Car Rentals
Exploring is part of the experience and having a car is essential. Contact us at least two weeks prior to your arrival to arrange for a car. Cars range from $60-$100 per day. Rates are high due to the high tax (80%) that the government levies as new duty on cars being brought into the country. Please note – you are in the out islands and will most likely have an older car. For guests traveling in and out of Governor’s Harbour airport, there may be a pick up/drop fee; there is no charge for pick up/drop off at the Rock Sound Airport.
We also recommend the following vendors for car rentals:
Naaman Rolle (GHB and North car rental, has SUVs, larger cars): 242-359-7166
Stanton Cooper: 242-359-7007
Arthur Nixon (for taxi and all points north of Governor’s Harbour): 242-359-7879
Grocery Shopping
The primary spot for groceries, hardware and liquor is “The Market” in Rock Sound. The Market has the broadest selection of goods for your needs on the island. Please note that it is closed on Sundays. There are also two small shops in Tarpum Bay, “Berts for the Best” and “Carey’s” near the Shell station north of Tarpum Bay. “Berts for the Best” is closest to the house, well stocked and open on Sundays from 8-10am. All other Tarpum Bay shops are closed on Sundays, so please plan accordingly.
There are also fine cheeses, crackers, pastries and specialty coffees at the Banks Rd. Deli (see restaurant section below). On buying wine: There is a small selection of wines at Joey’s Liquor Store in Rock Sound next to the Market and at Rock Sound Liquor Store just south of the Market plaza. The best selection of wine on Eleuthera is at Bristol’s across from the old Passport Office in Governor’s Harbour and worth the trip early in your visit.
If you enjoy red meat we recommend you bring your own meat in a cooler bag. The Market does stock a variety of frozen pork, beef, lamb and chicken, but generally doesn’t stock the more expensive cuts. If you are particular about your brand of coffee or tea, we recommend you bring your own, or special spices for cooking or anything else should you have special dietary restrictions. However, the Market seems to have an-ever-expanding selection, including some gourmet items, so many of our visitors have given up bring food from home!
Banking
You can bank at Bank of the Bahamas in Rock Sound for full service banking, and Royal Bank in Governor’s Harbor is available for ATM access only. The Market in Rock Sound also now offers an ATM for your convenience. Bring US cash and traveller’s checks. Canadian currency is not accepted. Personal checks are usually not accepted. Note, very few restaurants take Visa, Mastercard or American Express. When budgeting for your trip, keep in mind that basic items at the grocery store are more expensive than in the US due to shipping to the island. The Market in Rock Sound does take credit cards.
Medical Assistance
Medical assistance is available at the Family Medicine Center, Rock Sound and is our primary medical recommendation. It is currently the best equipped clinic in the south and has a fully functioning pharmacy. 242-334-2500. The Rock Sound Pharmacy is another option located on the doc in Rock Sound. Please note that there are no hospitals on Eleuthera.