit, but that doesn’t stop some folks from trying. Use this information to help you narrow down your selection.

Airports

You probably won’t choose where to stay solely based on what airport you are flying into to, but it might influence your choice. There are three airports on Eleuthera – North Eleuthera Airport (ELH) to the north, Governor’s Harbour (GHB) in the center, and Rock Sound (RSD) to the south. International flights from the US arrive from Fort Lauderdale (FLL), Miami (MIA), Atlanta (ATL) and Charlotte (CLT). The majority of those flights arrive into ELH with a few going into GHB. There are currently no commercial international flights into RSD.

Folks who fly into ELH tend to either stay on Harbour Island, one of the neighboring Family Islands that is reached by water taxi from the nearby Three Island Dock, Spanish Wells, another neighboring island, which is reached by water taxi from Gene’s Bay Dock, or the northern parts of Eleuthera. Within a half hour drive of ELH you have the settlements and communities of Current, Whale Point, Gaulding Cay, Gregory Town, Surfer’s Beach, Hatchet Bay, Rainbow Bay and James Cistern. This doesn’t mean you can’t fly into ELH and then drive to settlements that are south of James Cistern. It just means you are going to have a drive of an hour or more, which is certainly doable, but not necessarily how you want to start off your vacation after a long day of travel.

where to stay eleuthera bahamas

GHB usually costs a little more to fly into, but it’s central location makes it ideal to reach all parts of the island. Flights arrive daily from FLL and Nassau, Bahamas (NAS). In addition to easily reaching the northern settlements, almost every settlement is easily reached including the capital of Governor’s Harbour, Cupid’s Cay, North and South Palmetto Point, Double Bay, Ten Bay, Savannah Sound, Tarpum Bay, Winding Bay and Rock Sound. Click here for a list of settlements on the island and a map of their relative locations.

RSD is very convenient to fly into to reach points farther south and is perfectly fine for all the settlements and communities from Palmetto Point on down. RSD receives daily flights from NAS. The settlements and communities that are convenient to RSD are Tarpum Bay, Winding Bay, Rock Sound, Cotton Bay, Jack’s Bay and Cape Eleuthera.

The bottom line is that any part of the island can be reached from any airport. It’s just a question of how far you are willing to drive in relation to the cost of your airline ticket and convenience of your travel itinerary. I generally try to fly into GHB since my vacation property is located in Ten Bay, but am often attracted by the prices into ELH. Be aware that many rental car businesses will charge a pickup and drop off fee of around $35 for each leg of the trip if you fly into an alternate airport than the one they primarily serve. Make sure to factor that into your overall cost comparison.

WHAT NOT TO MISS

I used to think of Eleuthera as this very laid back sleepy island without much to see or do other than visit the beautiful beaches and quaint settlements, but my opinion has changed considerably over the years as I’ve learned more and more about the island. Eleuthera has an adventurous side that attracts all sorts of thrill seekers. That might be what attracted me in the first place although I convinced myself it was the peace and solitude. Regardless of what your personal preference is you can find both laid back and adventurous here.

Want to have a new beautiful beach to yourself every day? Yup, got that! Want to scuba dive, surf, snorkel in a cenote, feed swimming pigs, go deep sea fishing, explore a bat cave or jump off a cliff? Yup, we got that, too! What we don’t have a lot of are some of the more artificial touristy type experiences that you might find in other beach destinations such as jet skis, parasailing, wind surfing, booze cruises, water parks or ATVs. Picture your Eleuthera vacation as the perfect beach / ocean vacation without the use of gas engines except for those found on the boats of the fishermen and adventure tour guides. Also, be aware that you won’t find casinos or much nightlife save for the weekly fish fry in Governor’s Harbour, which is currently suspended due to Covid.

So, how do vacation experiences relate to where to stay on Eleuthera? Let’s go back again to the first point in this article, namely, that Eleuthera is 100 miles long. Further consider that the max speed limit outside of the settlements is 45mph and 15mph within with oodles of speed bumps. If you don’t want to spend most of your vacation driving a couple of hours each day then you will favor one part of the island over another.

The Northern Region

Visitors who choose the north do so generally because they want to sightsee. The majority of natural attractions and short off-island day trips are found north of Gregory Town. The northern attractions include the Glass Window Bridge, Queen’s Baths, Cow and Bull, The Cliffs, Sapphire Hole, Hatchet Bay Caves, Preacher’s Cave, Current Cut, Harbour Island, Spanish Wells, Surfer’s Beach, swimming pig tours, beach horseback riding and almost all of the cliff jumping. You can see by this list that if you stay on the northern end of the island you can easily spend your entire vacation just doing things in the north. If you want to experience parts of the central or southern regions of the island then you can easily visit those areas by treating them as day excursions.

: Current Cut

: Glass Window Bridge

: Sapphire Hole

The Central Region

Choosing the center of the island, from Governor’s Harbour to Savannah Sound, gives you equal opportunity to see both ends of the island albeit with a little bit of driving. However, you won’t have the extremely long drives traversing one end of the island to the opposite end. For that reason it is usually more convenient to stay central.

The real benefit of staying central, though, is easy access to the majority of good restaurants on the island. Governor’s Harbour is known as the home of the weekly Friday night Fish Fry, but it also has the highest density of restaurants on the island that can be found in Governor’s Harbour itself, along the Bank’s Road that runs between Governor’s and North Palmetto Point, in Palmetto Point, and in Savannah Sound. Because driving at night can be a challenge, a lot of visitors choose to stay centrally so they can do their longer sightseeing drives during the day and then have much shorter drives to eating establishments after dark.

The central region also has a number of really excellent beaches, Hayne’s Library, the Leon Levy Native Plant Preserve, the island’s only movie theatre, The Globe Princess, and the Ten Bay Caves historical attraction, all found within 8 miles of the capital of Governor’s Harbour.

: Cupid’s Cay

: Hayne’s Library

: Drinks at 1648

: Ten Bay Caves

: Ten Bay Beach

: Sunset at Ten Bay

The Southern Region

The main attraction in the south, and really on the whole island, is Lighthouse Beach. Arguably one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, visitors often travel several hours, including the final 3 miles of nerve wracking bumps and jostles along its rutted, pockmarked access road, just to see the glorious splendor that it offers. The views from the hillside overlooking its series of cays is breathtaking. Swimming through the channel where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Exuma Bight is simply exhilarating. There is no lodging anywhere near Lighthouse Beach, however. The nearest settlement with lodging is in Rock Sound, which is approximately 15 miles north of the Lighthouse.

Lighthouse Beach is one of the major reasons to visit Eleuthera

Lighthouse Beach is usually only visited once on any given trip, but there are other reasons to stay in the southern settlements of Tarpum Bay, Rock Sound and Cape Eleuthera. The southern attractions include the Ocean Hole, Boiling Hole, Cathedral Caves, Deal Town ruins, Cape Eleuthera Institute, the Island School, Schooner Cays and really the best and only organized scuba diving on the island. There are several excellent restaurants in Rock Sound and along the waterfront in Tarpum Bay. The fishermen arrive daily in Tarpum Bay to sell their catch and there are several excellent conch stands there that make fresh conch salad to order.

Where to stay on Eleuthera, Bahamas

To summarize, your choice of where to stay really boils down to what you plan to see and do on your vacation and how much time you want to spend on the road getting there. Choose the northern region if you are going to be mostly visiting the northern attractions and don’t mind a long day trip to Lighthouse Beach. Choose the central region if you want the most convenient access to food choices and also want to visit attractions on both ends of the island. Choose the south to have the shortest distance to Lighthouse Beach along with long day trips to the northern attractions, Spanish Wells and Harbour Island.

Read about the best 15 Things to Do on Eleuthera!

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10 Essential Tips Packing for The Bahamas | What to wear and bring to Eleuthera for your #1 best vacation

LifeStyle, tips, Travel - Bret S. - April 1, 2021

The most important advice I give to anyone who is packing for the Bahamas is to pack half as much as you think you’ll need. You’re going to spend the majority of your time on the beach or in the water. You don’t need much more than a swimsuit and what accompanies it for the majority of your island time, so pack a few items you can mix and match with swimwear.

When it comes to packing for Eleuthera, Harbour Island and Spanish Wells there are a few things to consider. Here are some things to know that form the basis of my packing-for-the-Bahamas recommendations.

1. This is a tropical vacation. It’s likely going to be hot and you will be out in the sun most of the day.
2. While it’s likely to be warm or hot you have to consider that it could also be windy or rainy depending on the time of year.
3. The Family Islands are unfortunately home to biting insects including no-see-ums (sand flies) and mosquitoes (wings with teeth).
4. The islands are very, very casual and you’ll be out of place dressing up too much, but dressing down is never a problem.
5. ATMs are few and far between, and credit cards are not widely accepted.

Packing for the Bahamas – General packing tips

There are three basic recommendations that every traveler can and should follow when going to Eleuthera: pack light, pack casual, and pack for maximum protection from the sun and bugs.

packing for the bahamas

If you’re going to be mostly living in your bathing suit, and casual attire is all that is needed when eating out, shopping or doing any other non-beachy island activity, then you really don’t need very many changes of clothing. Shorts and t-shirts for guys, a summer dress and coverall for gals, plus a pair of sandals is all you really need to go anywhere on the island. Give yourself a break and pack two or three of everything. That will be all that you need for a week or two. In a pinch, there are laundromats with drop off service available if your vacation rental doesn’t have a washer and dryer.

When it comes to the sun and insects I strongly recommend packing what you are going to need. Suntan lotion with a high SPF, moisturizing skin cream, bug repellant with deet (I personally use Ben’s with 100% deet), and an afterbite cream or gel are all essential. The bites can be bad especially if you have an allergic reaction, which I’ve seen many people have. Avoiding bites is the key and to that end I recommend bringing one change of clothing that can cover you entirely – long pants or sweats, a long sleeve shirt like a rash guard and a pair of socks. Cover up completely in the evenings when sitting outdoors. The only natural thing that is going to protect you is a steady breeze. Sand flies can’t land effectively in even a light breeze and they also go dormant in air conditioning. Also, be sure to pack a hat or some type of head covering plus a good set of polarized sunglasses.

What should women pack?

These recommendations on what ladies should pack come from my wife as well as several other female friends who vacation frequently on Eleuthera. Your essentials are going to be –

2 bathing suits
2 summer dresses
1 coverall
1 set of bug stopping clothes – long pants, long sleeved shirt, long socks
1 evening bag
2 pairs of earrings
1 light jacket
2 pairs of sandals
1 pair of water shoes

That’s really all that you need and it will all fit nicely in a small suitcase that will go in the overhead!

What should men pack?

I’ve been traveling to Eleuthera at least two times a year since 1998. Most of my trips are in the two week variety, but I’ve also stayed for months at a time. In the beginning I overpacked like everybody else, but I quickly learned that I could get by with just a few changes of clothing. There isn’t an upscale restaurant or business on Eleuthera, Harbour Island or Spanish Wells that I feel out of place with shorts and a t-shirt. bahamas what to pack

1. 1. 2 bathing suits
  2. 2 pairs of shorts
  3. 2 t-shirts
  4. 1 casual collared shirt
  5. 1 set of bug stopping clothes – long pants, long sleeved shirt, long socks
  6. 1 light jacket
  7. 2 pairs of sandals
  8. 1 pair of water shoes

My wife and I often take one suitcase that will hold both sets of our clothing and it rarely exceeds 40 pounds. If traveling solo then I pack a small carry-on.

Should I bring anything more formal if I’m attending a church service?

Yes, if you plan on attending a church service then I would recommend slacks, a collared shirt and shoes for men and a long dress with formal low heeled shoes for women. The Bahamians definitely dress well for Sunday church service!

What about packing food or alcohol?

There’s a common misconception that because Eleuthera and the other Family Islands are remote that they don’t have populations that eat food. I know our grocery and liquor stores don’t resemble what most Americans, Canadians and Europeans enjoy back home, but here’s another way to think about it. You may not find exactly what you want, but you’ll always be able to find what you need! Sometimes that means visiting more than one store or asking around to find out where you can buy certain items, but there are very few things that you just won’t be able to find other than specific brands. I personally think one of the interesting things to do is to sample foods and products that you can’t get in your own country. Eleuthera and Harbour Island have a lot of products imported from Europe, which are very good. Give ’em a try!

For those who do want to bring their own food there’s nothing wrong with doing so. Be aware that there is a value added tax (VAT) added onto any products that are imported into the country and that includes food. Each person gets a $100 allowance VAT free, but you may be asked to pay VAT on anything over that although many items are excluded. This article isn’t intended to break down the import tariffs on every food item so I won’t attempt to do so. I do want to mention that you CANNOT bring in fresh fruit, vegetables or dairy products. All meats must be frozen or canned and in their original USDA packaging. You aren’t permitted to bring in items that are homemade such as sauce. You can’t pack with ice, dry ice or even those frozen blue ice packs. What most folks do is prepare a soft sided cooler that can be easily opened and checked. Freeze everything thoroughly at least a week before and insulate the cooler with newspaper. Bring receipts for everything so that the customs agent doesn’t have to research each item, which could be time consuming. Be aware that you are only allowed one quart of spirits or wine per person, too, without paying VAT. All beer is subject to customs duty.

Will the seasons and weather affect what I pack?

Yes, mostly definitely the seasons and weather will slightly alter your packing. In the winter months, from December to February, the temperatures can drop into the low 60’s and the winds can be quite chilly and strong. Since most houses don’t have heat you will probably want to bring one or two changes of long clothes, a slightly warmer jacket and a wind breaker. The summer months, especially July, can be very wet with a lot of hard soaking rain. Pack an umbrella if you will be traveling during rainy season. It’s also a good idea to pack a small flashlight since there is not a lot of ambient light in the evenings.

harbour island what to pack

Should I pack my drone?

Absolutely! I’ve brought my drone on several trips and the pictures and videos that you can get from an aerial perspective really enrich the memories of your vacation when you get back home. The water, sky, sand, beaches and natural attractions all look great when shot from the air so I definitely recommend bringing your drone. Be aware that you need to register your drone with the Bahamas Civil Aviation Authority or it might be confiscated at the airport and not returned until the end of your trip. Here is a link to the online registration form.

spanish wells what to pack

Can I bring my pet?

Yes, pets are allowed entry to the Bahamas. There is a registration process and a small fee. Additionally, you should check with your country of origin because there may be special requirements to bring the pet back home including obtaining a health certificate along with proof of a rabies vaccine. The dog and cat importation forms can be found at the bottom of this linked page.

What about money?

I mentioned at the beginning of this article that we have very few ATMs. There are only two on Eleuthera, two in Spanish Wells and one in Harbour Island. Many businesses do not accept credit cards at all and the ones that do will add a 4 – 5% uplift. Pack enough cash to avoid having to run all over the island trying to get more.

Now that RBC has announced that they are closing their Governor’s Harbour branch, Eleuthera is left with one ATM in Governor’s Harbour and one in Rock Sound. Those two settlements are nearly 30 miles apart. If one is out of cash or there is an electrical outage, you’ve got a long ride to get some more. Plan accordingly.

What else?

The last thing I want to mention is whether it is wise to pack accessories like snorkel gear, a beach security bag or beach chairs. Renting snorkel gear can be expensive especially if you are in a group. The house you rented may have inferior equipment that doesn’t fit properly. If you plan to do a fair amount of snorkeling then I’d definitely recommend bringing a good fitting mask, snorkel and fins.

While security on the island is hardly ever a concern there have been intermittent reports of petty theft at some of the remote beaches. It makes sense to have a beach security bag and/or a waterproof phone bag that can also be used to store cash and keys if you are going to be in the water.

Finally, while your rental likely comes with plenty of beach gear including blankets, towels, umbrellas and chairs, I recently happened upon a company that makes very small portable chairs that will fit easily in a suitcase. If your house doesn’t have chairs maybe think about picking up a few of these.

Conclusion

Now that you know what to pack it’s important to know what to do so check out this blog about the 15 BEST Things to do on Eleuthera. Just remember the essentials of packing – you aren’t going to need a lot of clothing and prepare for the bugs and sun. Now that you know a little about some of the island’s quirks you are all set for what is sure to be your #1 BEST VACATION!! Happy traveling!

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THE BEST 15 Things to Do on Eleuthera

adventures, beaches, happenings, tips, Travel - Bret S. - February 7, 2021

Eleuthera has always been known for it beaches, but there are lots of other things to do on Eleuthera besides visiting beaches. What may have started as a beach vacation may very well end up being the adventure vacation you’ve been looking for and that is what I’ve always loved about the island and its surrounding neighbors. You’re never going to run out of things to do.

By the way, the right answer for the number of

Things To Do

on Eleuthera should really be zero. Not that there aren’t a lot of things to do, but the best way to enjoy Eleuthera is to plan to do none and then do as many as you want. Time and time again I see visitors trying to fit everything into one trip and that’s simply not possible. If you like Eleuthera, then you’ll be back…again and again and again. In my opinion, it’s best to do Eleuthera with as little planning as possible. Wake up each morning and see which way the wind blows. That’s how we do it on Eleuthera!

For those who want to know what some of the options are please read my list below of The Best 15 Things to Do on Eleuthera.

#15 – Festivals (Homecoming, Eleuthera All that Jazz, Pineapple Fest, Junkanoo)

Depending on when you are visiting the island attending festivals could easily be the number one thing for you to do on Eleuthera. Attending one of these events could be the primary reason for the timing of your trip. All of the festivals on Eleuthera are oodles of fun and will surely be a memorable part of your vacation. The combination of good food, drink and music combine perfectly and complement the charged vibe of the crowds that attend the events. Keep your eyes on the calendar. It might make sense to time your trip to coincide with one of these events. Attending a festival could make your vacation complete! Eleuthera All that Jazz is usually in April. Pineapple Fest is in June. Junkanoo is late December. The Homecoming celebrations happen throughout the year in different settlements depending on which one is celebrating.

Bright costumes color the junkanoo parade near Governor’s Harbour

#14 – Ruins

The island’s ruins serve vestige to bygone eras. Rather than remove many of the old structures, they have simply remained. Dilapidated and in disrepair, many have been enshrouded by the surrounding jungle vegetation. The ruins in the southern areas of Eleuthera have more historic relevance, in my opinion, since they show off more of the primitive island architecture. They capture a different way of life than we know it now. If you can find them, the remains of buildings such as the Deal’s Town jail and the Bannerman Town Anglican Church are really interesting and historic.

More modern ruins such as the NAVFAC facility that closed in 1980 or Arnold Palmer’s Beachfront Inn are neat finds as well, but don’t have the rich heritage of the much older Bahamian buildings. If you research the old clinic in Whale Point you’ll find that it had a very checkered past making it one of the island’s more macabre ruins.

The ruins of the old jail in Deal Town, Eleuthera, Bahamas

#13 – Fish Fry

The weekly Friday night Fish Fry, held at Anchor Bay in the capital settlement of Governor’s Harbour, is a vivacious outdoor street party. Good food, drink and loud music begin the evening leading to limbo contests, street dancing and lots of libationary social interaction. Due to Covid the Fish Fry has been put on hold, but once restrictions have been lifted this should be on everybody’s weekly things to do list.

things to do anchor bay fish fry eluethera bahamas

The Fish Fry gets hopping once the sun goes down

#12 – Shelling

A must-do for those passionate about collecting the island shore’s free treasures, Eleuthera has so many miles of beaches that this activity could be done each day on the island. Remember to go early or at low tide, take your time, go to beaches that are less visited, of which we have quite a few, and look for wet sand. Treasure hunters are likely to find a bevy of sea glass, conch, whelk, angel wings, scallops, clams, and banded tulips to name a few. Consider picking up a copy of a shelling book such as the Bahamian Seashells guide or the Caribbean Shell Card to help identify your finds.

things to do combers beach eleuthera bahamas

Combers Beach in Tarpum Bay is one of the more prolific shelling spots

#11 – Scuba Diving

Since I’m a diver this always goes to the top of the list. Alas, there is not a lot of organized diving on Eleuthera, but the dives we do have are some of the best and most interesting in the world.

The best diving is found at the northern and southern extremes of the island. Any diving done mid island consist of either shallow shore diving or diving off of one’s own boat as there are no dive operators other than on Harbour Island and Cape Eleuthera. Valentine’s Dive Center is your choice for northern diving. Most of its boat dives will be done along the extensive reef system between Harbour Island and the Glass Window Bridge on Eleuthera in depths from 50′ to 100′. If you can coax them to do it, the best dive in the north is the Current Cut, which offer a series of 12 minute high speed drift dives in the channel that separates Eleuthera from Current Island.

To the south you have two dive operators that cover the Great Exuma Wall and the inshore shallow reefs. The wall drops to 6000′ and offers an amazing array of pelagics, rays, turtles and sharks. Your dive operator choices are Scuba Eleuthera or Ocean Fox. My favorite southern dives are the airplane wreck, Hole in the Wall and the Boiling Holes, which are cold fresh water springs that attract the best sea life and have the healthiest reef systems surrounding them.

things to do scuba diving eleuthera bahamas

Scuba Eleuthera with Captain Daryl Miller operates out of south Eleuthera

#10 – Fishing (Deep Sea, Shore, Bone)

As one of the more popular things to do on Eleuthera, there are lots of fishing options. Whether by boat, on shore or in the flats you are bound to have a good time pursuing your favorite catch. Several tour operators and many dedicated fishing guides can be found up and down the island. They will build a schedule to cater to your particular fishing passion. Bonefishing is probably the primary reason why DIY fishing enthusiasts continue to flock to Eleuthera.

things to do fishing eleuthera bahamas bonefishing

If you want the big ones, take a bonefishing excursion with Fishbone Tours out of Savannah Sound

#9 – Wildlife and Nature (Leon Levy Preserve/Birding)

The Bahamas is home to 379 different species of bird. While they can be found everywhere on the island, one of the more unique places to do your birding is at the Leon Levy Preserve, which is located between Governor’s Harbour and North Palmetto Point along the Bank’s Road. It is the first national park on the island of Eleuthera and is an environmental educational center as well as a facility for the propagation of native plants and trees. One of it’s unique functions is to research traditional bush medicine.

The Preserve serves Bahamians and visitors who can now walk miles of trails through the native habitat, viewing the beautiful orchids, food, medicinal plants, and the hardwood trees that serve such a vital role in supporting the bird population. Check out some of their neat videos by clicking here.

This great blue heron is doing some hunting at dusk at Ten Bay Beach

#8 – History, Sightseeing & Natural Attractions

Dating back to 1648 when Eleuthera was originally settled, there are numerous historical landmarks and buildings. Allocating at least one day of your vacation to sightseeing and visiting the natural attractions is a given. Most of the natural attractions, such as the Glass Window Bridge, The Queen’s Baths, The Cow and Bull, and The Cliffs can be found on the northern end of the island while most of the historic landmarks, plaques, and buildings can be found in the settlements or at the extreme ends of the island. Consider hiring a private guide to see the best of the best. Arthur Nixon is one of the island’s best tour guides. He can be reached at 242-359-7879.

things to do glass window bridge eleuthera bahamas

The narrowest place on Earth – The Glass Window Bridge where two oceans collide

#7 – Island hopping

A trip to Eleuthera seems not complete without a visit to neighboring Harbour Island and/or Spanish Wells. I personally prefer the former for a daytrip as there are more things to do. There are several other uninhabited islands that can also be explored by private boat as well.

The Pink Sands Beach on Harbour Island is one of the best beaches in the world

#6 – Caves

We have some pretty awesome caves, and they are quite varied. Beginners prefer Preacher’s Cave because it is open and airy. Serious cavers like the Ten Bay Caves because of their overall size, difficulty and plethora of bats. Folks who are in between will prefer the Hatchet Bay caves. There are lots of other hidden caves including a recently discovered cave beach that is accessible only by water. Additionally, we have several cave beaches that can be reached by land, too.

things to do ten bay caves eleuthera bahamass eleuthera

The Ten Bay Caves have some chambers that let in natural sunlight

#5 – Talking to Locals

It is said that the spirit of the Bahamas can only be truly felt through its people. The Eleutherans are amongst the friendliest people you will ever meet and they love to share their knowledge, insight and experiences. Seek them out. You won’t be disappointed!

things to do talk to locals eleuthera bahamas

Mr. Millard Bethel owns a small market in North Palmetto Point

#4 – Blue Holes

The Sapphire Hole in North Eleuthera, which until recent years was almost completely hidden by the jungle, is now sought after by folks who want to perform the dramatic 10′ jump into it. It has become a must-see for adventure seekers. The Ocean Hole in Rock Sound is still a favorite and can be swam or snorkeled, however, many folks go to simply feed the fish. There are a number of other cenotes that can be found through some research and exploration.

The Sapphire Hole (bottom of pic) is close to Tay Bay Beach and Preacher’s Cave

#3 – Non-motorized watersports (SUP/Kayak/Surfing/Snorkeling/Cliff jumping)

Where there is ocean there is fun and adventure to be had! If your rental doesn’t come with any non-motorized equipment it can be easily rented at one of the shops in Governor’s Harbour or Gregory Town. The best surf breaks can be found at Surfer’s Beach near Gregory Town, but there are several other spots that are worth trying if you have your own board. Cliff jumping is best done on the northern end of the island where heights range from 10′ to 40′ from Glass Window Bridge to James Cistern. The other activities can be done off of almost any beach if the conditions are right, but if they aren’t then visit Edwin’s Turtle Lake Marine Preserve just outside of Governor’s Harbour to experience SUP and kayaking in a more protected environment.

Snorkeling at Half Sound, Eleuthera, Bahamas

#2 – Guided Ocean Tours

Hire one of the tour guides and see Eleuthera from the ocean. You can snorkel, dive, fish, interact with turtles, find huge starfish, and if you don’t mind some wet pig scat, swim with the pigs. The Schooner Cays are really beautiful and can be experienced by boat off of the southern end of Eleuthera. Seeing the island from sea is a completely intoxicating experience. A list of tour guides can be found here.

things to do guided tours eleuthera bahamas

Aqua Bliss runs daily charters

#1 – Beaches

The best thing to do on Eleuthera is explore and find new interesting beaches. The pilgrimage to Lighthouse Beach is almost expected, but there are 134 other majestic deserted beaches that provide an incredible variety of experiences. You can spend your entire vacation searching and experiencing them if you wish to. Depending on the ocean conditions, you can snorkel at almost all of them. Consider picking up The Eleuthera Beach Book and The Eleuthera Snorkel Book to enhance your trip and speed your journey to the best spots.

things to do lighthouse beach eleuthera bahamas

A trip to Eleuthera is not complete without an excursion to Lighthouse Beach

Conclusion

I hope you liked my list of The BEST 15 Things to Do on Eleuthera. I’ve spent many years exploring the island and all it has to offer, and it never grows old. Even after 21 years, each time I visit I find something new. I hope you seek out some of these locations and turn Eleuthera into your go to place for vacation adventure!

A satellite view of Eleuthera reveals both shallow and deep water surrounding it

#thingstodoeleuthera #thingstodooneleuthera #15bestthingstodoeleuthera #eleutherabahamasthingstodo

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The 5 Best Tips to Choose a Vacation Rental Property on Eleuthera

lodging, tips, Travel - Bret S. - January 21, 2021

5 Tips to Choose a Vacation Rental Property

This is the third and final blog offering the 5 best tips to choose a vacation rental property on Eleuthera, Harbour Island and Spanish Wells. It will focus on what I consider one of the most significant factors in the quality of your overall vacation – HOUSE SELECTION! Click on this link to read the first blog in this series that discusses the 3 secrets for choosing the best island LOCATION for your vacation rental. Click on this link to read the second blog in the series that explains the importance of TRAVEL TIME as it relates to selecting a property on the islands.

Now that you’ve narrowed down your selection to the right location, it’s time to pick the right house. With over 1,000 choices across the island chain you probably still have to choose a vacation rental from amongst 50 to 100 houses even after you’ve selected where on the island to stay. So, how do you go about it?

I’ve been arranging group travel for more than twenty years and I can tell you that picking a good vacation rental comes down to more than just picking a unique house. You really have to consider who you’re traveling with and what is important to them. If you ask them what they want you might be surprised at some of the things they find important or even critical.

I once had a friend traveling with my group who insisted on having his own bathroom. It really became a stumbling block as he refused to travel with us if that requirement was not met. To resolve the issue I had to make sure that at least one of the bedrooms had an ensuite bathroom. To be fair with the rest of the group we now had to look for a house that provided an ensuite bathroom for everyone so that there was no favoritism towards one individual. It’s really tricky trying to satisfy everyone’s requirements, which is why it’s important to prioritize. Let’s explore how to do that by looking at the factors involved.

Tip 1 Pick a Property Type

The first thing to consider is the type of property you want to rent. On Eleuthera, Harbour Island and Spanish Wells most of the private residences fall into one of four buckets – Apartment, Cottage, House or Villa. The designations are mostly related to size, however, owners do use those titles a bit loosely depending on what they consider their property to be.

A cottage is usually a smaller house that only has one bedroom. A villa designates a house that is considered more upscale. A house is somewhere in the middle of the two. All of them are houses yet the term describing the property type is selected by each owner and doesn’t necessarily follow any hard and fast rule. The only designation that seems consistent is apartment, which means it is a room or group of rooms in a building with other similar spaces within it.

Tip 2 Prioritize Needs / Satisfy Wants

When searching for a property it is quite normal to begin one’s search by looking for certain features. In my opinion, the most important thing to get right is the number of bedrooms and the proper bedroom configuration. There’s nothing worse than showing up at your vacation rental only to find that couples have to sleep in separate twin beds, or worse, a set of bunks! Pay close attention to how the bedrooms are laid out. Ensure that twin beds can be joined together to form a king if that is needed for traveling couples. Makes sure there are enough physical beds for everyone in your party or that folks don’t mind sleeping on sofabeds, air mattresses or cots if those options are available.

This is a great kids room, but is probably not suitable for adults.

The number of bathrooms and how they are arranged matters, too. It’s always nice to have ensuite bathrooms with each bedroom, but that’s not always possible. Most houses come with showers, but not all of them have tubs so verify that if it’s important to you.

After you’ve got the bedrooms and bathrooms worked out then consider other essential needs such as the common rooms – kitchen, living room, dining room, media room, office, etc. You’ll want to know if the house has central air conditioning and reliable Internet. On the Bahamian islands, broadcast TV service can sometimes be hard to obtain except within the settlements. While it’s more common to have DVDs, Netflix and a video library, it’s uncertain whether you’ll get regular cable or satellite TV service. If that’s important to you make sure you clarify with the homeowner and know what would happen if the service is interrupted, which can happen.

After you’ve checked off all of your needs you should start considering wants, those exciting items that maybe you don’t have at home, but would like to have on vacation such as a private pool (maybe even infinity edge!), watersports equipment such as kayaks, canoes, SUP, snorkel gear, and fishing gear, and an outdoor grill (make sure to ask if it’s propane or charcoal).

Cupid’s Way has an awesome seaside pool!

Make sure the house is stocked with the basic things you need in the kitchen and bathroom such as blender, coffee maker, toaster, oven, stove, microwave, cooking accessories, utensils, dishwasher, washer and dryer, towels, beach towels, iron and ironing board, hair dryers, etc. Most vacation rentals on Eleuthera, Harbour Island and Spanish Wells will have many if not all of those items standard, but it doesn’t hurt to make sure.

Privacy is a relative term on Eleuthera, Harbour Island and Spanish Wells. By most people’s standards these islands are very private and the rental homes offer high degrees of privacy. I’ve had visitors comment that sometimes they actually feel less safe because the homes are so secluded that they feel isolated. So, how much privacy is enough for you? Do you want a house without any other houses within eyeshot or one where the nearest neighboring property is several miles away? Is being in a small residential community where you might encounter other people too secluded or too populous? Are you looking to meet other people while on vacation? Remember, too, that a homeowner’s description of the level of privacy their home has may not match your expectations. I find that most homes on Eleuthera fall into one of three categories – semi-private, private and secluded. Semi-private is when there are other homes in the area and you are likely to encounter other visitors or locals. Private is when a house sits on it’s own large lot with enough acreage that you won’t see anyone else on your rental property unless they are visiting on purpose. Secluded is when there are no other homes or souls for miles and the likelihood of encountering someone else is slim.

Getaway in Current settlement is a very secluded rental property.

The quality of the home is also a very subjective term, but one that factors greatly into the selection process. The age of the home matters as does its upkeep. It’s often hard to judge the quality of a property simply from pictures although the rental rate can give you a clue about whether the owner considers their property to be of superior quality. Good questions to ask include how often the owner uses the property themselves since this might indicate the amount of attention, or lack thereof, the home receives. Reviews can also be very helpful in determining quality. If past guests complained about the quality of furnishings, appliances and appearance then that might be a red flag if those items haven’t been addressed.

Finally, things like a house generator or reverse osmosis water system can be extremely important nice-to-haves. Electric outages are not uncommon and most house water is rain water that is pumped from a holding tank below the house called a cistern. Cistern water is fine for flushing, showering and cooking, but is not very good to drink.

The White House on Harbour Island has both a generator and reverse osmosis system.

Tip 3 Consider Fees in Budget

You’ve probably considered a suitable budget for your trip, but there can be additional costs that add up quickly. Some houses charge a Value Added Tax (VAT). Oftentimes there is a reservation fee to cover payment processing costs. Homeowners will sometimes charge for excess utility usage for things like electricity and water, costs that can be quite high on a remote island. Cleaning fees can sometimes be separate and you need to know what type of regular cleaning services, if any, are included. Be aware that most vacation rentals are only cleaned once before a party arrives. If you want additional cleaning during your stay it usually comes with a fee. Large Online Travel Agencies, such as VRBO and AirBnB, charge a fee of as much as 20% of the price of the rental for using their service as do rental agents and realtors.

If you want any additional services such as massage, cooking, or house stocking these must be added on, too. Don’t forget to ask about security deposits. Some owners have a fully refundable security deposit that could range from $200 to $1,000 depending on the house. That money is usually held by the owner and is returned in full unless there is damage, excess cleaning or above normal utility usage at which point some or all of your deposit may be held to cover such costs. Make sure you are clear on what conditions would cause a security deposit to not be returned because you’ll usually have little or no recourse. Some owners have security deposits where a portion of it is non-refundable. This is akin to an insurance policy held by a 3rd party that retains a portion of the deposit as a fee in order to handle any claims.

Finally, you’ll want to factor in trip insurance and understand what is or isn’t covered and under what conditions. Trip insurers won’t automatically reimburse you for a canceled trip unless it’s because of a serious illness or severe weather event, in general. Many insurers won’t reimburse you for a trip that is canceled due to failing a Covid-19 test. The Bahamas, as of this writing, requires all visitors to have proof of a negative Covid test within 5 days of arrival. You are also subject to a re-test on island 5 days after arriving as well as having to take a daily email screening survey. There is a cost for the re-test.

Tip 4 Special Considerations – Seniors, Children & Handicapped Needs Come First

When traveling with seniors, children or anyone who is handicapped you need to put their requirements over yours. With seniors, mobility is probably your greatest consideration. While many homes are built all on one level some have stairs both inside and out. Additionally, if you choose a vacation rental that has water access then you need to be aware of any steps to get into and out of the water. Ironshore, a sharp fossilized coral that is found on many properties, is a severe hazard for seniors if they happen to fall on it.

With children you need to consider the height of the property and whether there is suitable railing to protect from dangerous falls. Some properties include cribs, high chairs, pack and plays and children’s toys to keep them occupied, which are nice things to not have to bring or buy on the island. The water entry and ironshore issues are relevant to children, too.

There are very few houses that are fully handicap accessible on Eleuthera. If you require a wheelchair it’s imperative that you find a house that has ramps and handicap accessible toilets. The islands only have health clinics and no emergency medical services. If you have an issue requiring medical attention, then Eleuthera, Harbour Island and Spanish Wells may not be the best choices for you as you would have to be airlifted to Nassau in the case of an emergency.

Tip 5 Don’t Forget About Safety

Our trio of islands is considerably safer than almost anywhere else on Earth. Violent crime is so rare that it’s almost not worth mentioning. However, poor economic conditions have contributed to an increase in petty theft over the years. Twenty years ago I never would have dreamed of locking my doors at night, but times have changed. There have been enough reported instances of petty theft that it’s just common sense to protect your valuables. To limit opportunities, lock doors at night or when you are out. Keep valuables in a safe if one is provided. Don’t leave cash or other valuables in your vehicle or out in the open. Finding a house that has additional security features is an added bonus. Safes, hotel locks, deadbolts and exterior lighting are nice to have when you choose a vacation rental.

Conclusion

I probably made this more complicated than it needs to be, but there ARE a lot of factors that go into how you choose a vacation rental. While location and travel times are still the most essential considerations, especially on Eleuthera where things are very spread out, which house to select comes down to a myriad of personal choices and priorities. We’ve discussed the type of property, wants and needs, costs and fees, special needs and safety. If you are having a hard time boiling all that down then make a list. Number all the factors that are a priority and then search accordingly.

Good luck finding the vacation property of your dream. With a little patience and a bit of knowledge from these blogs I hope it is now easier to find what you are looking for!

#eleutheralodginghouserental #eleutheralodging #eleutherahouserental #howtochooseavacationrental #5tipstochooseavacationrental

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3 of the best Eleuthera Lodging House Rental options

lodging, tips, Travel - Bret S. - January 7, 2021

indigo seas rainbow bay eleuthera bahamas lodging house rental

Eleuthera Lodging House Rental Tips

When visiting Eleuthera you have several lodging options. Unlike many major tourist destinations the lodging choice of preference on Eleuthera is a house rental. While there are several small boutique hotels, motels and condo style resorts, there are just a few of them compared to the number of houses available for rent and they tend to be either high end or budget oriented limiting their appeal to many Eleuthera vacationers.

Most visitors choose house rentals on Eleuthera, Harbour Island and Spanish Wells due to their superior locations, abundance of amenities, added space and comfort, privacy and attractive pricing. Simply by cooking several meals at your house rental you will save enough money to do fun things on vacation or splurge a little more when you do eat out. The small resorts up and down the island are considered a good choice for those who prefer to vacation in a more social setting. You won’t find any large hotels nor household brands such as Hilton or Wyndham although one of the boutique resorts is part of the Marriott Autograph Collection.

Read on to see various lodging and house rental options or read this blog first, which will give you some ideas on how to pick your lodging on Eleuthera.

lodging house rental

1. Vacation Rentals by Owner

Renting a house directly from its owner is the easiest and most affordable way to book a house rental on Eleuthera. There are several websites that aggregate house rentals together so that you can easily search, compare and reserve them while still working directly with the property owner. Alternately, you can search for properties individually. If the owner has their own website then you can contact them directly via their website, but, if they don’t, then they are likely listed on one of the aggregation sites. However, the aggregators differ significantly in terms of fees and services offered.

a) EleutheraDirect.com – is the only owner direct aggregator exclusively dedicated to house rentals on Eleuthera, Harbour Island and Spanish Wells. They have a growing inventory of properties plus a number of distinct advantages such as having no AirBnB or VRBO service fees. This alone will save you hundreds if not thousands of dollars on your vacation.

They offer all of the great search capabilities that you expect from a high quality website while also offering some Eleuthera specific search capabilities like searching based on Atlantic (eastern) versus the Caribbean (western) side of the island or by local settlement. Additionally, your communications with the owner are not moderated or filtered like on VRBO and AirBnB. EleutheraDirect.com is an excellent choice for finding the lowest rate with the best search features while also benefiting from unmoderated communication with the property owner.

Here are some more tips on how to choose a house rental on Eleuthera.

b) VRBO, AirBnB, & TripAdvisor – these large brand name online travel agencies (OTAs) have fallen more and more out of favor with savvy renters who realize how much VRBO fees for renters negatively impact the quality of their vacation without providing any real value. Many, many years ago the ‘original’ VRBO set the world on fire by offering a very easy way to find quality vacation homes while only charging homeowners a small advertising fee, but that has all changed.

Now, these companies still charge homeowners a hefty fee to advertise on their platforms while simultaneously charging renters anywhere from 3% to as much as 20% commission to use their software to make a booking. Additionally, they monitor and filter all communication between the homeowner and renter until after the booking has been concluded making it difficult to exchange information.

They have further eroded the trust of homeowners by imposing strict hotel-like policies that make it very difficult to manage their rental businesses. As a result, the #bookdirect movement is occurring and many homeowners are moving away from these platforms as they simply offer no value. Their only real value to a renter is the choice they offer by having a large number of properties in inventory. Once that advantage goes away there will be little use for their service.

c) Owner direct websites – are still a great way to find a property you love, communicate directly with an owner, and save money by not paying any commissions or booking fees. The only real negative with this method of house renting is that you have to spend time finding each individual owner. Not all have their own websites and many of the websites aren’t well organized. Still, if saving money by booking direct will let you have a better vacation, then consider this. Use the OTA websites to find the house you like and then do a Google search to find the homeowner’s own website. You can then book direct and avoid the VRBO service fee.

Note: Eleutheradirect.com provides direct links to owner websites and videos if the owner provides them.

2. Boutique Resorts and Small Motels

Eleuthera, Bahamas does not have anything that would qualify as a traditional American, Canadian or European hotel. Instead, it has a handful of small motels, boutique resorts and one glamping resort. Below are most of what is available on Eleuthera listed more or less in order from north to south.

a) The Other Side – is a beautiful solar powered ‘glamping’ site situated along Cistern Cay Beach. You’ll find nothing but palms, tents, shacks and a salad garden. The property is within short proximity of all the raw beauty of Eleuthera as well as the neighboring Family Island of Harbour Island, which has one of the longest and widest pink sand beaches in the world. It is best described as home meets safari with a few conventional hotel amenities. Rates range from $550 to $750 per night.

b) The Cove Eleuthera – is the highest end luxury resort that can be found on Eleuthera boasting 55 rooms, suites and villas. It features two private white sand beaches, a spa and fitness center, oceanfront dining and an open-air sunset bar. The price for a suite starts at $859 per night.

c) The Sunset Cove & Rainbow Room – formerly known as The Rainbow Inn, this property consists of a series of 11 affordable suites and cottages plus an on premise restaurant, bar and pool with prices ranging from $85 to $222 per night. Each of the 7 luxury suites and 4 classic beach cottages has its own unique design.

d) Sky Beach Club – is an intimate collection of seven oceanview accommodations including 7 villas and 4 poolside bungalows. It features its own restaurant and swim up pool bar and is just steps from one of the best beaches on the island – Hut Pointe Beach. Prices for a 2 person bungalow start at $235 per night and go up to $800 per night for a 4 bedroom villa in non-holiday season.

e) Hut Pointe Inn – is a family owned, eco-friendly, all-suite inn located directly on Queen’s Highway across from Hut Pointe in the settlement of Governors Harbour. Rates for a 2 bedroom suite with kitchen start around $255 per night.

f) French Leave Resort– is part of the Marriott Autograph Collection. This lodging option is located a short walk from downtown Governor’s Harbour with views overlooking the Bight of Exuma and nearby Cupid’s Cay. There are 20 Bahamian villas, either one or two bedroom units, plus 1648 Bar & Grill, pool, fitness center, spa and a small marina. Rates start just below $500 per night, but are mostly in the $900 per night range. It also has one 4 bedroom house rental for $2,600 per night.

g) Squires Estate – is a collection of restored nineteenth-century rental houses perched on a hillside overlooking Governor’s Harbour and the Bight of Exuma. The Estate offers a wide range of accommodations including grand homes, romantic cottages, hillside pools and harbour views. Prices range from $145 per night for a small cottage to $650 per night for a large rental house.

h) Pineapple Fields – is a grouping of 32 one and two bedroom condos located just across the street from one of the more popular restaurants on the island, Tippy’s, and it’s beautiful pink sand beach. Rates start at $219 per night for a one bedroom in low season and go up to $439 for a two bedroom in high season.

i) La Bougainvillea – is a boutique hotel & restaurant located on a very secluded 50 acre estate. It is located between the settlements of North Palmetto Point and Governor’s Harbour, but closer to the former. It’s private pool overlooks one of the prettiest beaches on the island. It has 6 rooms, 1 cottage and 1 six bedroom rental house with prices ranging from $250 to $1,250 per night.

j) Unique Village Resort – this quaint beachfront resort is comprised of 14 units – 10 hotel rooms, 2 two-bedroom villas and 2 one-bedroom apartments. It has a delightful pool, oceanside restaurant and bar with authentic Bahamian cooking, and outstanding elevated Atlantic Ocean views. Prices start at just $110 per night.

Unique Village Resort in North Palmetto Point, Eleuthera, Bahamas

k) Northside Inn – if you want to stay closer to a dive shop then look no further than Northside Inn, perched on a private hillside on the Atlantic Ocean just outside of the main downtown area of the Rock Sound settlement. It has 3 stand alone cottages with a total of 5 rooms directly on the Atlantic Ocean and its own private beach. Run by Rose Gibson, you’re sure to enjoy the sandy floored bar and restaurant right next to the cottages. Many consider this the best restaurant on the island. Rates are $110 and $120 per night based on season.

Red Pond Beach is just 1/2 mile north of Northside Inn in Rock Sound, Eleuthera, Bahamas

l) Cape Eleuthera Resort & Marina – is a modern condo development & marina located on the very southwestern tip of Eleuthera. It has condo rentals, a very nice marina, if you happen to come by boat, a pool next to Harbour Pointe restaurant, and a nearby bar called Barracuda’s that has nightly happy hours. Rates start at $265 for cottages and $399 for villas. The marina has 47 slips that accommodate vessels up to 200′ in length. The resort has 14 two-bedroom villas and 18 one-bedroom cottages.

3. Home Rental Agency / Realtor

There are several agencies and realtors that offer private vacation homes for rent. This is a good choice if you aren’t sure what you are looking for and need some hands-on assistance from someone with more knowledge of the island. They are commission based and either charge owners 10-20% for their service or simply add their commission to the homeowner’s standard rates. It’s best to find out how they earn their commission as you might be able to book directly with the owner and avoid that additional fee. Below is a list of some of the local realtors and agencies.

a) Sotheby’s/Damianos International Real Estate – offers transformative experiences through a global network of exceptional agents.

b) HG Christie’s – claims to be the largest full-service real estate agency specializing in luxury homes and condos, vacation homes, beachfront properties, development properties and private Islands, as well as a full selection of rental properties throughout the Bahamas.

c) Eleuthera Vacation Rentals – based in Florida, EVR has been renting private vacation house rentals on Eleuthera since 2009. They represent over 100 beach houses, beach cottages, and beach estates.

d) Island Real Estate – is one of several realtors who specialize in vacation rental properties and property sales exclusively on Harbour Island.

e) Spanish Wells Realty, Ltd. – is one of the more notable providers of lodging and real estate on Spanish Wells.

Summary

You have three basic types of lodging on Eleuthera – house rentals, boutique resorts and inexpensive motels. House rentals are preferred by most travelers. If you choose to rent a house you’ll need to narrow your lodging selections. There are several ways to find and reserve a private house rental – aggregators, owner direct website, or realtor/agency.

Aggregators and OTAs such as Eleutheradirect.com, AirBnB and VRBO offer many lodging choices, but only Eleutheradirect.com has zero renter fees while also improving direct renter to owner communication by not filtering or masking parts of your message.

Owner direct websites are a good booking option especially if you can find the name of the house on one of the OTA websites to help shortcut searching for them directly. However, you have to invest time searching and comparing each individual home through independent websites, which can be time consuming.

Commission based realtors and agencies can be very effective if you need some extra hand holding. Just make sure they are not passing on the cost of their service to you, the renter, and that they have recent first hand knowledge of the property you are renting. Realtors and agents will have some knowledge of the property you are renting, but nobody knows their home as well as its owner.

Click to see Indigo Seas in Rainbow Bay, Eleuthera, Bahamas. This is the property featured in our cover image for this article.

#eleutheralodginghouserental #eleutheralodging #eleutherahouserental

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5 more of the best Eleuthera vacation rental tips

adventures, beaches, lodging, Travel - Bret S. - December 13, 2020

This is the second in a series of blogs offering 5 more of the best Eleuthera vacation rental tips. It will focus on what I consider the second most important aspect of your selection – TRAVEL TIME! We will reveal the 5 tips that you need to consider to understand how travel time will affect the quality of your vacation. We’ll also link to a few properties, where appropriate, that exemplify these choices. Click on this link to read the first blog in this series that talks about the 3 secrets of choosing the best island LOCATION for your vacation rental.

Now that you’ve narrowed down your selection to a region and side of the island you prefer, it’s time to consider where you’ll be in relation to things that you are going to need on your vacation. The island is long and narrow and the settlements are very spread out with sometimes more than 10 miles between them. You don’t want to spend a majority of your time traipsing back and forth to run errands and driving long distances to visit restaurants and beaches if you don’t have to. (Click here to pick up your copy of The Beach Book, Eleuthera, Bahamas edition. It’s a must have if you are planning on seeing the best beaches on the island.) What are some of the things you are likely to need during your vacation and where should you stay on the island to reduce your time on the road?

Eleuthera vacation rental tips – Tip #1 (ATMs)

First time visitors to the island are usually surprised by how spread out everything is and how remote many of the settlements and vacation rental communities are. The gap between settlements can be as few as 6 miles or as many as 20. With the speed limit in the settlements set at 15mph (if there aren’t any speed bumps) and the maximum highway speed only 45mph you probably have already resigned yourself to the fact that you will be doing a fair amount of driving and spending valuable vacation time just getting around. But, with gas being expensive and vacation time at a premium, you need to think about how much time you truly want to be spending on the road. Is there a way to choose a location on Eleuthera that will reduce your travel time while maximizing your vacation time?

Strangely enough, the first thing you need to think about is money, and I don’t mean the amount of money that you’ve budgeted for your trip. How are you going to get money once you’re on Eleuthera? There are only 3 ATM’s on the island, two in Governor’s Harbour and one in Rock Sound – a settlement that is 28 miles south of Governor’s. Credit cards aren’t widely accepted on the island and where they are, they usually charge a 5% service fee. What this all means is that unless you are bringing all the cash you are going to need with you then you are going to need to withdraw cash from one of the ATMs at least once and maybe several times depending on how long you are staying. How often do you plan on going to the cash machine?

You can see where I’m going with this. If you are going to be eating out, going on tours, visiting Harbour Island and Spanish Wells, or spending any money at all then you are either going to need to bring oodles of cash with you or you are going to have to hit the ATM at least every couple of days. For this reason alone it may make sense to stay in or around Governor’s Harbour. The other strategy to consider is that instead of making a special trip to the ATM whenever you need cash you just regularly stop when you are in the vicinity of one, or whenever you are passing through on your way to see another part of the island.

Tip #1 – If you are going to be withdrawing cash every couple of days then strongly consider staying centrally on the island and near to Governor’s Harbour. If you aren’t staying centrally then have a plan to stop at the ATM whenever you pass through Governor’s or Rock Sound as you explore the rest of the island.

Click this link to see a number of rental properties that are close to or in Governor’s Harbour.

Chez Cay is located just south of Governor’s Harbour.

Eleuthera vacation rental tips – Tip #2 (Supplies)

Before I get into my second tip you have to understand a bit about the roads on Eleuthera. There are no street lights. There are very few dividing lines. Queen’s Highway can be hilly and twisty, and some of the settlements have devastating speed bumps that seem to spring up whenever you least expect them. Bahamians also tend to drive fast and they often leave their high beams on at night. The roads can be bumpy and have deep potholes that are big enough to blow out a tire. Finally, tourists have a nagging propensity to drive on the right even though in the Bahamas you MUST drive on the left. All of these factors make daytime driving difficult and night driving treacherous.

Your second major consideration when choosing a location to stay in the island, which factors in night driving, is the frequency with which you will need to purchase essentials such as food, beverages, alcohol, and gas. How often will you eat out? Will you attend the Friday night Fish Fry? Will any of these trips be done after dark? All of the aforementioned necessities are located in the settlements. If you are not located near a settlement, or in the case of the Fish Fry, near Governor’s Harbour, then you are going to be spending a half an hour to an hour driving back and forth to get supplies and dine out. This adds up if you have to do it every day.

Tip #2 – Plan to pick up your initial purchase of groceries and beverages on the day you arrive. Subsequent trips to get gas and purchase additional supplies can be coordinated with a restaurant meal. Bring a cooler with you to keep frozen items cold while you enjoy lunch or supper out, then head home with your supplies. Try to stay near a settlement, if possible. If you can’t stay near a major settlement (Gregory Town, Governor’s Harbour, Tarpum Bay, Rock Sound) then make sure you know where the smaller markets are in the nearest settlement. You can find good products in the smaller settlements if you know where to go.

Millard’s in North Palmetto Point is an example of a well stocked neighborhood market

Tip #2a – The four major grocery stores on the island are located in Bluff (North Eleuthera Supply a.k.a. Burchie’s), Governor’s Harbour (Eleuthera Supply and Burrow’s) and Rock Sound (The Market Place).

Burrow’s in Governor’s Harbour is one of the best and most well-stocked grocery stores on the island

Want to Earn More Rental Income? 11 Keys to Create Great Vacation Rental Listings

Eleuthera vacation rental tips – Tip #3 (Beaches)

Eleuthera is known for it’s numerous exquisite beaches. With 100 of miles of eastern and western coastline to explore you can find every type of beach imaginable. From small romantic wisps of pink sand that you’ll have all to yourself to massively long majestic shorelines and dunes that are so picturesque that you have to pinch yourself to see if you’re dreaming. If you’re going to be exploring, and it’s likely you are, then you need to carefully plan your beach excursions otherwise you’re going to spend hours on the road.

Most first timers try to do too much. Everyone wants to make the long trek to Lighthouse Beach. That in itself can take an entire day depending on where you are staying on the island. It’s really difficult to see all of the special beaches on just one trip when you have so much ground to cover. And, if you try to, then you’re going to spend more time driving to and fro rather than relaxing on the beach or in the water.

Many beaches can be visited without having to drive far, but the more spectacular ones do tend to be at the extreme ends of the island. In addition to them being pretty far away, the access roads to them can be extremely bumpy and rutted making the trip even more time consuming. For example, the last 2 miles of road to reach Lighthouse Beach usually takes about 30 minutes!

Tip #3 – Plan to visit no more than 2 beaches a day, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. Choose a vacation rental that favors one geography of the island – north, central, or south and focus on visiting the beaches in that region. If you must make the pilgrimage to Lighthouse Beach then you are better off choosing a rental that is south of Governor’s Harbour. Make sure to buy a copy of The Beach Book so you don’t waste more time getting lost.

Lighthouse Beach is one of the major reasons to visit Eleuthera

Eleuthera vacation rental tips – Tip #4 (Festivals)

Many people come to Eleuthera for the festivals. We have Junkanoo, the Pineapple Festival, Jazz Fest and various settlement Homecoming celebrations throughout the year. There are also numerous religious and national holidays where nightly celebrations occur sometimes multiple nights in a row such as over Bahamian Independence Day. Most of these events occur after dark. You need to consider how far you are willing to drive at night after these events have ended. Many celebrations also offer the opportunity for the purchase of alcoholic beverages. Keep in mind that taxis are few and far between and must be arranged in advance.

Here are some properties in Gregory Town, home of the annual June Pineapple Fest.

Tip #4 – If you are going to attend any holiday celebrations, events, parades or other such activities then you must consider staying as close to where the event is going to be held as possible. It’s dangerous to drive at night. It’s even more dangerous to drive at night after a few drinks if you have a long distance to travel. Find a house rental that is close to the action, if possible.

Photo by Kristin Whylly on Unsplash

Eleuthera vacation rental tips – Tip #5 (Tours and Diving)

Our last consideration doesn’t apply to everyone, but as an avid scuba diver I always have to give this some thought especially when diving choices are limited. The last thing I want to do on my trip is spend several hours driving to a dive boat to then have to spend several hours on a boat going to the dive site. This will similarly apply to you if you plan on doing any of the tours or if you want to surf on the island. Surfing is done primarily at Surfer’s Beach in Gregory Town. Tours are generally run on the northern and southern tips of Eleuthera with only one well known and established tour operator, Fishbone Tours, operating out of the middle of the island in Savannah Sound. If you are going to go swimming with the pigs, do some organized snorkeling or fishing, or scuba dive then you need to consider where you’ll be in relation to where those tour boats depart from. Click here for a list of tour operators.

Scuba diving is done at the northern and southern ends of the island. The Great Exuma Wall is reached by boat from either of the southern marinas – Cape Eleuthera Marina or Davis Harbour Marina in Wemyss Bight. If you are staying in the middle of the island then it’s at least a 45 minute drive in each direction to reach the marina and even longer if you have to go all the way to the Cape to catch your boat. Diving to the north is done out of Harbour Island. You’ll have to drive to the Three Island Dock and then take a short water taxi to Harbour Island. You’ll probably need to leave an hour’s worth of time to get to the boat unless you are staying on the northern part of the island.

Here’s a vacation rental called Gone Shelling that is just south of Tarpum Bay on the southern part of the island and closer to Davis Harbour Marina than many other rental properties.

Tip #5 – If you are going to be doing a lot of diving or going on a lot of tours then your first consideration in terms of vacation rental location may just be how close you are to the dive or tour operators. It’s no fun getting up early and spending half your day on the road just to get to where the boat leaves from!

Scuba Eleuthera runs out of Davis Harbour in Wemyss Bight

Summary

Now you have 5 more tips to help you decide on where to stay on the island. I know this can seem overwhelming because there’s a lot to consider, but it will be well worth it in the end if you plan properly. You DON’T want to spend your entire vacation on the road. So, my final tip in this blog, is to PLAN ON COMING BACK. There’s a lot to do and see on Eleuthera. It takes years if not decades to see it all. Take it easy. Don’t try to do too much. We hope to see you next year!!

Here are this blog’s tips:

ATMs – if you’re going to be using the cash machines then stay in or around Governor’s Harbour. If not, then plan to stop at an ATM whenever you are passing by.
Supplies – choose to stay near one of the major settlements – Gregory Town, Governor’s Harbour, Tarpum Bay, Rock Sound. The best and largest grocery stores are in Bluff, Governor’s Harbour and Rock Sound. You can pick up many essential items in the smaller markets in the smaller settlements. Plan to pick up supplies in combination with another trip such as when you are going out to eat. Do your first large shopping on the day you arrive. Be extremely careful if you have to drive after dark.
Beaches – choose a vacation rental that favors a region – north, central, south. Visit a maximum of two beaches a day. Visit beaches in the region that you are staying in. Pick up a copy of The Beach Book.
Festivals – use taxis if you are going to be partying. Choose to stay closer to the festival to avoid excessively long drives after dark.
Tours and Diving – if you are planning on diving or going on excursions then choose to stay in close proximity to the tour operator, fishing guide, or dive operation.

Those 5 tips turned out to be more like twenty when you add them all up!! If you need any help choosing what part of the island to stay on please contact us at support@eleutheradirect.com.

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The top 3 secrets to pick a vacation rental on Eleuthera revealed

lodging, tips, Travel - Bret S. - November 16, 2020

This is the first in a series of blogs about how to pick a vacation rental on Eleuthera. It will focus on the most important aspect of your selection – LOCATION! We will reveal the 3 secrets that you need to know to make a great selection. We’ll also link to a few properties that give you an idea of what we mean when we offer these tips. For some general tips on selecting a vacation rental, check out this blog.

You’ve been shopping for a tropical vacation for some time now. You’ve finally narrowed your choice to the islands of The Bahamas and have further narrowed your island choice to Eleuthera because you want privacy, great secluded beaches and a very laid-back casual vacation. How do you narrow your selection down even more?

The Glass Window Bridge – one of the major natural attractions on Eleuthera

How to Pick a Vacation Rental on Eleuthera – Secret Tip #1

If you have chosen your house and then hope it’s in the right location then you’ve gotten it bass ackwards, as they say. If you’ve gone to the trouble of carefully selecting the best island for your vacation then you need to go the extra mile and choose the right location on the island, too. There are several important things to consider.

The island of Eleuthera is 100 miles long and 2 miles wide. It’s rental houses are located north (Current, Whale Point, Gaulding Cay, Oleander Gardens, Gregory Town, Alice Town, Rainbow Bay and James Cistern), central (Governor’s Harbour from GHB airport south to the capital settlement, North and South Palmetto Points, Double Bay, Ten Bay, Little Bay, Savannah Sound and Windermere Island) and south (Tarpum Bay, Winding Bay, Rock Sound, Jack’s Bay, Cotton Bay and Cape Eleuthera in the deep south). That’s a lot of ground to cover if you are going to explore. If you plan on just staying put for a week then this choice matters much less, but there are still some things you should know.

Most first timers to the island choose a central location in or around Governor’s Harbour. Why? Because this gives them the best opportunity to explore both north and south while having no more than an hour’s drive in each direction. The center of the island is also more populated so offers more choices in terms of grocery shopping, restaurants and other vacation essentials. In general, it’s simply much more convenient to pick a vacation rental in or near the center of the island if you haven’t experienced Eleuthera before.

The farther north and the farther south you go the more remote and private things get. For example, the northernmost settlement of Current has very little around it in terms of places to dine or shop. (Check out this awesome Current vacation rental called Getaway if you love privacy). The same can be said for Cape Eleuthera in the south.

As you move towards the middle of the island you have more choices. The major northern settlements are Gregory Town and James Cistern. The major southern settlements are Rock Sound and Tarpum Bay. As you consider various vacation rental options consider how far they are from these major settlements. Staying in or around the settlements will greatly reduce travel times. The other settlements and communities I previously mentioned are mostly residential. That means you’ll have to drive farther to find things you might need such as groceries, restaurants, bars and entertainment. The tradeoff is that the communities tend to be quieter and more private.

In my opinion, the main decision point comes down to where you want to spend most of your time. If you want to see the whole island then choose central. If you want a shorter drive to the northern attractions – Glass Window Bridge, Preacher’s Cave, Sapphire Hole, The Hatchet Bay Caves, The Cliffs, The Queen’s Baths, The Cow and Bull, Current Cut, and the nearby family islands of Spanish Wells and Harbour Island, then staying farther north is a better choice. If you want to see the southern attractions – Lighthouse Beach, The Ocean Hole, The Boiling Hole, The Cathedral Caves, The Island School, and the Cape Eleuthera Institute, then the south is a better choice. The north has more natural attractions. The south has better diving and snorkeling. Additionally, the farther south you go, the more likely you are to find completely deserted beaches.

How to Pick a Vacation Rental on Eleuthera – Secret Tip #2

Because the island is so narrow, an important consideration when you pick a vacation rental is which side of the island to stay on. This doesn’t mean you can’t hop from one side of the island to the other very easily, but you do want to choose the side that you’ll want to spend the majority of your time on. That being said, there is a big difference in the water quality between the east coast (Atlantic Ocean and a.k.a. ‘the Atlantic side’) and the west coast (Great Exuma Bight and a.k.a. ‘the Caribbean side’). There are also some areas that face more northerly, such as part of the settlement of Current, and one community, Whale Point, that fronts the bay between Harbour Island and Eleuthera. Several properties can also be found along the southern coast in Cape Eleuthera. For this discussion, however, we will focus on the differences between the Atlantic and Caribbean sides.

What you have to consider is what type of water you prefer. If you have small children then you’ll definitely want to favor the Caribbean side due to how shallow and calm the water is under normal conditions. Here are some excellent vacation rental properties on the west coast in Ten Bay that have pictures showing what the water is like. All bets are off when the wind blows from the west, but that isn’t the usual prevailing wind on the island. Beaches on the west coast tend to be shorter and narrower, and the water stays shallow for 50′ offshore and sometimes even more depending on the tide. The color of the water on this side of the island is a crystal clear aqua that almost seems to glow in the sun. Finally, because the water is shallower, it tends to be warmer.

On the Atlantic side, in contrast, the water gets deeper much faster especially along unprotected coastline. There are more waves and you are more likely to encounter rougher conditions rather than something resembling a lake. If you want to body surf and enjoy long beach walks then you’ll definitely favor the Atlantic side. The water color is a deep, dark blue and the temperature can run a few degrees cooler. It’s also said that because the prevailing winds are from the east that you are more likely to have less problems with no-see-ums, a flying insect that bites and has spoiled many a vacation. Having a light breeze keeps them from landing and biting.

Here are some rental choices along the Atlantic coast of Eleuthera. If you pick a vacation rental in one of the protected bay communities such as Winding Bay, Jack’s Bay or Cotton Bay, the water conditions will be similar to the rest of the Atlantic coastline except the ocean will be much calmer.

You now have some idea of what the differences are in water quality and wind conditions on each side of the island, but making the decision boils down to personal preference. What water conditions do you prefer? Just know that regardless of what the conditions are like, you can always take a short drive over to the other side of the island. When the wind is from the west, just move to the east coast for calm conditions and vice versa. You’ll almost always be able to find more benign conditions somewhere on the island if you follow that advice. Here is a video from one of my go-to places to escape windy conditions called Papaw Bay in South Palmetto Point.

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How to Pick a Vacation Rental on Eleuthera – Secret Tip #3

While we’ve discussed the water quality between coasts, I think there’s an even more important consideration, which is so important that I wanted it to stand on its own, and that’s your preference between sunrises and sunsets. As we all know, the sun rises in the east and sets in the west, and that is even more noticeable on an island where your predominant view is likely to be an endless ocean. If you love seeing the sun splash an array of dazzling reds, oranges, purples and sometimes a splash of green as the sun dips into the ocean, you are definitely going to want to be on the Caribbean side of the island. Picture a unique oil painting being painted brushstroke by brushstroke each night; one that features an assortment of clouds, shadows, water colors and the sun being dripped across your own personal canvas, as if it were painted just for you, each and every evening. That’s what staying on the Caribbean side is like!

On the flipside, some people are early risers. They much prefer the invigoration that accompanies the first few rays of sun followed by a brisk morning beach walk and finished off with a delightful swim in the refreshing, cool ocean. If you like to see Mother Earth as she awakens from the night’s slumber then you’ll definitely appreciate being on the Atlantic side of the island.

So, there you have it, your 3 secret tips to picking the right location on the island.

Let me summarize:

North, Central, South – choose central for convenience, north for proximity to northern attractions, south for proximity to Lighthouse Beach
Atlantic or Caribbean side – choose Atlantic for its rugged, deep blue ocean and prevailing winds, Caribbean for its calm, shallow aqua sea
Sunrise or sunset – choose Atlantic side for sunrises, Caribbean side for sunsets

Oh, and the bonus tip…if the wind is from the west go to an east coast beach and vice versa.

I hope you find these tips helpful and find the location on Eleuthera that you were dreaming about. If you need any help choosing what part of the island to stay on please contact us at support@eleutheradirect.com.

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Older Posts

Archives

Owner fees

Fees, fees and more fees

Use of working capital

Regional listing sites like Eleutheradirect.com just make sense

Planning for a killer Eleuthera vacation

Quantity over once in a lifetime experiences

New things

Enjoyable things

Outsource chores or mundane work

Manage work

End on a high note

Manage transition

Share your story

Going to Eleuthera, Harbour Island or Spanish Wells: Travel tips for Bahamas Family Islands

Arriving by commercial air

Choosing your airport

Using ferry service

Water taxi service

Arriving by private plane

Arriving by private boat

Customs and immigration

Getting around the island

Summary

Airports

WHAT NOT TO MISS

The Northern Region

The Central Region

The Southern Region

Where to stay on Eleuthera, Bahamas

Packing for the Bahamas – General packing tips

What should women pack?

What should men pack?

Should I bring anything more formal if I’m attending a church service?

What about packing food or alcohol?

Will the seasons and weather affect what I pack?

Should I pack my drone?

Can I bring my pet?

What about money?

What else?

Conclusion

Things To Do

#15 – Festivals (Homecoming, Eleuthera All that Jazz, Pineapple Fest, Junkanoo)

#14 – Ruins

#13 – Fish Fry

#12 – Shelling

#11 – Scuba Diving

#10 – Fishing (Deep Sea, Shore, Bone)

#9 – Wildlife and Nature (Leon Levy Preserve/Birding)

#8 – History, Sightseeing & Natural Attractions

#7 – Island hopping

#6 – Caves

#5 – Talking to Locals

#4 – Blue Holes

#3 – Non-motorized watersports (SUP/Kayak/Surfing/Snorkeling/Cliff jumping)

#2 – Guided Ocean Tours

#1 – Beaches

Conclusion

5 Tips to Choose a Vacation Rental Property

Tip 1 Pick a Property Type

Tip 2 Prioritize Needs / Satisfy Wants

Tip 3 Consider Fees in Budget

Tip 4 Special Considerations – Seniors, Children & Handicapped Needs Come First

Tip 5 Don’t Forget About Safety

Conclusion

Eleuthera Lodging House Rental Tips

1. Vacation Rentals by Owner

2. Boutique Resorts and Small Motels

3. Home Rental Agency / Realtor

Summary

Eleuthera vacation rental tips – Tip #1 (ATMs)

Eleuthera vacation rental tips – Tip #2 (Supplies)

Eleuthera vacation rental tips – Tip #3 (Beaches)

Eleuthera vacation rental tips – Tip #4 (Festivals)

Eleuthera vacation rental tips – Tip #5 (Tours and Diving)

Summary

How to Pick a Vacation Rental on Eleuthera – Secret Tip #1

How to Pick a Vacation Rental on Eleuthera – Secret Tip #2

How to Pick a Vacation Rental on Eleuthera – Secret Tip #3

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