We are planning our first trip to the Bahamas and have rented a house on Eleuthera (Romantic Bungalow in North Palmetto Pointe) http://romanticbungalow.com/bungalow_photos.php
Now we are trying to plan our 9 night stay but are not familiar with any of these islands. I wonder how difficult it is to get to Cat Island, for instance. Are there ferries or private boats that will take you there? We're not seasoned boaters - should we rent our own boat? Or should we skip other islands and just take a day trip to Harbor Island? We would like to explore not only Eleuthera, but the surrounding area a little to get a feel for future trips. Which of these islands do you like the best and why? Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!

Maggi,
We rented Romantic Bungalow for a week in April 2008 and had a wonderful time. We have been to the out islands many times but this was our only time in Eleuthera. Unless I am mistaken, the only way you could get to Cat from Eleuthera is to fly back to Nassau and take another flight to Cat Island (unless someone knows a private pilot who might take you directly from GHB). You could check some of the small airlines like Cat Island Air, Southern Air, Flamingo, etc. to see if any fly from Eleuthera to Cat now. Many of the other islands look close when you look on a map but there is not much in the way of inter-island transportation between most of them. Eleuthera is a very long island and it will take you quite a few days of exploring to see some of it. A car is a necessity for your trip. It is not difficult to drive up to north Eleuthera and take a brief (10 minutes or less) water taxi over to Harbour Island- rent a golf cart for 1/2 day and see the island easily or beach it, eat out, stroll around, etc. Leave NPP early and it makes a long but nice day. Also, be sure to leave early one day and drive south to Lighthouse Beach- that is another full day trip but well worth it.
You really cannot rent a boat (that I know of) in Eleuthera because we tried and, even if you found something, you would not be able to actually do any island hopping there. The Abacos are the place for that and, to a smaller degree, the Exumas. I love both of those island chains for that reason- we are very much water people and love to rent a boat and explore. The water in the Exumas is probably some of the most beautiful in the world, in my opinion.
Have a great trip to Eleuthera. I am sure you will get some advice here or try the Bahamas forums on TA.

It's so nice to hear you had a nice time at Romantic Bungalow! We are water people too, that is why I opted for that particular rental, 50 ft from the water with great views from the house. I will have to check out the Exumas for the next time. Thanks for your advice, it is really appreciated.

Maggi, eleuthera is wonderful and you will love it. Agree with ishkribbl that there are no inter island flights. I think there are so many beaches on Eleu that you can explore (french leave, lighthouse, alabaster bay, ten bay, double bay to name just a few) that it is not worth trying to try to do two islands in 9 days. Definately take a trip to HI...cute town and one beautiful beach. That will likely be the whole day as the drive itself is 1 1/2 - 2hrs from Romantic Bungalow. I have seen that property and it is really right on the water. Wonderful views. We have been to Abacos and Long Island as well and are looking forward to a trip to Exuma later this month.

Maggi- hope you read the recent trip report on TA from "landlockedinvirginia" about their recent trip to Eleu and stay at RB. He said, and it is so true, that the website photos don't do it justice. The view is fabulous. If RB still has the same guest book (the house has changed owners since we were there) there are some great tips in it from other renters along with some helpful maps and things. Have fun!

Those comments are so reassuring. One of the reasons I chose this rental is because there were so many pictures. I figured they didn't have anything to hide. Sometimes photos are creatively cropped, so as not to show the dumpster next door, etc. I tried to find the TA report by searching both Eleuthera and "landlockedinvirginia" but wasn't successful! Can you give me more information?

Sorry- I should not have said "trip report"- it is not under the reviews but is a post (a short one but recent and you could PM him with questions if you have any)- under Eleuthera forums it says "Quick Trip Update" by land_locked_in-... in Stanton (Va).

Thanks Ishkribbl, I found it and lots of othe info as well! I'm convinced now that we should spend our time on Eleuthera. I'm even wondering if a jaunt to Harbour Island is worth it. Sound pricey and kind of snobbish, or am I wrong here?

Maggi- Do you have a TA user name- is it the same?

Yes, it is the same as on Fodors.

Do not miss Harbor Island ! I'm writing from there as we speak ! Took a break from a rain shower - you will love HI ! Snobbish - NO Classy - YES !! This is our second trip here and already planning next year ! Rent a cart and drive around and stop at Sip-Sips for a drink - in my opinon the beach is the best I have ever seen and trust me we travel alot !

Thank you Jersey Sue - I appreciate the input. Lucky you, to be there right now. I hope we can read a trip report when you get back?

hi jersey sue....glad you love harbour island.....gotta question....is sip-sips closed the month of may...thought i read that somewhere...just wondering. thanks!