Spanish Wells
Spanish Wells is a small island located in the Bahamas, a few nautical miles north of Eleuthera. This island is considered one of the Bahamas’ best-kept secrets with its pristine beaches, turquoise waters and tranquil, serene ambiance.
Founded in 1648 by English settlers, Spanish Wells enjoyed a strategic location over the centuries, attracting merchants from far and wide and becoming an important fishing and shipping center for ships traveling the Caribbean.
Fishing is still an important part of life in Spanish Wells and if you’ve ever had a lobster at Red Lobster, know that’s where it came from, since almost all of the production from the island’s factory ships is purchased by this company every year!
The beaches of Spanish Wells are some of the most beautiful in the Bahamas, with miles of white and pink sand surrounded by peaceful blue waters. Visitors can bask in the sun, play in the water, or go snorkeling to see the coral reefs and abundant marine life that surround the island. Many scuba diving destinations are easily accessible from Spanish Wells, including shipwrecks and colorful coral reefs.
Exploring the surrounding area by dinghy will allow you to discover splendid landscapes and another Pig Beach on a neighboring islet (for lovers of this type of attraction)!
It is a pleasant community where many boaters stop before continuing their journey, because it is well protected whether you are at anchor, moored at one of the many private docks or at the Marina.
Everything is easily accessible and golf carts are available to rent for easy transportation. This is the official means of transport on the island and there are more of them than automobiles. For our part, we used our bikes and scooters. The streets are well maintained and everything is impeccable.
There you will find one of the best supermarkets in the Bahamas which, once the supply boat has passed, is full of fresh foods and even local specialties like Johnny Cakes.
The island also has a shipyard which offers the possibility of taking your boat out of the water for repairs or maintenance if necessary. It is always good to know.
Christmas is an important holiday in Spanish Wells and if you are lucky enough to be there at this time of year, don’t miss the opportunity to stroll through the streets in the evening to see all the illuminated and decorated properties.
Finally, don’t miss Papa’s Scoop and its delicious homemade ice cream. It’s a daily go-to for islanders and tourists alike, but be prepared to wait in line!😋 Daily flavors are displayed on a board at the start of the day and service begins at the counter at 7 p.m. The portions are generous and delicious!
The Devil’s Back Bone
10 nautical miles separate Spanish Wells from Harbor Island, but it is a very perilous passage between the beach and the coral heads and you have to know the area well to venture there otherwise you risk running aground like many ships have done for a long time. Several pilots are available to save you this stress and what’s more, it’s like taking an excursion with a private guide who talks to you enthusiastically about his island, its history and the misadventures associated with the Devil’s Back Bone.
Entrusting the helm to an experienced captain will allow you to relax and enjoy the scenery, as passing so close to the coast while sailing is unique to Devil’s Back Bone.
The surrounding reef, which ranges in depth from 5 to 35 feet, is teeming with marine life and diving and snorkeling excursions are popular. Among other things, you will be able to explore several historic wrecks of ships that have run aground over the centuries.
Sailing the Devil’s Back Bone will take us to one of our favorite destinations for the foodie in us: Harbor Island.
Harbour Island
Commonly called Briland by locals, the small community of Dunmore Town, whose emblem is the rooster, is separated from Eleuthera by a bay, but a 10-minute shuttle links them to ensure the transport of residents, workers and tourists to the main island and its airport.
The small island, approximately 5 km long and 800 m wide, is known for its famous pink sand beach, almost 4 km long on the east coast of the island. Originally inhabited by the Lucayan people who were transported by the Spanish to serve as slaves in the gold and silver mines of South America. English Puritans then settled there in 1648 to escape persecution. It is one of the oldest colonies in the Bahamas, of which it was the very first capital. The small village with New England-style architecture was popular during American Prohibition for its rum production.
Today, tourism is the most important economic activity on the island.
Three marinas (Valentine, Romora Bay and Briland Yacht Club) separate the traffic from the many boaters who visit the island each year and they offer very different services from one another. There are also a few anchorage sites in the area (which you will find on your favorite navigation application).
Golf cart traffic is, as in Spanish Wells, the main mode of transportation on the island, with the roads being very narrow for regular vehicles. There are several rental companies, but once again, we are happy to be able to use our electric bikes and scooters to get around the small streets of the island.
The influx of many wealthy tourists has led to the emergence of many gourmet restaurants and it is easy to spend several days without eating in the same place. I even wrote an article specifically on this subject which you can view here.
Prepare to treat yourself!
In addition to the different marinas, it is possible to stay in one of the many hotel complexes or rent one of the magnificent villas overlooking the sea or the bay. Whatever your choice, you will be comfortably accommodated in an enchanting environment.
Water activities
The mermaid in me was spoiled by the aquatic activities available at Harbor Island, whether it was the famous pink sand beach where it is nice to play in the waves, the curious and sociable turtles of Bottom Bay or my encounter with two dolphins who allowed me to observe them while they were feeding and who even intervened between a rather menacing barracuda and me. There are also several scuba diving sites where you can see wrecks or corals and the aquatic life that inhabits them.
We really had a great time and this little island will become a must stop on our next trips!
This page does not contain any affiliate links. All locations visited were at the evaluator’s expense.