Go Back  Fodor's Travel Talk Forums > Destinations > Caribbean Islands
Reload this Page >

Choosing Between a Rental on Nassau or Eleuethera

Choosing Between a Rental on Nassau or Eleuethera

Old Oct 25th, 2016, 06:10 AM
  #1  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Dec 2015
Posts: 127
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Choosing Between a Rental on Nassau or Eleuethera

Hi All - Our family of eight (2 parental couples, 2 young adult couples) are trying to choose between rental houses for a March vacation. One of the houses is on Eleuthera, about an 8 minute walk to French Leave beach and the other is on Nassau, about a 12 minute walk to Montagu beach. We were last in the Bahamas 10 years ago when we stayed at the Atlantis so don't have much familiarity with the islands. Which is the right island for us? We plan to do most of the cooking at home, but would probably want to go out for one or two meals. Beaches are very important to us and we'd prefer not to end up on one that's overcrowded. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
northfork280 is offline  
Old Oct 25th, 2016, 07:37 AM
  #2  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,365
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
You couldn't have chosen more distinct destinations in the Bahamas! Nassau is where the main airport is located, and is also where most visitors end up -- including cruise ship visitors. It's also the population center of the islands. You'll find anything you might possibly need here, as well as things you don't (crowds, some crime). The beaches will be beautiful, but I don't know that they'll be secluded.

Eleuthera, on the other hand, is a large and lightly populated (and lightly visited) Out Island. The beaches are stunning and largely empty -- French Leave beach has PINK sand! You'll need a rental car to get around, but you'll find much of what you're looking for with a bit of effort. There are restaurants and decent grocery stores, though you might have to go to several places to get everything on your list.

I personally prefer the Out Islands, but there is a level of self-sufficiency required (especially in terms of keeping yourself entertained with not much more than your natural environment). Also, t'ings just happen (or don't) in the Out Islands. I love that about the islands, but be honest about your ability to roll with it. If that sounds like you, choose Eleuthera.
Callaloo is offline  
Old Oct 25th, 2016, 08:47 AM
  #3  
 
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,368
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Going to Eleuthera for the third time. Awesome out island. Eleuthera is literally littered with stunning beaches on both the atlantic and Caribbean side. if you are looking for beaches that are not crowded sounds like Eleu would be the right choice. There are some lovely restaurants on the island particularly in the area you will be staying. It is 100 miles long with lots to explore. You can go to harbor island for a day.
mnag is offline  
Old Oct 26th, 2016, 09:09 AM
  #4  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Dec 2015
Posts: 127
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Thanks so much. I think we're going to go with Eleuthera.

Now on the issue of getting there, do you usually fly there or take the ferry from Nassau? It looks like the ferry is a long ride.
northfork280 is offline  
Old Oct 26th, 2016, 10:54 AM
  #5  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,365
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Fly! You can get there via a Florida gateway airport (FLL), or you can take a commuter flight from NAS. Your prospective innkeeper or landlord will likely have suggestions on how best to get there.
Callaloo is offline  
Old Oct 27th, 2016, 06:04 AM
  #6  
 
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,368
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
yes from the US typically its easiest to connect from fort Lauderdale. There are three airports on the island. If you are staying in Gov Harbour you want to go to Gov Harbour airport - GHB
mnag is offline  
Old Oct 28th, 2016, 06:21 AM
  #7  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 3,727
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
"One of the houses is on Eleuthera, about an 8 minute walk to French Leave beach"

Not sure what your budget is, but if you can afford it, try to get a waterfront house. There is the Atlantic side (ocean) and the so-called "Caribbean" (bay) side. Both have their advantages, but considering that you're going in March, I think you might want the bay side. It will be calmer and probably a bit warmer. Weather can be iffy in March. I have always stayed on the Atlantic side, but that's because we go in the HOT weather and prefer the breezes - I'd think March would be opposite.

Have fun!
joan is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Original Poster
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Christon
Caribbean Islands
40
Dec 20th, 2016 01:09 AM
kablam0r
Caribbean Islands
66
May 2nd, 2010 07:21 AM
Anguillagirl
Caribbean Islands
12
Mar 6th, 2009 01:04 PM
Diana
Caribbean Islands
11
Jun 16th, 2005 02:41 PM
Big_Daddy
Caribbean Islands
4
Mar 1st, 2004 06:19 PM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are On


Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Manage Preferences - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information -