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Frequently Asked Questions:

WHERE IS ELEUTHERA?
Eleuthera is an Island in the Bahamas located 200 miles SE of Miami, FL.
WHAT DOES ELEUTHERA MEAN?
Eleuthera is the Greek word for freedom which reflects the freedom sought by the island's first settlers who sought religious asylum.
HOW BIG AN ISLAND IS ELEUTHERA?
Eleuthera is 110 miles long and 2-3 miles wide.
WHAT IS THE CAPITAL?
The capital is Governor's Harbor and is located in the middle of the island.
WHAT KIND OF MONEY OR CURRENCY IS USED?
Both the US dollar and the Bahamian dollar are used and are equal in value. Credit cards are accepted as well, just not as widely as in the USA.
WHAT LANGUAGE IS SPOKEN?
English everywhere.
DO WE NEED PASSPORTS?
Yes, for both entering the Bahamas and re-entering the USA or other country you reside in. Also there is a $15.00 charge per person departure tax to be paid in cash only when leaving the island.
WHAT IS THE BEACH LIKE?
The beach is normally very beautiful with coral formations along the shoreline. There are sandy pools for swimming, relaxing and viewing the spectacular sea life.
WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE?
The weather is normally sunny with very little rain. Nov to Feb is 75-80F and Mar to Oct is 80-90F. Although, we cannot control Mother Nature.
WHAT ARE THE LOCALS LIKE?
Super friendly and laid back and almost always wave as you go by.
WHAT IS THE ISLAND LIKE?
Rolling hills, empty beaches, crystal clear sea water, quaint villages, zero crowds or traffic.
ARE THERE GOOD RESTAURANTS AND NIGHTLIFE?
There are a number of good restaurants with good food and casual atmospheres. There are a few night clubs that do get pretty rowdy on the island, but for the most part there are quiet restaurant bars and pubs to grab a cold drink, relax, dance and listen to some live music. There is a list of restaurants and bars at the house when you get there.
IS THE DIVING, SNORKELING, BEACHCOMBING AND FISHING GOOD?
All of it is world class and you almost always have it all to yourself.
WHICH AIRPORT DO WE FLY INTO?
Fly into Governor's Harbor Airport, one of 3 island airports.
SHOULD WE RENT A CAR?
A good idea and recommended because it is a big island with a lot to see, unless you wish to never leave the house. If that is the case get a taxi to and from the airport but be sure to stock up on supplies before you get dropped off and have a clear plan to get picked back up! See the "car rental" page for car rental details. Driving is on the left!!!
HOW DO WE GET THERE?
You can fly into Fort Lauderdale or Miami and then take a small plane over to Eleuthera or you can fly into Nassau and then connect from there. See the "air travel" page for air travel details.
WHERE IS THE HOUSE LOCATED?
Conveniently located in the middle of the island in North palmetto Point on the ocean side. 25 minutes south of the airport and 12 minutes south of Governor's Harbor and near the all the best restaurants and bars.
HOW PRIVATE IS OUR PROPERTY?
There are 6 houses in our little community. The Bahamian Villa is situated on a lushly landscaped half acre lot with spectacular views of our lake to the West and South. To the South-East a beautiful view of the the Atlantic Ocean. There are many decks and balconies providing peace, serenity and privacy. Typically you will have our beach to yourself although you may see an occasional person.
CAN WE DRINK THE WATER
It won't kill you, but I wouldn't drink it. It is ok to cook with and use ice cubes in drinks, but buy gallon jugs of water on the island for your drinking.
HOW DO WE MAKE PHONE CALLS?
There is no phone at the house. Most cell phones from the states do work but cost about $2.00 per minute. The best way to make calls is to buy a calling card from any gas station or food store. they are convenient and you can use them at any pay phone or any land line and the cost is .40 cents per minute.
IS THERE ACCESS TO EMAIL?
Try and let go of all the email, pagers and phone calls so you can relax! If you must access email that can be done at the pink library building right in Governor's Harbor.
ARE THEIR GAS STATIONS AND GROCERY STORES?
Yes, just less frequently found than in the states and a lot smaller with less variety.
SHOULD WE BE CONCERNED WITH ANYTHING?
Not really. Don't forget to drive on the left. There are scorpions on the island, which provide painful, but harmless bite. The sun can be very hot so be aware of getting burned. The ocean is usually calm, but at times can have some waves. There are beautiful sea urchins in certain areas but the spines, while not fatal, are poisonous. Don't leave the house unlocked or leave valuables in an unlocked car. Crime is just about non-existent, but be smart about the obvious. Be aware of all the normal things you would normally think about while traveling to a tropical island.
WHAT IS MY FAVORITE THING ABOUT THE ISLAND?
Peace and quiet.
WHAT IS MY LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT THE ISLAND?
The day we leave!
WHAT IS EXPENSIVE ON THE ISLAND?
Gas, beer, cigarettes ( remember no smoking in the house!), wine, meats, fish (believe it or not) unless you get your own, milk, orange juice, specialty or prepared foods, taxis, phone calls, utilities, clothing, sun tan lotion, film, garbage bags.
WHAT IS CHEAP OR AT LEAST REASONABLY PRICED?
Nothing...just kidding. While it is expensive for some items, the following certain items are reasonable or even cheap: liquor, especially rum is cheap, vegetables, cheese, eggs, bread.
WHAT IS PROVIDED FOR OUR GUESTS?
The "amenities" page on this site will give you a lot of good information. All the sheets, bedding, towels, kitchen utensils, cooking items, games, books, movies, and one hairdryer are provided. We also start you with one roll of toilet paper and one bar of soap in each bathroom. There may be laundry detergent, dish soap, dish sponges, dishwasher detergent, paper towels, condiments, seasoning, salt and pepper, etc. in the house, garbage bags, but not a guarantee.
WHAT SHOULD WE BRING?
Everything listed here can be bought on the island, but is expensive, so depending what you wish to carry, you may choose to buy these items after you get there. Garbage bags, beer (one case per person), wine (one bottle per person), meats, sun tan lotion, spices, frozen orange juice, prepared foods like, stuffing, rice, pasta, toiletries, shampoo, water or beach shoes, fishing equipment and snorkel gear. You are not allowed to bring any fresh fruits or vegetables into Eleuthera. You will need to buy the basics after you arrive, such as bottled water, toilet paper, etc. When re-entering the USA you are not allowed to bring in any meats back to the states either. Each person, over 16 years of age, entering Eleuthera can bring in a value of $100 duty free worth of goods. Be sure to provide receipts for proof of value. Duty runs 42% on items that are not duty exempt and are required to be paid in cash upon arrival.
WHO DO WE CALL IF THERE IS A PROBLEM?
Call Marty Williams. Marty is our caretaker and takes care of everything for us and we check in on you to see if you need anything. His contact information is provided in the rental agreement and at the house as well.