Arrival in Eleuthera
Eleuthera is misspelled in so many ways: Eleutra, Eluthra, Eleuthra, Eluthera, Eluthera or Eluethra. Some of the local inhabitants call it "Citagoo". The word "Eleuthera" means "Freedom" in Greek. Whatever you wish to call it, Eleuthera Island is one of the real jewels of the Bahamas.
Eleuthera Bahamas is easily reached by air from Florida or Nassau. It is approximately one hour south southeast of Miami or Fort Lauderdale and a mere 20 minutes from Nassau. In Eleuthera, the closest airport to Winding Bay is Rock Sound approximately 15 minutes south. The next closest airport is at Governor's Harbour approximately 45 minutes north. Rock Sound and Governor's Harbour can both be reached from Nassau on Bahamas Air and from Fort Lauderdale on Twin Air. Other alternatives include Southern Air which flies from Nassau to Governor's Harbour, and both Continental and Lynx Air who fly from Fort Lauderdale to Governor's Harbour. (more Eleuthera travel information...)
Weather
During the winter months, November through March, the weather on Eleuthera is quite comfortable and often picture perfect. Temperatures are typically in the low to mid 70s during the day and cooler at night -- usually in the low to mid 60s. Sunny, dry days with little humidity are the norm. An occasional cold front will push southward through the islands bringing a wind shift and perhaps a shower or two. Any weather associated with these fronts rarely last more than a day or two. The water temperature at this time of year is also in the low 70s.
During the summer months, April through October, the humidity rises as does the frequency of showers. Temperatures usually rise to the mid to upper 80s, falling to the low 70s at night. Due to its proximity to the ocean, Winding Bay Bahamas is blessed year round with cooling sea breezes, typically from the east, which keep the heat and humidity down. The water temperature in the summer heats up too, to around the mid 80s. During the height of summer, the ocean will sometimes be as calm as a lake, and quite spectacular.
Transportation
Transportation around the island is mostly by car. Although taxis are available, most of our guests prefer to rent a vehicle. A car, van or jeep, as well as bicycles, can be rented directly from our property manager by the day or week.
Activities
Relaxing with a cool drink, reading, walking, beaching and swimming are all at the top of our list.
Fishing opportunities abound in Eleuthera. There are a number of competent guides who will assist in ensuring you have a memorable fishing adventure. Both flats and deep-sea fishing are available. Because most of Eleuthera's beaches are reasonably accessible from the road, bonefishing is becoming increasingly popular. After a day or two with a guide learning the best spots to go, many bone fishermen then find they can then dispense with a guide's services and fish on their own. Bonefish are sensitive to the tides, and because there is a 2 hour difference between the tides on Eleuthera's Atlantic and Caribbean coasts, optimum fishing conditions are extended by knowing when to move from one side of the island to the other.
For those who surf, Surfer's Beach, approximately 1½ hours north of Winding Bay, is truly spectacular. It is reputed to deliver some of the best surfing conditions east of Hawaii. Even if you don't surf yourselves, a trip to watch those that do is a wonderful experience.
Eleuthera boasts a Robert Trent Jones golf course 30 minutes south of Winding Bay. The course has been somewhat neglected for the last few years, but that just adds to the challenge!
Restaurants
There are a number of restaurants on Eleuthera. In nearby Tarpum Bay, there is Papa George's Pizza and Internet Cafe, Sheila's New Royal Castle Restaurant, The Fish House and Barbie's Snack and Notions. In Rock Sound, there is Rosies' North Side Restaurant, Sammy's Restaurant and The Haven. There are a number of other restaurants in Palmetto Point and Governor's Harbour approximately 25 to 30 minutes north of Winding Bay. All of Eleuthera's restaurants are quite casual and most feature Bahamian food. And most automatically add a service charge to the bill. If in doubt, ask!
Currency, Credit Cards & Banking
The Bahamian dollar is at par with the US dollar. US dollars may be used anywhere in the Bahamas, however expect to receive Bahamian change. Credit cards are rarely accepted -- cash is the norm. There is an ATM at the Scotiabank in Rock Sound near the supermarket -- it dispenses Bahamian dollars.