Renting A Car Is A Must If You Visit The Island Of Eleuthera, Bahamas
Ben Bay
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 almost 110 miles long. So, if your vacation plan calls for visiting a lot of the beaches and other attractions, a rental car is a must.
Eleuthera Beaches
With more than 200 miles of coastline, needless to say, Eleuthera has a lot of beaches. You’re going to need a car of some sort to be able to visit most of these beaches.
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. But it is well worth the drive.
All the amazing beaches of Eleuthera are scattered on it’s long coastline. And there are many of them that you’re going to want to spend time at.
Ben Bay is an amazing tropical cove at the north end of Eleuthera. Once more starting from Governor’s Harbour, Ben Bay is also a 45 mile drive – but the other way from Lighthouse Beach.
Other Eleuthera Attractions
There are, naturally, other places to see while you’re exploring the numerous beaches.
Preacher’s Cave is just a short jaunt from Ben Bay.
The Ocean Hole in Rock Sound is a good place to stop while driving south to Lighthouse Beach. Take along some bread to feed the myriad of fish you’ll find at the Ocean Hole.
Allowing for the Distances in Eleuthera
Because of the length of Eleuthera, a long and skinny out-island in the Bahamas chain of islands, the distances between settlements can be significant.
It can be challenging to travel between settlements if you don’t have a car. It’s a common site to see people hitchhiking.
Taking a taxi between places could get pretty expensive. If all you want to do is get from the airport to your hotel and back again, then a cab is a good idea. But if you plan to explore Eleuthera then you’re going to need a rental car.
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.
But if you’d like to visit Harbour Island, the distance from Governor’s Harbour to the water taxi dock is almost 35 miles. That would be a pretty hefty cab fare.
Such distances are just a fact of life 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 want to just chill out at your hotel or vacation rental, you might not require a vehicle. If you plan to explore, then you will.
Eleuthera Rental Car
An Eleuthera car rental is not like a regular car rental. There are no national chains or regular rental offices here. Most likely you will be renting from and dealing directly with the owner of the car you rent.
Some require deposits and formal rental agreements, some don’t. Your rental may come with a full tank of gas, or it may not.
Prices for your rental will depend on the size and type of vehicle you choose as well as the length of the rental. As an example, you may be able to get a lower daily rate when you take the car for an entire week or more.
It’s hard not to want to explore such a beautiful place. Don’t miss out.
