While Eleuthera, a family island in the Bahamas, has a small population (about 11,000 as reported in the 2000 census), it's a pretty big island. It stretches out, North to South, for almost 110 miles. So, obviously, if you plan to do some exploring during your vacation, car rental will be crucial.

The Amazing Number of Beaches on Eleuthera

With a coastline of over 200 miles, Eleuthera beaches bless this beautiful tropical island. To be able to visit most of these beaches you'll need to have access to a vehicle.

As an example, if you're staying in the Governor's Harbour area and you want to visit Lighthouse Beach (one of the best beaches on the island) located at the southern tip of Eleuthera, you'll have to drive more than 45 miles to get there. And it's a drive well worth making.

Many fabulous beaches are strewn across the length of Eleuthera's coast. There are many you won't want to miss.

Ben Bay is simply fabulous and it's at the northern end of Eleuthera. Once more starting from Governor's Harbour, Ben Bay is also a 45 mile drive - but the other way from Lighthouse Beach.

Other Things to See and Do in Eleuthera

There are, of course, other places to visit while you're exploring the great beaches.

If you're at Ben Bay, it's an easy side trip to Preacher's Cave.

While traveling south to Lighthouse Beach you'll be able to stop a the Ocean Hole in the settlement of Rock Sound. Prepare a picnic for the outing and save some pieces of bread for the many fish at Ocean Hole.

Being Prepared for the Distances on the Island of Eleuthera

Due to the length of the island of Eleuthera, mileages between settlements can be large.

Traveling from one settlement to another can be quite challenging without a vehicle. You'll often see people hitchhiking along the Queen's Highway.

Taking a taxi between places could get pretty expensive. If you just want to get from the airport to your hotel, then a cab is the way to go. However, if you want to do any exploring at all, you will need a rental car.

From Governor's Harbour Airport to Pineapple Fields, a resort in the settlement of Governor's Harbour, the distance is only about eight miles If you're not planning to leave that settlement, then taking a taxi is your best bet.

However, if you'd like to see Pink Sand Beach on Harbour Island, the water taxi dock is about 35 miles from Governor's Harbour. That would be a pretty hefty cab fare.

Such distances are just a fact of life in Eleuthera. Things just aren't that close together.

You'll need to weigh your need for a vehicle in conjunction with your plans for your vacation. If you want to just stay at a resort, you may not need a car. If you plan to explore, then you will.

Arranging for an Eleuthera Rental Car

Arranging an Eleuthera car rental is a bit different. There are no national chains or regular rental offices here. In most cases, you'll be dealing directly with the owner of the cars.

Some of these renters have formal rental agreements, some don't. A rental may have a full tank of gas, half a tank or very little gas at all.

Rental prices will vary with the type of vehicle you want as well as with the rental period. As an example, you may be able to get a lower daily rate when you take the car for an entire week or more.

It's hard not to want to explore such a beautiful place. Don't miss out.