Jaunted

... I'm not real big on the small plane thing, but what I'm having trouble with at the moment is how to pronounce Eleuthera? Help!

It's easy: e-loo-thra It's the Greek word for "freedom". You can learn more about the island here: Eleuthera

That plane is smaller than the Northwest hopper I take between Detroit and Toledo...which is a 17-minute flight by the way.

i have actually flown smaller...a four- seater over the South Bay of Los Angeles. once i stopped hyperventilating, i really enjoyed the view. but i think i would only fly it again if it was like an emergency. besides, its kind of uncomfortable listing how much you weigh to total strangers. and you know you can't lie! the safety of the aircraft depends on your exact measurement!

I love flying on those little planes! Really gives you that Indiana Jones feeling... of course, I've never bailed out in a life raft--like in The Temple of Doom--so maybe that would change my opinion.

My wife nearly crushed my hand as we bumped along the sky in the little plane. She hates them. But it's a small price to pay if you want to visit paradise.

Lynx has some larger planes. I believe Bahamasair (or was it U.S. Air - I forget) does too -- their Dash 8 comes to mind which is the nicest plane we taken when going down to Eleuthera. I haven't seen what Delta is using, but will this coming Spring.

The larger jets used to come in to Governors Harbour Airport when Club Med was in operation. On a good day, they'd turn upwards of 900 guests. That air strip was put in by the U.S. many years ago. There's an old naval facility close by that was used to listen for submarines.

I have some other notes on air travel to Eleuthera and Harbour Island if you're interested. Just click on the link.

I flew from Nassau to Eleuthra back in 06, on some local charter, and the guy beside me was drinking out of a brown paper bag -- no joke.

Here is the story.

First of all choosing an area to stay: I would say live in the central part of Eleuthera, which is Palmetto Point, Governor's Harbour. If I were to choose I'll go with Palmetto Point.

Secondly, choosing a rental home or hotel. If I were to choose I'll go with a vacation home. Now, getting one which is not old, used and broken down is the key. Try dong plenty research before coming. TIP: If you see the website says the house is minutes away from the beach, sure as it it's not directly on the beach.

Secondly renting a vehicle, most persons say getting a SUV is highly recommended but a car can work to, but an SUV would be better. Ill go with either. Most SUVS go for $80.00 a day, but there is a website that you can get one for cheaper. Try www.eleutheracarrentals.com cheapest rate around.

Thirdly, airfare, if you are in the Fort Lauderdale area, taking Spirit to Nassau, then Southern Air to GHB. www.spiritair.com www.southernaircharter.com

You may ask which airport to come into, north Eleuthera or Governor's Harbour? My choice is Governor's Harbour, why you may ask the villa is closer to GHB, the car rental agency is located in the GHB area, and however they do pick guest up at the North Eleuthera airport for a pickup fee.

Other are www.flytwinair.com or www.continental.com

If you want to fly directly to Governor's Harbour try Lynx Air, they are great! www.lynxair.com

Beware of Pot Holes, please drive slow where there are bad roads, but it gives you the adventure feeling of an out island experience.

If you are coming in on Sunday after 3pm, you will have problems finding a grocery store open here is some options.

  1. You can ask the owner of the house to let its caretaker get you some items and leave them in the house before you come; you just simply pay the caretaker when you arrive. Be sure to tip them also.

  2. If you want to shop your self there is two gas stations in Palmetto Point where you can get few items till Monday. C & S Gas Station, Paradise Service Centre both are on Queens's highway Palmetto Point. .
Eating Out. My wife and I loved Tippy little pricy but food is great. Also try the local restaurants to get the real feeling of the crack conch and grouper fingers.
Day Trips Just packs a basket and go beaching, its wonderful. Try Ten Bay Beach is the greatest especially for kids and toddlers.

If you are looking for malls, clubs, and so on...Eleuthera is not the place. If you want to see no one, hear no one, be by your self this is the place.