While Eleuthera, a family island in the Bahamas, has a small population (about 11,000 as reported in the 2000 census), it’s a pretty big island. It is over 100 miles long. So, if you plan to explore the beaches, attractions, restaurants and more, you’re going to need a rental car.
The Many Beaches of Eleuthera
Because it has more than 200 miles of shoreline, it’s fairly obvious that it also has a great number of Eleuthera beaches. If you’d like to visit several of these beaches, you’re going to need a vehicle.
By way of illustration, if you’re staying near Governor’s Harbour and plan to visit Lighthouse Beach then you’re looking at a 45-mile drive. However, it’s a drive that you won’t regret making.
Many fabulous beaches are strewn across the length of Eleuthera’s coast. And there are many of them that you’re going to want to spend time at.
Ben Bay is simply fabulous and it’s at the northern end of Eleuthera. Starting from Governor’s Harbour, it is also a 45 mile drive. However, it’s the opposite direction from Lighthouse Beach.
Other Things to See and Do in Eleuthera
There are, naturally, other places to see while you’re exploring the numerous beaches.
While visiting Ben Bay, take a short side trip to Preacher’s Cave, which is also at the northern end of the island.
The Ocean Hole in Rock Sound is a good place to stop while driving south to Lighthouse Beach. It’s a great place to stop for a picnic lunch and feed some of the large fish that inhabit the Ocean Hole.
Being Prepared for the Distances on the Island of Eleuthera
Due to the length of the island of Eleuthera, mileages between settlements can be large.
It can be challenging to travel between settlements if you don’t have a car. You’ll often see people hitchhiking along the Queen’s Highway.
Trying to use taxis to get around Eleuthera, for any significant distances, could get pretty pricey. If you only plan to take a taxi from your airport of arrival to the place you’re staying, that wouldn’t be too bad. Although, if you want to explore this amazing island, you need to book a rental car for at last a few days.
From Governor’s Harbour Airport to Pineapple Fields, a resort in the settlement of Governor’s Harbour, the distance is only about eight miles If you don’t plan to explore outside of the community, then taking a taxi to and from the airport is a good idea.
However, if you’d like to see Pink Sand Beach on Harbour Island, the water taxi dock is about 35 miles from Governor’s Harbour. The cab fare for the return trip would add up really quickly.
You need to accept that things are pretty far apart in Eleuthera. Places that you want to visit can be many miles apart.
You’ll need to weigh your need for a vehicle in conjunction with your plans for your vacation. If you don’t plan to leave your hotel or resort, you might not need a car. If you’re going to do any exploring at all then there is no doubt that you will need one.
Arranging for an Eleuthera Rental Car
Getting an Eleuthera car rental is a different experience from regular car rentals. There are no car rental chains here. If most circumstances you’ll be dealing directly with the owner.
Some of these renters have formal rental agreements, some don’t. Your rental may come with a full tank of gas, or it may not.
Prices are dependent on a couple of factors – how long you plan to rent the car and the type of vehicle you want. For instance, you can get a much better daily rate if you rent for an entire week or more than you can if you only want a car for a day or two.
Eleuthera is a wonderful place to explore Don’t miss out when you visit.