Your Comprehensive Packing Guide for an Unforgettable Trip to Eleuthera
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Eleuthera, a remote out island nestled in the heart of the Bahamas, promises an idyllic escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. With its stunning pink sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, incredibly friendly culture, and laid-back atmosphere, this hidden gem offers an unparalleled opportunity to connect with nature and rejuvenate your soul. As you prepare for your journey to Eleuthera, it's essential to pack wisely to ensure a seamless and unforgettable experience. In this comprehensive guide, we'll cover everything you need to bring to make the most of your time in this tropical paradise. As suggested, this is a guide and may or may not cover everything that you would need to pack for you vacation on Eleuthera.
Essentials for Your Adventure:
Travel Documents and Identification – Check your passport now for expiration dates.
Cash and Cards – There are three ATM’s on the island but sometimes they are down. Bring enough cash for tips (most restaurants add gratuity- make sure you ask or check your bill)) Although in the last couple of years stores have put in merchant services, many stores and restaurants still do not take cards.
Google Maps- Download this app so you can use it offline- internet here can be unreliable.
Communications- Download WhatsApp- this is what everyone uses. Contact your service provider to find out what international plans you can use. T-Mobile is free but only downloads 2G (think maybe you get your emails) but for $5 a day you get high speed unlimited data from most cell phone providers.
Clothing and Accessories:
Swimwear and Beach Attire- Bring two or three swimsuits you can mix and match. Rinse out and hang to dry. Flowy sundresses to cover you when going into restaurants and stores is ideal. The Bahamian culture is a modest one. T-shirts and shorts for men are ideal.
Sandals and Walking Shoes- Although flip flops are great for the beach if you want to do any exploring, I suggest strap sandals like Teva’s with strong soles for the rocky ledges and beaches roads you will encounter on your way to a your adventures.
Sun Protection Gear (Hats, Sunglasses, Sunscreen) MINERAL REEF SAFE SUNSCREEN PLEASE- anything that sprays out of can destroys our reefs. Mineral sunscreen or zinc will protect you and protect our fragile ocean’s ecosystem.
Rain Gear (Lightweight Jacket, Umbrella)- discretionary unless you are here during hurricane season (Sept and Oct)
Evening Attire (Casual Clothing for Dining Out)- Think casual.
Refillable Water Bottle- There is no recycling and they only have dumps to burn trash here. Please help keep plastic out of the dumps.
Beach Day Must-Haves:
Beach Towels or Blankets- check with where you are staying to see if they have towels before you waste the space packing them, most do.
Beach Bag or Backpack- Always a good idea
Snorkeling Gear – Mask and snorkel is a must. If you want to go into the Atlantic Ocean where there are currents, bring fins!
Waterproof Phone Case- Zip lock bags work great for the beach.
Cooler- Soft sided coolers are easy to pack and a great to use for the beach.
Electronics and Connectivity:
Smartphone and Charger
Power Bank – Make sure it has a voltage regulator. We experience power surges daily. Plug your strip cord into the voltage regulator. Amazon has reasonable ones.
Portable Speaker
Underwater for your Phone- (for Capturing Marine Life and would not recommend the zip lock for this.
Health and Personal Care
Prescription Medications- We now have a pharmacy on the island, but it probably will not have the medications you take.
Basic First Aid Kit – Triple antibiotic cream and a couple of Band-Aids should do.
Bug Spray and Cortisone Cream- Avoid being out at sunrise and sunset will help incredibly but if you use deep woods off the noseeums will not bite.
Personal Hygiene Items- Everything here is shipped in and will cost 2-3 times the price of what you are used to at home.
After Sun- Best is to ask a local for aloe plant and put on raw or bring aloe gel. They are also along the road.
Local Culture and Respectful Attire:
Modest Clothing for Visiting Local Communities- Covering shoulders and knees.
Respectful Attire for Places of Worship- Covering shoulders and knees.
We suggest bringing a few of your favorite items from home. If you like a certain type of tea or coffee, bring it. If you have a creamer you like, pour out a couple of teaspoons and freeze it. Put it in your soft sided cooler and pack it and it serves as an ice block. Buying local is great and much appreciated but healthy snacks are limited and very expensive so think about packing some almonds, trail mix, protein bars, and the like in your bag especially if you’re coming with kids. Restaurants cook to order here. What does that mean? It can take an hour and a half to get your food. Making sure you have snacks in your car and extra water so when you can’t find a store or restaurant open you are prepared. Stores and liquor stores close on Sunday and after 6 pm. The out islands vibe is laid back and easy and with the right preparation you will find it much more enjoyable!
Packing for your trip to Eleuthera requires understanding the island's unique environment. With its serene beauty and remote charm, Eleuthera welcomes you to embrace a simpler way of life. The electricity and internet may go off and on. When this happens go to the beach, stop by a library, or hang out with locals and learn how to play dominos. Bahamians love to laugh and are incredibly warm and inviting. Don’t be shy!
We hope by helping you to pack the essentials it will enhance your own experience to this remarkable destination. As you embark on your adventure to Eleuthera, remember that the memories you create will stay with you long after you've left its shores. Safe travels and enjoy your unforgettable journey in paradise!
Any questions or something we missed? Please drop us an email at eleutheraoutdoorcenter@gmail.com or WhatsApp us at 242-470-6171, we are happy to assist!
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