After some research, I think that I am down considering these 2 islands for a week in December 08 .. My wife and I are in our late 40s and are looking for a romantic getaway to a remote island in the Bahamas.

Relaxation, photography, beach walking, biking and possibly kayaking are potential activities ...

My question is if there is any significant difference between Eulathera and Long Island. Budget is not a significant factor.

Having been to Eleuthera, and having planned (but not yet taken) a trip to Long Island, I would note the following distinctions that I've observed:

- Long Island is harder to get to than Eleuthera, at least by scheduled US carrier;

- Shocking, since Eleuthera is pretty sleepy, but Eleuthera has more stuff (restaurants, places to stay) going on than Long Island; I also think Eleuthera is more populated.

Agree with Callaloo. Long Island is considered to be more remote than Eleuthera. Cape Santa Marie is one of the two major "resorts" on LI that consistently gets great reviews on Trip Advisor. Many people rent houses on the beach on Eleuthera. Plenty to choose from but the nicer ones do get booked early on.

I think Callalou always seems to have great advice but it seems like we have the reverse experience here-I have been to Long Island and I am going to Eleuthera in April for the first time. I guess, first of all, that I would hope we have the same definition of "remote". I read a very interesting comment lately that I have mused on and decided is exactly correct! That person said that "The Abacos is the out islands for beginners while Cat Island and Long Island are the advanced course" - was that you, Callalou? Having said that, I will tell you that as much as I thought I knew and loved "remote" places, that Long Island took me a bit by surprise at first because it was even more so than I expected BUT it was so very beautiful and unexpected in many ways. I am 52- husband 42- married only 6 years as each other's second marriage- and we discussed the other day which places we loved the most and why and we both agreed that LI was one of our favorite trips.
I know that many people on this post will recommend Cape Santa Maria but that is NOT what I suggest and here is why- we went to see it when on LI and ate lunch there. It was pretty to look at- decent lunch- nice beach but it was a very, very small resort. We stayed at Stella Maris, a much older property, and felt like it was huge and very diverse in terrain (our rental home through the resort was on a bluff above the crashing Atlantic while they had many beaches on BOTH sides of the island so you had the best of both worlds) in comparison to CSM and had a great many "perks" included in the deal. There are bikes free for the using and we had great bike rides every day to wonderful snorkeling or beachcombing spots on the property, there are free small sailboats available on a calm little bay on the property, three (simple, not fancy) pools that are different from each other (the one on the Atlantic beach is the one we used), free kayak trips where they drop you off and pick you up around the Columbus monument (start off in mangrove area then come into a huge, gorgeous deserted bay that leads to the edge of open water where you beach your kayak in a cove, have a picnic, climb up the hill to look at the monument and view, and snorkle until they pick you up - you feel like you are the only two people on earth), free open water snorkel or dive trips twice a week on about a 35 foot boat with two staff and maybe 4 other people, a nice and friendly little bar and restaurant. Car or scooter rentals were available to explore the island and it is most definitely worth doing especially if photography is an interest. No, there are not many places to eat, no shops to speak of, and no real "town"- just extremely small settlements. If you have not done so, please go to the Stella Maris website and have a look.
For what you say you want it is a very quiet and gorgeous place. I will find out about Eleuthera in April.
I would be glad to help with any LI advice. Sorry so longwinded.

I was trying to figure out how to attach some good photos of Long Island but I could not get it to work- my husband who is the techno-savy one said just to tell you to email me if you are interested and he will attach them to a reply- if so, go to [email protected].

ishkribbl,

I don't know if I can take the credit for saying that Abaco is the Out Islands for beginnings, but I certainly agree with it!!

DonnieD,

Any particular reason you are limiting yourself to Eleuthera and Long? I absolutely LOVE Cat Island, which is also quite remote. We stay at Fernandez Bay Village, which has a pristine beach, pretty stone cottages with outdoor showers, an adjacent mangrove creek for kayaking, bikes available for runs to the grocery stores and other beaches, etc. I've got reports of my trips on my personal webpage here: www.homestead.com/islandtime/MainPage1.html.

Also, while planning my 2008 Out Island trip (which, as I've mentioned, will be to Long Island), we seriously considered Andros (Tiamo, Emerald Palms or Small Hope Bay Lodge -- with Kamelame Cay looking fabulous but beyond what I'm willing to pay), as well as Staniel Cay in the Exumas (Staniel Cay Yacht Club).

Bear in mind, too, that if you're going in December, you want to get as far south in the chain as you can, since it can get cool sometimes. I would rule out the Abacos for that reason. And Eleuthera is a bit further north than Cat and Long -- with Long being the furthest south (if my geography isn't too off).

Hello all and thank you for the info ...

Callahoo - My only other island vacation experiences have been Aruba and Capri .. beautiful places, but not exactly the solitude that we are looking for this time ..

When I found posts on Long and Eleuthera ... I knew that this was more of what we are looking for .. I am not "limiting" my choices to those two, but after a point, I was geting overwhelmed with choices .. as they all sound and look very similiar .. Of course, once you've been there, I'm sure there are differences.

As far as December temperature considerations .. I only looked at average temperature charts showing high 70s in December with warm water temperatures which sound fine .. I'm not afraid of cooler, cloudy days .. because we intend to set aside time to explore (walk and hike)and it won't be a disappointment if there are cooler days .. Of course, if a more southern location can make a difference .. it might be a consideration.

Thanks to mnag's reply, I am thinking more about where to stay ... and I am more inclined to rent a beach-house than stay at a resort ..

Again, thanks to all ..

Hi all,
You really sent me in the right direction as I was a little fuzzy at the start.

I have since done a lot of research ... I only noticed today how I misspelled Eleuthera in the title, but now, after a gazillion googles ... It is etched in my memory forever. ..

I have decided to stay in the Palmetto area of Eleuthera, Atlantic side, in mid-November ... I was a little nervous about the potential for late season storms, but this was the only time that fit the schedule.

I am leaning at staying at Finiterre, a well equipt house with great views and reviews. Our plans are of active relaxation ... kayaking, shelling, snorkeling, and photography ... definitely a day trip to Lighthouse Point ..

Thanks to all who replied ...

Love this thread.

Ishkrbbl, you have sold me on Stella Maris! Sounds perfect, and I didn't even have Long Island on my radar!

DonnieD, my DH and I have been to Eleu a few times, and we stayed at Finiterre a couple of years ago. Views were unbelievable, and the octagon shaped cottage was a real charmer. Be aware that there is another house in your view (not the guest cottage, but a third structure). As you face the ocean, there is a house on your right (on the same property) that fills about a third of your view. It was a bit of a surprise, since all the house photos orient to the left (north), but it was empty and we just kind of blocked it out. But if it was occupied....your privacy would be quite reduced. Also, the house has two flights of rickety steep steps down to the beach - no problem for most, but would be an issue for some. Definitely a great house, wonderful owner, and we saw the caretaker spearing fish in the mornings. Have a great trip! And visit the Glass Window!

Hi Joan,

Thanks for the info on Finiterre .. I did read (on trip advisor, I believe) that the other house on the property is the owners house and is not rented out ... Not sure if that is true, but I will ask when I reserve ..

While we don't plan on doin the "cowboy thing" (blushing), having a private and quiet place to relax is important .. and the pictures from the deck facing the ocean look absolutely wonderful ...

Joan- are you the person from FL who has responded to me lately on TA about RB on Eleuthera?? If so, I think you would really like Stella- I would be happy to answer questions or send some photos. I cannot figure out how to do it on the message boards but you can send me an email- I think it is on this thread maybe- and I will send. Be sure when you are on the SM website to click all the many places to see info about the different things besides rooms- apts and houses, etc. and all the pictures and info about beaches. IF you are Joan who likes Eleuthera then you will like this-

Donnie- I did not look back on the prior posts to see what size house you needed but we are going to Eleuthera on April 12 and have rented a house right on the beach called Romantic Bungalow (2/2). We also considered a house that is now (renamed recently when ownership changed) Aqua Vista which I did a lot of research on and I think would be good. RB does not seem to have the "bluff like" location with beach stairs so that is why I changed to RB.

Yep! That's me, ish. You have some funny funny screen names - I read your name here as "ish ka bibble"! I would love more info on Stella Maris, although for now it would be distant future - finances are tight. I will email you.

DonnieD, have a great time if you end up at Finiterre. I remember there was a kayak that came with the house - it was a physics project to haul it by rope up to the house, but definitely do it! Bring your snorkel gear and water and paddle out a hundred yards or so for great snorkeling and such beauty! I am getting mushy now remembering.

And I hope you both enjoy Eleuthera as much as I have. Wander in your rent a wreck through the towns with a cooler full of drinks and beach gear. Try to find the castle of Lord MacMillan Hughes in Tarpum Bay. If you see a conch stand, pull over and prepare to feast! Bring small bills with you for this.

You will love the people.
Don't forget the Deet!

Hi all,

Finiterre didn't work out ... my dates on the calendar was already booked ... The good properties go early, I guess ...

No worries though ... I had plenty of "second options" .. and in the end, I decided on Bonefish Barbis (formerly Aarons) in GHB, close to the airport on the Atlantic side ...

Finally I reserved a Ford Explorer SUV (EleutheraCarRentals.com) ... so all is good ...

Donnie, you will love Eleuthera. Bonefish Barbis looks like a great location. Make sure you visit club med beach, ten bay (when the tide is low - not a great beach at high tide), and the beach by Joes restaurant. Tippys is great for dinner/lunch. You must make dinner reservations at Tippys. Joes is great for lunch also. Would also recommend a drink at sunset inn in Gov harbour. Amazing sunsets. I think you may have the same beat up ford explorer from eleuthera car rentals that we did. Compared to other cars we've rented not bad for eleuthera.

Yes, I think Bonefish Barbi's looks great too! Have a great time, and don't forget also to go to the Friday night fish fry in Gov Harbour. Go late (sunset) and beware the rum punches!!!

Hi guys n gals, I believe Joes is now Captain Jacks if its the place on banks road before Tippys. Just so if your looking for a Joes sign and dont see one. hope this helped, going for the first time in April and cant wait 7 more days! deb

Deb- come by and see us at RB if you get the chance. We are also counting the days!!!
David and Ann
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Hi Ann, We did drive by but nobody home, glad you were out enjoying yourself. maybe next time. Deb

Deb- so sorry we missed you- that was certainly not a good road for a "drive by" but thank you for trying. Most days we "adventured" until the mid to late afternoon then came home and sat on our wonderful deck. Glad you had a great trip, too.
Ann