Answers To Frequently Asked Questions
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Are you intending to spend more than a few weeks in The Bahamas which consists of about 20 inhabited islands? If yes, the...
The Bahamas Handbook
will answer most of your questions. Click the above link to view and order it. (Clicking will open a new window. You'll be right back here when you close it.)
by a German travel link page for the Bahamas.
FAQ 1: What is there to do in English speaking Eleuthera?
This is one of the most frequently asked questions visitors have. And here is an honest answer:
- Playing on glorious golden and pink sandy beaches.
- Swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, boating, fishing and diving in the warm gentle tropical azure seas.
- Exploring the 100 miles of unspoiled historical Eleuthera Island.
- Going to beach BBQs dancing to the rhythmic Calypso and Reggae music and mingling with the happy care-free friendly island folks, for example at the Friday Fish Fry in Governor's Harbour.
- Visiting close-by off-shore Harbour Island by water taxi.
- Or you may choose to do nothing but relax... And that's OK, too.
By the way, another interesting island for the above is Spanish speaking Vieques, east of Puerto Rico and south-east of the Bahamas. Take a look at this Vieques Travel Guide.
FAQ 2: What is Eleuthera really like?
Well, this is one of the FAQs that is difficult to answer for it depends on your individuality. But in a nutshell it's this...
An island where the highest elevation is approximately 100 feet. Very quiet, has power disruptions and bad lateral roads and a poor economy. The standards for service are not as they are in the US or Canada.
For an illustrated summary of what Eleuthera is all about, click here.
You must be able to entertain yourself. People who live here do not think or act the same as in the US or in Europe. You will not be pampered or waited on but you will make friends very quickly.
And some of the Bahamas greatest beaches are on Eleuthera.
Friendly folks in the settlements will greet you with a "Good afternoon" when they pass by. People wave or give a short honk from their vehicle to say *Welcome*. Pretty much crime-free and quite charming in it's own way.
FAQ 3: What is the weather like from month to month?
Here is an interesting page with Bahamas weather and climate info. We have measured the water temperatures ourselves, so they are pretty accurate. For month-to-month weather click here and scroll down.
FAQ 4: Which is the most desirable side of the island, the Atlantic or the Caribbean side?
Another of the FAQs that are not easy to answer. Personally I prefer the Atlantic side. Why? That side nearly always has a gentle breeze. No wonder most of the big successful resorts in Eleuthera were and are on the Atlantic side.
The Caribbean side normally has only a few sandy beaches, no coral heads, not much breeze, and nothing interesting to see apart from incredibly beautiful sunsets.
During Winters when the Atlantic side sometimes is too rough, we like to go to the sandy Caribbean beaches for swimming. In Central Eleuthera there are only three of importance, i.e. Rainbow Bay, Alabaster Bay and Ten Bay.
For actual tide charts of both sides of Eleuthera, view this page.
FAQ 5: Is there a golf course on Eleuthera?
Yes there is a Robert Trent Jones golf course at the old Cotton Bay Club south of Rock Sound. The club is closed, but the golf course is normally open. However, maintenance is not the best.
FAQ 6: Is there a doctor available in Eleuthera?
Yes, there is a medical doctor in Governors Harbour. Read an interesting and funny interview with Dr. Bacchus by clicking here.
He has a clinic attached to his home. And there is also a Government run clinic in Governor's Harbour with several nurses.
FAQ 7: Is the water safe to drink or should we buy bottled water?
The water looks and smells good but bottled water is the only type that's guaranteed safe to drink without being boiled first. However, we have been using BRITA filtered tap water for quite a while and are happy with it.
FAQ 8: Is it easy to get groceries in Eleuthera?
Yes, there are numerous grocery stores... 2 in Palmetto Point, 2 better ones in Governors Harbour and an excellent one in Rock Sound.
You can't quite get as many different products as you would find in the US. But the choice is remarkably good for a small island like Eleuthera. However it is sometimes difficult to find fruit and vegetables in the stores. Therefore ask for the day the boat comes in with fresh produce.
There is also a local vegetable farm, run by Clide Bethel and his wife Ann, just south of Palmetto Point. Join us on our weekly grocery shopping tour and see photos of all the stores we usually buy from. That includes a Deli near North Palmetto Point pictured on our above grocery shopping tour.
FAQ 9: What should I use for money, cash, credit cards or travelers cheques?
U.S. currency is on par with the currency in the Bahamas. US dollars are accepted anywhere on the island. Travelers checks will only be accepted at a discount.
Credit cards are accepted at these grocery stores...
Lakaia's Variety Store in North Palmetto Point, at North Eleuthera Shopping Center in Bluff and at the large Rock Sound Market Place. Tippy's, Cocodimama and Sky Beach Club's Bistro restaurant take credit cards, as does the liquor store on Cupid's Key adjacent to Governor's Harbour.
Unless you have a Capital One card, your credit card company will likely add a 3% international surcharge to any transactions. Depending upon your bank, you may also incur an international surcharge if you make ATM withdrawals. Best to check with your bank before you travel.
It is possible to go to a local bank in an emergency and get money from your Visa card. There are ATMs at the Royal Bank of Canada and the First Caribbean Bank in Governors Harbour. But things like ATMs and phone booths are often out of order. Make sure you have a good supply of US cash on hand.
In Rock Sound, near the shopping center Market Place, there's Scotiabank (Bahamas) Ltd. Phone: 242-334-2620.
FAQ 10: Do we need an international driver's license or are our licenses OK?
In Eleuthera you're driving on the left side just like in England. It's easy and not a problem to get used to.
And yes, you are fine with your existing driver’s license, but I would be shocked if anyone here even cared...
FAQ 11: Should I rent a car and are rental cars available at the airports?
Because public transportation is non-existent, I recommend renting a car for 1 day (grocery shopping) or for a week (to explore Eleuthera). Rental cars generally are 50 to 60$/day (cash payment only). Contact friendly and competent car renter & taxi driver Arthur Nixon. His mobile phone is (1-242-)359-7879; his home phone is (1-242)-332-1006. Arthur is on call 24 hours daily. His e-mail address: arthurh[at]batelnet.bs Replace [at] with @ .
There are no mileage charges in Eleuthera and no red tape like filling in complicated car rental form.
You may have rental car insurance on your existing policy. Most policies contain this, at no extra charge to you. Please bring a copy, just in case it should be required.
FAQ 12: What should we bring?
You can get a long ways with a carefree attitude.
And here are the essentials...
- Food: You are allowed to bring a cooler of frozen meats of any kind. But no fruits and vegetables. For grocery stores, see FAQ 8.
- Sunscreen/suntan lotion
- Polarized sunglasses
- T-shirts and shorts
- A sun hat
- Reef walkers to protect your feet in the water from sharp rocks. But we consider Crocs, the best island shoes.
- A sweater or light jacket for some winter evenings
- Any prescription medicines or special medications that you need
- Your favorite spray against bugs, i.e. sand flies (no-see-ums) that we - and all of the Caribbean islands - sometimes get on the beaches. That's mainly at sunrise and sundown and particularly when there's no wind. Here is a good bug repellent.
But...
For excellent and DEET-free protection from bug bites, you could also take Vitamin B1 orally or stick a Vitamin B1 DEFEND patch on your skin as explained here. These patches are also available from the Dive Shop in Governor's Harbour, phone: 332-2146.
I recommend you bring Ivarest Anti-Itch Cream because it good against poison wood burning as well as no-see-ums bites.
Locally available is bite & sting relieve Anthisan at Burrows One Stop Shop in Governor's Harbour.
FAQ 13: What sports equipment is available for rent?
There's a small dive shop in Governor's Harbour near the SHELL station. It's name?... Clear Water Dive Shop & Fishing supplies. Scuba tank refills are $ 7. Before you come to Eleuthera, call them to ask what they have. Phone: (242)-332-2146. Ask for the owner Marilyn Sands.
On Eleuthera's Atlantic side, between Governor's Harbour and Palmetto Point, there is a condo resort named Pineapple Fields.
Call (242)-332-2221 and ask for bicycles, kayaks and surfboards from Fourty's next door. Yes, this Eleutheran's nickname is Fourty! His rental shop is next to the Deli, which also belongs to the Pineapple Fields Resort.
In Gregory Town, northern Eleuthera, you can rent kayaks from Morgan's Bonefish Harbour. Phone: (242)-335-5077. Ask for captain Sean Morgan.
FAQ 14: Are there private beaches?
There are no "private" beaches in the Bahamas. Anyone who claims to have a private beach is guilty of misleading you.
You can walk a beach for miles and not meet anyone. The better beaches like Club Med beach, Ten Bay, Double Bay and Winding Bay have foreigner's homes in the area. Because no beaches are private in the Bahamas you can go to any beach in Eleuthera to picnic for the day.
FAQ 15: Are pets allowed, and if so, what are the requirements for entry into the Bahamas?
Yes, pets are allowed. There is not quarantine in the Bahamas. Call The Department of Agriculture (Phone: (242) 325-7502/9; Fax: (242) 325-3960). They will fax the application for the animal import permit. Fedex (do not send by regular mail) your application along with a return Fedex so you get the required permit without any problems.
FAQ 16: Can I make long distance calls from Eleuthera using my long distance card?
Yes, you should bring your ATT, MCI, or Sprint Long Distance card. Find out from those companies what the access number is from the Bahamas, and you can use this it from any phone in Eleuthera to make your long distance calls.
FAQ 17: Will my cell phone work in Eleuthera and the Bahamas?
Many cell phones from the U.S. and other countries will work in Eleuthera and other islands of The Bahamas. Consult your carrier for confirmation. But expect to pay large roaming fees.
If you plan to be on your cell phone a lot, you may find it more economical to rent a cell phone for your stay. Cell phone rentals are available from friendly car renter Arthur Nixon in Governor's Harbour...
- Mobile phone: (242)-359-7879
- Home phone: (242)-332-1006
- E-mail address: arthurh[at]batelnet.bs
FAQ 18: Can I check my e-mail?
Yes, you can use the computers at the Haynes Public Library in Governor's Harbor. Their hours are Monday-Friday 9 to 5, and Saturday 10 to 4. Ros, the English head librarian is very friendly. She will help you check your e-mail, send e-mail, or simply browse the Internet. Call the library from your country 1-242-332-2877 or dial 332-2877 locally.
At the restaurant Sunset Inn, a quarter mile south of Governor's Harbour, (phone: 332-2487) you can look up your mail during evenings for a charge of US$5. Ask for their notebook computer at the bar.
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