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Spanish Wells is the town on small St. George's Cay. St. George's Cay is just
off the northwest coast of Eleuthera. A small bridge connects Spanish Wells to
its closest neighbour-Russell Island. Click here to learn
more about the location of this beautiful island. The
population of these cays is made up of mostly white native Bahamians (many
of which are descendants of the first British settlers from the 1600's or
Loyalists from the 1700's).
Spanish Wells is a neat and clean little town with most homes sporting a fresh
coat of pastel paint. Locals leave their doors unlocked; in this small,
tight-knit community, crime is nonexistent. The local language is English,
spoken with a somewhat British accent. Many of the people in Spanish Wells earn
their living from the sea. These fishermen have the best reputation in the
entire Bahamas for their skill at catching crawfish (spiny lobsters).
Spanish Wells has beautiful pink and white sand beaches,
and water so clear that you can see your shadow on the bottom. Stretching from
Spanish Wells to the northeast tip of Eleuthera is a beautiful barrier reef
called the Devil's Backbone which is inhabited with an abundance of marine life.
This area is fantastic for snorkelers, and fishermen usually find that grouper
and snapper are plentiful in this area. One mile off shore, there's great sport
fishing. There's world-class bone fishing on the flats surrounding the island.
Boat rentals, golf cart rentals, fishing charters, snorkeling
trips, cave tours, trips to nearby islands (such as Harbour Island) are available.
Spanish Wells has two supermarkets, two bakeries (you
must try Bahamian homemade bread and Johnny cake), four restaurants (which serve
native and American dishes at reasonable prices), a medical
clinic, a museum, four variety stores, and you can purchase fresh conchs, fish
or lobsters (in season) at the docks or marinas. If you'd like to explore the
length of the mainland of Eleuthera there are tour guides available for hire or
self-drive cars available for rent. Winter temperatures are generally in the
70's during the day and drop to the 60's at night. Summer daytime temperatures
are generally in the 80's and drop to the 70's at night. Spanish Wells is not a
"touristy" island. Arrive as guests and leave as friends.
"If asked to name a place in the Bahamas where pioneer blood is most
concentrated, one would have to say Spanish Wells. Few Loyalists were attracted
there, and the physical features of the all-white population reflect those of
the Eleutherian Adventurers who waded ashore, a few miles away, three and a
quarter centuries ago.
There is absolutely nothing like Spanish Wells in all the Bahamas today. A town
of exquisite cleanness and beauty nestles beside a harbour which is a beehive of
maritime activity. The fishing fleet, headquartered there, is the finest in the
nation. Tourism has come to the island but plays a minor role. The 1,000 people
who live there have raised themselves to a prosperous level by applying hard
work to the oldest and most basic of Bahamian industries, fishing and
farming."
Helpful Hints:
- Currently, Bahamas customs allow each visitor to bring in $100 of duty-free
items for personal consumption. However, fresh fruits and vegetables are not
allowed to be brought into the country.
- At Gene's Bay, there is a liquor store, usually open 9-5 except on Wednesdays
(it closes at noon) and Sundays (it's closed all day).
It may be wise to stock up here before taking the ferry over to Spanish Wells.
See some more photos and links for
Spanish Wells |
