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Answers To Frequently Asked Questions... FAQ
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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 110 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.
- Visiting close-by off-shore Harbour Island by speed-boat ferry.
- Or you may choose to do nothing but relax... And that's OK, too.
By the way, another interesting island for this 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 is...
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.
A new golf course will be built according to the article in Hotel News... "Starwood to Develop Cotton Bay Villas in Eleuthera, Bahamas", dated Aug. 21, 2005. Read my interview of Feb. 06 with the Managing Director of Cotton Bay Estates. He's explaining the golf course project.
FAQ 6: Is there a doctor available in Eleuthera?
Yes, there is a medical doctor in Governors Harbour. Do read an interview with him 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. And sometimes it is 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. Some stores take Visa. Travelers cheques will only be accepted at a discount.
It is possible to go to a bank in an emergency and get money from your Visa card. There is an ATM 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.
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: Are rental cars available at the airports?
If you do need a car - they are 40 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
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...
- Sunscreen/suntan lotion
- Polarized sunglasses
- T-shirts and shorts
- A sun hat
- Reef walkers to protect your feet in the water from sharp rocks or 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 bug spray against the sand flies (no-see-ums) we sometimes get on the beaches. That's mainly at sunrise and sundown and particularly when there's no wind. I highly 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: 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.
Click the button "Best Beaches" at the upper left side of this page to see Eleuthera's spectacular beaches.
FAQ 14: 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 your application along with a return Fedex so you get the required permit without any problems.
FAQ 15: 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 that company what the access number is from the Bahamas, and you can use this access number from any phone in Eleuthera to make your long distance calls.
FAQ 16: 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. From abroad the library phone is (++1)-242-332-2877 or 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 5 Dollars. Ask for their notebook computer at the bar.
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