Welcome to Spanish Wells

Just to the west of the northern tip of the island of Eleuthera is St. George’s Cay. The entire cay, or island, is comprised of the settlement of Spanish Wells, and as a result the name Spanish Wells has become synonymous with the island. In fact, many have never heard it referred to by any other name.

Spanish Wells is approximately two miles long and a half of a mile wide. The scope of Spanish Wells is extended, however, by a bridge that links it to neighboring Russell Island, which is just over three miles long and has become an integral part of the community. Spanish Wells is so small that many residents get around the island using golf carts instead of full-sized cars.

The first colonists were the Eleutheran adventurers from Bermuda (intending to be some of the first settlers of Eleuthera), who suffered shipwreck on a reef, known as the "Devil's Backbone" off Eleuthera in 1647. After living in a cave known as "Preacher's Cave" on Eleuthera, they ended up at Spanish Wells. Among other, later, groups of settlers were Crown loyalists, who left the United States after the American Revolutionary War. Historically, the island was used as a last stop for Spanish ships returning to Europe, where these ships refilled their water supply from wells created for this purpose - thus the English name of the settlement: Spanish Wells.

Spanish Wells is predominantly a fishing village, and is rightly referred to as the fishing capital of The Bahamas, the chain of islands of which it is a vital part. The main catch harvested from the sea by the fishermen is the Bahamian lobster, or crawfish as it is referred to by the islanders.

While the island is small, there is plenty to keep you occupied while you are visiting. In the main town area, you can drive around and check out of all of the colonial era houses in the historical section of Spanish Wells. While driving, you can also take a ride down the docks where you can see water taxis coming and going, the Bo Hengy II dropping people off, and the fishing boats getting ready to head out for the season. There you will also find great restaurants providing delicious breakfast options, brunch, seafood, dinner and drinks. Notable dining can be found at the Gap for a satisfying breakfast, Budda's for a rowdy Friday night, and the Shipyard for high-quality fresh seafood and daily dinner specials!

Before you hit the bridge heading over to Russell Island on the north side of St. George's Cay you will find the beautiful public beach, there for all to enjoy. Set up your chair or your towel on their famous pink sand...sand that has the colors of the coral that lives in the reef and island protecting the north of the island. Enjoy a gentle tide where you can sit in the water at low tide on a warm day and take in the sun with the sea around you (don't forget the sunscreen!). The beach is perfect for walking, with a long stretch of sand with shallow waters for when you need a quick cool-off. If you ever feel like kayaking or canoing, the pink beach is the place to launch to take a quick trip out to the uninhabited island, Pierre Rock (pictured above), a short paddle from the beach.

Heading over to the quieter Russell Island, you will find our favorite bar, the Sandbar located just around the corner from Boo's Bungalow. With a daily happy hour from 6-8p.m. and a killer menu, this is the place to chill and have some fun with your family or friends and meet locals from the island. Look around for our property manager, they are the person to go to if you are looking for some more adventure while you are on the island! The only thing better than the conch fritters and the cocktails made with fresh ingredients is the view you have while sitting under canvas bimini tops, eating and drinking your worries away.

The best way to finish your tour of Spanish Wells is to end at the most western point

of Russell Island to catch the sunset. Make sure to bring some water shoes, as

the point is a little rocky, but you can take a dip in the crystal blue water while watching the sun dip behind the horizon in a fiery show. The path to the point is at the end of the road on Russell Island. Just walk straight through the trees and head to the point to set up some snacks, a beer or two and play some music to watch nature's beauty.

These are just some of the fabulous things you can do and places you can see while you are visiting our special corner of the world. Keep tune for more blog posts on detailed reviews of the island's restaurants, highlights on special places to see, excursions you can take on your vacation, and more! We cannot wait for you to visit!

Love,

The Enders Family

Photos by Mary Leigh and Michael Enders

(MySpanishWells.com, Wikipedia)