Choosing Between a Rental on Nassau or Eleuethera
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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!
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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.
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.
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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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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"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!
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!
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