Eleuthera, an out-island of The Bahamas, is not for everyone.
If you're seeking nightlife, casinos, attractions, malls and more, then Eleuthera is not for you.
But, if all you'd like to do is relax, enjoy secluded beaches, frolic in the ocean and collect sea shells, then Eleuthera is the perfect place.
Accommodations Finding accommodations on the island of Eleuthera can be an adventure on its own.
Places to stay range from modern (but small) hotels and quaint inns to renting self-catering homes or cottages.
Prices also run from several hundreds of dollars per night to less than one hundred dollars a night.
There are options available to fit most budgets.
Car Rental Even though Eleuthera has a very small population, it is a fairly large, long and narrow island.
The island is approximately 100 miles long but only 2 miles wide at its widest point.
So, having transportation is essential if you want to visit the beaches, restaurants or local attractions.
Renting a car on Eleuthera will be a different experience than most people are used to.
There aren't any national car rental companies.
You'll obtain your rental directly from a Bahamian business person.
Most likely you'll rent a car at the airport where you arrive.
If not, any hot you stay at will be able to arrange a rental for you.
Often, you won't have to fill out any forms.
The business person that rents you a vehicle may ask for some basic information, such as you're name and where you'll be staying.
But, often as not, they'll hand yo the keys, give you their name and possible their card and ask you when you plan to return the card.
Yes, it truly can be that simple.
Be sure to negotiate the price of the rental.
Rental rates vary - from about to per day - and are based on how long you plan to keep the vehicle.
The long you keep it, the better rate you should be able to get.
Expect to pay the higher rate if you only want the car for a day or two.
Make sure you have sufficient cash to pay for your rental.
It is rare that credit cards are accepted.
Getting To Eleuthera By plane From the U.
S.
A.
If you're arriving in Eleuthera by plane, keep in mind that there are three airports and that Eleuthera is a very long island.
Eleuthera actually has three international airports - North Eleuthera (ELH), Governor's Harbour (GHB) and Rock Sound (RSD).
Be sure to pick the airport that's closest to where you're staying.
At the moment, there are four airlines coming to Eleuthera directly from the US.
Most airlines leave from Fort Lauderdale and some leave from Miami.
* Twin Air * Lynx Air * Continental * American Eagle By air from Nassau, Bahamas You can also fly to Nassau (NAS) and switch to a local airline to continue to Eleuthera.
* BahamasAir * Southern Air By Fast Ferry from Nassau, Bahamas If you're coming to Eleuthera from Nassau, you have the option of using the fast ferry - The Bo Hengy.
It departs from Potter's Cay each morning with stops at Spanish Wells and Harbour Island.
You'll be able to get a water taxi from either Spanish Wells or Harbour Island to the main island of Eleuthera.
You'll be able to get a tax or rent at car at either dock.
Restaurants Restaurants on Eleuthera range from small take-aways to world-class cuisine.
Make sure to eat at a small Bahamian-owned restaurant so you can experience some authentic local food like peas and rice, conch fritter or conch salad.
The Beaches Eleuthera has many fabulous beaches, the most famous of which is Pink Sand Beach on Harbour Island.
But, if you're looking for a secluded beach there are several of them on Eleuthera.
However, a large number of them are almost impossible to find.
A guide to finding the beaches - The Elusive Beaches of Eleuthera - can be invaluable in help you to find fabulous beaches that you'll often have all to yourselves.
No, Eleuthera isn't for everyone, but it can make for a memorable vacation experience.