Questions? We have answers
Here is a short list of our most frequently asked questions. If you need more information or details, please do not hesitate to contact us!
Which airport should I fly into?
There are three airports on the island of Eleuthera: North Eleuthera (ELH), Governor’s Harbour (GHB) and Rock Sound (RSD).
The closest airport to The Governor’s Collection is GHB Governor’s Harbour Airport. It is approximately 6 miles north of the settlement, but mostly used for domestic travel. Aztec Airways offers several flights from Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport into GHB weekly, as well as into Rock Sound RSD Airport.
Most flights from the US land at ELH North Eleuthera Airport, which is about an hour’s drive north of Governor’s Harbour. This airport is serviced by American Airlines, Delta Airlines, Silver Airways, and Aztec Airways.
A taxi from North Eleuthera Airport will cost approximately $130 each way from North Eleuthera Airport into Governor’s Harbour. Car rental companies can meet you at any of the island’s airports, but there is often a surcharge for them to travel to North Eleuthera or Rock Sound from the Governor’s Harbour area.
What is the best way to reach Eleuthera if I'm flying through Florida?
There are several airlines that fly to Eleuthera out of Florida, typically from Fort Lauderdale (FLL) and Miami (MIA).
Silver Airways offers seasonal service from Ft. Lauderdale (FLL) to Governor’s Harbour Airport (GHB) and year-round service into North Eleuthera (ELH). US (801) 401-9100 Bahamas (844) 674-5837
American Airlines offers direct flights from Miami (MIA) to North Eleuthera Airport (ELH). (800) 433-7300
Aztec Airways offers service from Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport to Governor’s Harbour Airport (GHB) and North Eleuthera Airport (ELH). (844) 359-2982
What is the best way to reach Eleuthera if I'm flying through Nassau?
Once you are booked to Nassau, you will need to make reservations on one of three local carriers that operate into GHB airport. There are regularly scheduled flights to Governor’s Harbour [GHB] in the morning, afternoon and evening. It is a 15-minute flight from Nassau into Governor’s Harbour.
Pineapple Air (242) 328-1329 or (242) 323-2420 or (242) 225-1044
Southern Air (242) 323-7217 or (242) 323-6833
Bahamas Air (242) 702-4140 or (800) 222-4262
Tip: There may be times of the year where they and other small airlines cut back on flights but turn them back on during high season, so it pays to use your actual trip dates and/or make a call to the airline if you are looking far in advance.
What documents do I need to come to Eleuthera?
Entry requirements differ depending on what country you are a resident and citizen of. Check below to find out the necessary documentation you will need to insure a smooth entry into our country.NOTE: Where a minor child is traveling with only one parent, a notarized letter of permit from the parent not traveling may be requested. If traveling with non-parents, a notarized letter from the minor’s guardians would be required. The letter should indicate that the chaperones are authorized to travel outside the country with the minor, as well as permit the chaperones to seek medical attention for the minor, if necessary.
US Citizens
For current information on regulations for international travel, visit the Travel Section of the US Customs and Border Protection Home Page
Canadian Citizens
A Canadian citizen does not require a visa to visit The Bahamas and can remain there for a maximum period of 8 months. The individual, however, must have the following documents: A Canadian passport, with an expiry date that is NOT less than 3 months, after leaving The Bahamas (for direct travel) and NOT less than 6 months (if transiting through other countries such as the US)A return ticket
Canadian Permanent Residents
Permanent Residents of Canada (formerly known as Landed Immigrants) may stay in The Bahamas for 30 days without a visa. They must travel with the following items:A valid passport from your country of origin of which expiry date, after return from The Bahamas, must NOT be less than 3 months (for direct travel) and NOT less than 6 months (if transiting through other countries such as the US)An original Canadian Permanent Resident CARD of which the expiry date must NOT be less than 3 months (for direct travel) and NOT less than 6 months (if transiting through other countries such as the US)A return ticket
Latin American Citizens
To enter The Bahamas, citizens from Latin America are required to present a valid passport which must cover the period of intended stay. You are not required to have a Bahamas visa if the stay is less than 3 months. If you are departing The Bahamas for a country that has the passport validity requirement of six (6) months beyond the dates of travel, then that requirement will be enforced.You must also have a return ticket or onward journey ticket, hotel confirmation (if staying at a hotel, or name and address of residence) and, if requested, proof of funds to support your visit.NOTE: If you are using an electronic ticket, please show Immigration a copy of your travel itinerary and ticket number.
Other Countries
Citizens from countries other than the US and Canada are required to present a valid passport to enter The Bahamas, which must be current up to your travel period, and some countries are also required to have a Bahamas visa. If you are departing The Bahamas for a country that has the passport validity requirement of six (6) months beyond the dates of departure, then that requirement will be enforced. You must also have a return, or onward journey ticket, hotel confirmation (if staying at a hotel, or name and address of residence) and proof of funds to support your visit. To view the entry requirements for your country of birth, please visit the link below.
http://www.bahamas.gov.bs/wps/wcm/connect/bf838397-2677-410e-9987-87fa188e4966/Visa+Requirements+for+Visitors+Travelling+to+The+Bahamas1.pdf?MOD=AJPERES
NOTE: If you are using an electronic ticket, please show Immigration a copy of your travel itinerary and ticket number.Indian Nationals who have Schengen, USA, UK, and Canadian Visas – As of April 20, 2018, The Bahamas will facilitate the entry of Indian Nationals who possess Schengen, USA, UK, or Canadian Visas. Those individuals would be permitted to board their flights destined to The Bahamas. And, on arrival, Immigration will give them an entry letter to take to the Consular Division for the Visa to be issued.
Customs and Immigration
Arrival
Upon arriving in The Islands Of The Bahamas, everyone must fill out and sign an immigration form, keeping a portion of the card in hand until departing. An oral baggage declaration is required. Each adult visitor is allowed to bring 50 cigars, 200 cigarettes or one pound of tobacco, one quart of spirits and a variety of personal effects (personal radio headsets, bicycle, two still cameras, etc.). All beer imported into the country is dutiable at a rate of $10 per imperial gallon or $18 per case. Purchases up to a value of $100 are permitted by all arriving passengers.
Departure
For up-to-date information on regulations for International Travel, US Residents should visit the Travel Section of the US Customs and Border Protection Home Page
Boats
If entering The Bahamas by boat, there is a flat fee to clear Customs and Immigration, which is $150.00 for boats 35 feet and under and $300.00 for boats 31 feet and over. This covers a vessel with three persons or less. Also included is a cruising permit, a fishing permit, Customs and Immigration charges and the $25.00 Departure Tax is waived for up to three persons. Each additional person above three will be charged $25.00 Departure Tax. If you plan to stay longer than 12 months, special arrangements must be made with Bahamas Customs and Immigration.
What are the current COVID entry requirements?
Keep up-to-date with the latest information at: https://www.bahamas.com/travelupdates
Can I use USD currency on Eleuthera?
The Bahamian dollar ($B) is equal to the U.S. dollar and Bahamian and U.S cash are used interchangeably throughout the Bahamas. You can use up your Bahamian change before departure.
Can I use credit cards on the island?
Credit cards are accepted at many restaurants on the island, as well as at most grocery and liquor stores. Eleuthera Supply does not accept credit cards, however Burrow’s One Stop Grocery does, as well as Bacchus Fine Foods, Eleuthera Island Farm, Bristol Wines and Spirits and 700 Wines and Spirits.Depending on your credit card provider, you may be charged 3% international surcharge to any transactions. You may also incur an international surcharge if you make ATM withdrawals. Best to check with your bank ahead of travel. Most merchants on the island do not take Discover or AMEX.There are ATMs outside of the OMNI Money Transfers store and CIBC First Caribbean Bank in Governors Harbour.
Is there tax in the Bahamas?
A Value Added Tax of 10% is charged on most goods and services that registered businesses provide in The Bahamas.
Is the island safe?
Eleuthera is one of the most genuinely friendly places in the Bahamas. It appeals to females as they generally don’t get ‘hit on’ constantly, like in some destinations so we are confident when we say Eleuthera is a safe island. The probability of being a victim of any crime in Eleuthera is very low, as with anywhere in the world, it is always wise to take the normal precautions with your valuables by keeping them out of sight, and locking any amounts of cash away in your rental’s safe, as provided.
Which side of the island is more favored - Atlantic or Caribbean?
Eleuthera’s easterly side is often referred to as the “Atlantic” or ocean side. On the northern end of the island where there is no outer reef, the Atlantic has immense rocky cliffs and deep dark waters. Most of the Atlantic side is dotted with spectacular soft sandy beaches. This side of the island has the most amazing bright turquoise water with numerous offshore reefs. The Atlantic side is generally breezy and sometimes windy, so beach days tend to have to be planned around the weather.
Eleuthera’s westerly side is called the Exuma sound, “Caribbean” or the seaside. It is technically still the Atlantic Ocean, but it faces the Caribbean, so it has been dubbed the Caribbean side of Eleuthera. This is the shallower, calmer side of the island with few breezes so there are many days where the water is dead calm and clear as glass. The beaches on the Caribbean side are the type where you can walk out for what feels like miles into the calm blue sea. These calm tranquil beaches are perfect for swimming and lazy days lounging in the sun. Interspersed among the long sandy beaches there are numerous low rocky outcroppings that are great for snorkeling.
Will my cellphone work in Eleuthera?
Some US cell phone carriers will work on Eleuthera, but not all. The roaming rates are high especially for data so be sure you remember to turn off your data capabilities or you will have a very unpleasant surprise when you get your phone bill. Most GSM carriers (AT&T and T-Mobile) should work, but most CDMA carriers will not. Make sure to call your carrier to double check ahead of travel. You can always opt to get a local SIM card on arrival to the island. Aliv and BTC are local cell phone carriers that both have offices in Governor’s Harbour. You can pick-up a local SIM, and weekly phone plan, if needed.
Are there medical facilities in Governors Harbour?
There is a public clinic in Palmetto Point Tel. (242) 335-1520 E-mail: dphe_PalmettoPoint@bahamas.gov.bs
Private Doctors: Most visitors go to the private doctors during their stay, if needed. Bahamas Wellness, in Palmetto Point, is a world-class medical facility, complete with lab services, resuscitation and x-ray facilities, specialist clinics, and more. Tel. (242) 332-0224 Email: customercare@bahamaswellness.org Website: http://www.bahamaswellness.org/
Dr. Clifford Bacchus is a private medical doctor, located in Governor’s Harbour, that practices both conventional and alternative medicine. He is also an acupuncturist and does hypnotherapy, sound therapy, aroma therapy and special pain therapy. Tel. 242-332-2902.
What is the weather like on Eleuthera?
Don’t think of the Bahamas as just a winter destination – the summer months are ideal for a vacation too! The ocean is warm and mostly quite calm during this time of year, and it is an ideal time for snorkeling and swimming.Winter (November through April) is pleasantly temperate with occasional cold fronts that sometimes bring winds from the north, a bit of rain and slightly cooler temperatures. But rain never seems to last too long in the tropics – we will have a good passing shower or two, then the sun will reappear from behind the clouds soon enough!
Can I drink the water?
Feel free to use tap water for washing fruits or vegetables, making pasta or rice, or when brushing teeth. The water is treated on Eleuthera, but we supply some bottled drinking water or filtered water for all guests on arrival.
Is the electrical system the same as in the U.S.?
Yes, all islands in the Bahamas have 110/120 Volt AC. Wall plugs are the same as in the U.S.
Do I need to rent a car?
Eleuthera is very rural and the island is 110 miles long. There is a lot to see and do. If you want to explore, go sightseeing, visit other beaches and restaurants, etc., a rental car is recommended.Coordinate the rental in advance and your car will be waiting for you at the airport when you arrive – if you don’t, there will be car rental options at the airport. At The Governor’s Harbour Collection, we are more than happy to suggest our recommended car rental agents on booking.