Everything You Wanted to Know About Spanish Wells

Spanish Wells (left) & Russell Island
Harbour Side

Spanish Wells is a relatively unknown (to outsiders) little community of about 1600 people on the island of St. George’s Cay in the Bahamas that is just in the process of being ‘discovered’ (thank you, Internet).  Connected by a short bridge to the Cay and generally considered to be part of Spanish Wells is Russell Island.  Spanish Wells is just around the corner from its very glitzy, ritzy (and expensive) cousin, Harbour Island, that the celebrities have known for decades (maybe even centuries if you count pirates as celebrities.)

North Side Beach
North Side Beach
walk on the beach
North Side Beach

While Harbour Island was luring movie stars, the simpler, plainer Spanish Wells was busy building a fishing industry and just generally being industrious and prosperous.  But now, Spanish Wells has blossomed into one of the most beautiful, serene, peaceful and enjoyable places in the Bahamas (and maybe even all the Carribean).

Spanish Wells is a place for those who want to vacation on a Caribbean island that is still safe, pristine and peaceful, without busy or loud tourist attractions. It is a quiet fishing village where you can enjoy modern conveniences, such as; grocery stores, dive store, computer stores, office supplies, great local restaurants, gift shops and dry goods, marine supplies, medical services, pharmacy, hardware store, bank w/ATM, etc., but still relax on a gorgeous pink-sand beach and pretend that you are the owner of a private island.

But beaches aren’t Spanish Wells only claim to fame. The island is fringed by water as clear as glass. Stretching from Spanish Wells to the northeast tip of Eleuthera is a beautiful barrier reef called the Devil’s Backbone, which is fantastic for snorkeling. There is excellent deep sea or sport fishing a few miles offshore where experienced fishers can snag tuna, marlin or wahoo. Closer to the island are world-class bone fishing grounds. (ed note. text on this page has been liberally pirated…hey this is the Bahamas, pirates have a long history here…from the Damianos Sotheby’s International Realty site.)

There are lots of great sources online for info on Spanish Wells.  Below are a few links for your further enjoyment.

Wikipedia – Spanish wells.

Pictures & Videos

What’s Missing in Spanish Wells

‘Top 10’ Reasons to NOT visit Spanish Wells

Weather and Water Temperature

Restaurants in Spanish Wells

Things to Do in (and around) Spanish Wells