We are planning to go to Eleuthera in December, and wonder if we will be able to get around without a car. The place we're staying is centrally located according to the inn keeper (http://www.rainbowinn.com/info.htm) and has bikes we can use. Also, is the island safe?

Eleuthera is VERY safe. I stayed at the Rainbow Inn many years ago, and at that time, we weren't even given room keys, as we didn't need to lock our doors. Also, we were encouraged to pick up hitchhikers, which we did. Of course, common sense and watchfulness should prevail.

Though the Rainbow Inn is centrally located (i.e. it's in the middle of the island), the island is 100 miles long. We liked the freedom that having a rental car gave us. Bikes would have been fine to get to some of the closer beaches (Rainbow Inn doesn't have a beach), but it's too far to get to others, as well as to Governor's Harbour or other locations. Taxis are very limited.

Thanks! Do you or others know how to rent a car there?

Bride, I agree with Callaloo that you really will need a car. Car rental is amazingly informal on Eleuthera. I have rented three times (and am going back in two weeks!!!!yay hooray!!!), each time no paperwork, no credit cards, not even a receipt (although you really should insist on one even if it's on a business card).

I have rented from Arthur Nixon, his cell number is 242-359-7879. Just call him direct, he will pull over on the side of the road, and note your dates. Not sure if he rents in the Rainbow area tho. If not, he will surely give you the number of someone who does. Also, he is a tour guide, and a very nice man, so maybe you could go that route if you don't plan on exploring alot.

Expect to pay $55-85 per day, and although that sounds like alot, I really don't think you are being ripped off. Maintaining a car in the Out Islands is an expensive undertaking.

Have a wonderful romantic time!

Absolutely you need a car. You're about 25 minutes from 1 of the best beaches in Eluethera : Club Med Beach (also known as French Leave Beach) and the most decent dinner restaurant Tippys. (also on a nice beach) A fun colorful on a beautiful lunch place is about 15 minutes from that: Joes.

I just got back from there. check out these car rentals (I rented from Hilton)

http://www.briland.com/leftmenu/CarRentals.htm