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What to expect at eleuthera bahamas.

marcelo67

marcelo67

New member
Pittstown, NJ
Aircraft Year
1973
Aircraft Type
112/A
Reg Number
N1075J
Serial Number
75
Now that I got my fuel problem solved (thanks to all your help) I am planning a trip to Eleuthera? Has anyone been there before. Any input on what to see, were to go and not go when I get there would be great.

Flying out to KBID today. My first destination with 1075J besides the ferry flight home (Now if the FOG would lift it would be even better). Waiting it out.

Cheers.
Marcelo
 
Re: What to expect at eleuthera bahamas.

Thanks a bunch.

Marcelo
 
Re: What to expect at eleuthera bahamas.

Marcelo

On second thought - If you are looking for a real lay back experience on a beautiful beach I would skip Eleuthera and go either to Fernandez bay on Cat Island or Cape Santa Maria on Long Island.
 
Re: What to expect at eleuthera bahamas.

Marcelo,

You might want to stop in at Bimini, which also has stunning beaches without the pesky tourists. A beautiful island that's very quiet.
 
Re: What to expect at eleuthera bahamas.

All,
Bahamas looks inviting - - any advice on: Customs - cost, ease in processing (passport req'd)? Cell Phone - I would guess we'd lose our CONUS coverage? O'water gear - is there a hard regulation (raft / type)? A/c security while at the islands (break-in / theft?) Airport landing fee's / ATC fee's, Price for fuel?? Other "gotcha's" to watch you six on? Thanks John
 
Re: What to expect at eleuthera bahamas.

John,

I've been to the Bahamas about 7 times. I would recommend that you get a copy of the Bahamas Guide http://www.pilotpub.com/ . It's pretty comprehensive. I would suggest that you depart from Ft. Lauderdale Executvie (KFXE). Banyan is the FBO. They will set you up with a comprenshive kit, inclusive of the Bahamian Customs Forms. If you're going to the out islands, i would expect Internet and Cell phone coverage to be spotty at best. You definately need to call ahead to confirm fuel (prices and availability). You will be required to have a TSOed life jackets onboard for each person. I use the Mustang "suspenders" type. I always wear it in the aircraft. You'll find the suspender type to be far more comfortable than the maywest type. In terms of a raft, it's not manditory, however, peace of mind. Banyan rents them. In their pilot shop they also sell jackets and rafts.

Bahamian customs will be a breeze. However, you will need a passport. Relax ... It's the Bahamas. US customs (on the return trip) is a different story. The key is getting access to the internet to file your EAPIS manefest.

Enjoy your trip.
 
Customs is very easy going there. Small fee when you check in. You do need your paper work to be in good order coming home. AOPA has everything you need as far as notifying US customs. Fuel is about the same as US. Most Bahamas airports have no fees for private aircraft. Security is absence but not needed. Just lock your plane. If you want to be tied down bring your own tie downs as most airports won't have them. Only life preservers are required. Raft is not a bad idea but if trip is planned with thought you are never more than about 30 miles from land.
 
Re: What to expect at eleuthera bahamas.

Thanks for the link, referrals and advice. Wife unit is overdue a getaway, especially after putting up with a local month long - owner’s assisted - panel upgrade. . I'll definitely do the homework, just found your thread interested and thought I’d take advantage of some firsthand knowledge. Thanks again, John
 
Re: What to expect at eleuthera bahamas.

Most North American subscriptions include most of the bahamas. Maps usually cover down to just south of Cat island but many databases include the airport info quite a bit further south, The fee Doug spoke of is collected on departure (now 20$ per person)
North Eluthuera, Marsh Harbor and Stella Marris are real reliable gas stops.
Out islands in particular are very safe and the locals are really appreciative of the tourism dollars.

I do warn you that you can't go just once!! The Bahamas will get in your blood and you will always long to return. For me its been 10 times in the last 11 years.
 
Re: What to expect at eleuthera bahamas.

I haven't been since the eAPIS drama. Things are better (predictable) now ?
 
Re: What to expect at eleuthera bahamas.

Moazzam

eAPIS has gotten better, you can now save recurring passenger profiles. Still can't change the date. Customs is still a pain. Amazing that the Bahamians are so welcoming but our own country treats us as criminals.
This May when returning to the US, I was asked to produce, pilots cert, medical and aircraft registration when clearing customs. They said this is now SOP.
 
Re: What to expect at eleuthera bahamas.

North Eleuthera, Governors Harbour and Rock Sound do have AVGAS.
But always check before flying there. All of them have beautiful beaches.
Lots of paperwork, as you are leaving and reentering the country.

Hans

P.S. One answer I once got,when I taxied to the fuel station " yes, we do have fuel, but the pump does not work". I had to refuel in Nassau.
 
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