1) What identification do I need to enter the Bahamas?

You need either a) a passport, or b) Driver License and Birth Certificate (with original seal).

2) Do I need to bring sheets and towels to Sable Rose?

No, there are plenty at the house.

3) Is there any kind of food I need to bring?

You do not have to, you can pretty well get most things in Governor's Harbor that you can in the States. But, you are allowed to bring a cooler of frozen meat, but no vegetables. You can buy meat at the local supermarket, which, in my opinion is good, but you may be more particular about your meats.

4) Can I rent bikes, boats, or fishing equipment??

Stanton Cooper, besides being one of the premier car renters, also rents, or can get you, anything you want. His phone numbers are:

Home: 242-332-1620 cell phone: 242-359-7007

4) Can I rent diving equipment?

Yes, there is a local dive shop, called "Clearwater Dive Shop" in Governor's Harbor, about 10 miles away. It is best to call ahead to see what they have before arriving in Eleuthera. Call Charles or Marilyn Sands at 242-332-2146. There will be two sets of fins and masks at Sable for your use, as well as a sea kayak.

5) Is diving good in front of the house?

Excellent; there is a spine of reefs that run up and down the Atlantic coast of Eleuthera, which are visible on some of the photos on the "Photo Tour" page of this web site. The reef is about 50 to 75 yards offshore, in front of Sable. In addition, there are two islands, called the "Gut Islands" that are about half mile away, which is also a good source for diving, and general exploration.

6) Do I have to wear a bathing suit at the beach in front of the house?

In the Bahamas, they call this "Going Cowboy". Many people have done so at the beach in front of the house, and, so far, there has been no problem. Yippee, kay yay!

7) Do stores/restaurants accept credit cards?

Most places take credit cards

8) Are there any banks nearby?

Yes, there are two banks in Governor's Harbor, about 10 miles from Sable; Barclay's Bank, and Royal Bank of Canada; both open 9 to 5p.m.

9) Can I use American dollars on the island?

Yes, everybody accepts American dollars.

10) Is the water too rough in front of the house for a poor swimmer? Since the cottage is on the Atlantic side of the island, there are days when the water is a little rough. Then again, there are some days, when the water is very calm. The depth of the water increases gradually, so you can generally wade out very far, before it gets too deep.

11) Should I bring books?

You can, but there are plenty of books at the house, especially art books, and coffee-table type books. Also, there are a number of books left by previous renters.

12) Can I email over there?

Yes, you can now use the computers at the Haynes Public Library in Governor's Harbor, about 15 minutes from Sable. Their hours are are Monday-Friday 9 to 5, and Saturday 10 to 4. Ros, the head librarian, is eager to help you check your email, send email, or simply browse the Internet. The phone is 242-332-2877.

13) Is ATT accessible for laptops in the Bahamas? I downloaded the ATT Laptop Access Software which incorporates the Bahamas ATT Direct Access Number and my ATT Credit Card number automatically. Does this work?

Yes, it does work. If you put four commas between each phone number, it gives you time to connect dialing through Batelco, the internet and phone provider for the Bahamas. Make sure you call ATT and get the international plan for your USA Direct Credit Card that gives you the most discount. The plan costs $12/year and cuts a few bucks off your charges to the States from any country.

14) Can I check my email?

Yes, you can now use the computers at the Haynes Public Library in Governor's Harbor, about 15 minutes from Sable. Their hours are are Monday-Friday 9 to 5, and Saturday 10 to 4. Ros, the head librarian, is eager to help you check your email, send email, or simply browse the Internet. The phone is 242-332-2877.

Or, up in Harbor Island, "Island Services" offers e-mail access for $1/minute in the middle of town, across the street from Dilly Dally and Tip Top.

Watch for the new technology of wireless satellite internet service to come to islands like Eleuthera soon. Poor, inconsistent dial-up services from inefficient local phone companies create a vacuum for good internet connections. Stay tuned!

15) Is ATT accessible for laptops in the Bahamas? I downloaded the ATT Laptop Access Software which incorporates the Bahamas ATT Direct Access Number and my ATT Credit Card number automatically. Does this work?

Yes, it does work. If you put four commas between each phone number, it gives you time to connect dialing through Batelco, the internet and phone provider for the Bahamas. Make sure you call ATT and get the international plan for your USA Direct Credit Card that gives you the most discount. The plan costs $12/year and cuts a few bucks off your charges to the States from any country.

16) Is there an ATM in Eleuthera?

Yes, there is one across from the Police Station in Governor's Harbor.

17) Are pets allowed at the house, and if so, what are the requirements for entry into the Bahamas?

Yes, pets are allowed, and it does not seem to be a problem. There is not quarantine in the Bahamas.

Call The Department of Agriculture (Tel: (242) 325-7502/9; Fax: (242) 325-3960); they will fax the applicati0on for the animal import permit. They will also fax the permit BUT you must send them the application with a check then they will fax the permit and the health certificate form for the vet. DO NOT under any circumstances mail the application. FedEx, because the Bahamian mail system is sometimes slow. Fedex yours along with a return fedex so we get the original permit. You should also carry the dog's vaccination certification as well. Bahamian customs asks for it once in a while as does US customs on return. It's no hassle at all.

18) Since there is no laudry facilities at Le Sable Rose, where can we do a laundry nearby?

In Palmetto Point, Marie Stewart 242-332-1096, can do your laundry, if you like.

18) Can we rent bikes in the area?

Yes, go to Beachcomber's Gift Shop in Governor's Harbour; it's next to Pyfrom Liquors. The friendly owner, Dexter Bootle, will put you in the drivers seat for about $57 per week.

19) Can I use a cellular phone in the Bahamas?

The Bahamas Telecommunications Corporation (BaTelCo) has automatic roaming agreements with cellular carriers in the United States, Canada and Mexico. BaTelCo's roaming partners include Aliant Cellular, Ameritech Cellular, BCTEL Mobility, Bell Mobility, Bell Atlantic NYNEX Mobile, BellSouth Mobility, Blue Ridge Cellular, Cantel, Cellular Holding, Cellular One Bay Area Cellular, Cellular One of Illinois, Cellular One of Southwest Florida, Comcast Cellular, Crowley Cellular, Dansbury Cellular, Pioneer/Enid Cellular, MT&T Mobile, NBTel Mobility, Radiofone, 360° Communications, Telcel, TELUS Mobility U.S. Cellular and Western Wireless. If your home carrier has a roaming agreement with BaTelCo and your cellular number is active in The Islands Of The Bahamas, you can enjoy cellular service. Simply ensure that your phone is switched to system B and dial away! To place a call, dial 7 digits for local calls and 10 digits for calls to the United States and Canada. To receive a call, the caller must dial BaTelCo's access code (242-359-7626), wait for the second dial tone and dial the roamer's cellular number including the area code. Billing is a breeze ... There are no activation fees for Roaming in The Bahamas and you will be billed via your home carrier at a rate of $3.00 per day and $0.99 per minute (plus toll charges for long distance calls). Note: Roaming agreements are subject to change without notice. Additionally, a carrier may have a Roaming agreement with BaTelCo but opt to disallow Roaming in The Bahamas for some of their markets.

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