Spanish Wells, A Slice Of Paradise

My family has been visiting Spanish Wells, Bahamas since 1999. To arrive to this fabulous slice of paradise, we fly into the the North Eleuthera, Bahamas airport (ELH), and then take a ground taxi to the North Eleuthera dock, called Gene's Bay. From there we board a five-minute ferry in anticipation of our arrival to the Spanish Wells town dock. While riding in the ferry, I am always enamoured by the sparkling turquoise sea as I approach the unique fishing village with the pastel colored homes and fishing boats. I am amazed at the size and beauty of some of these fishing boats at the dock. Lobster fishing is the primary industry of the locals here, and Spanish Wells is known as the "lobster capital" of the Bahamas. Although the fishermen here are prosperous, it is very hard work.

Spanish Wells is the town of the St. George's Cay Island (about a one-by-three mile area), a charming tropical village with all the modern conveniences. Spanish Wells is where all of the commercial development is located (the restaurants, grocery stores etc.), most of which are located near the dock or on Main Street. The surrounding homes in Spanish Wells are artistically painted with bright and pastel tropical colors, which are offset by the beautiful Caribbean floral landscaping. Spanish Wells also is home to some favorite beach spots.

Nearby Russell Island is an approximately two-by-four-mile island that connects to Spanish Wells by a small bridge. As much of the town of Spanish Wells is already developed, many of the newer homes are being built in Russell Island by the younger Bahamian generation, or by foreigners moving in.

Russell Island is still fairly quiet, as it is a larger area than Spanish Wells, and many of the homes are sparsely scattered as it is in its early development stage. As you are traveling through some of the roads here, it is fun to watch the goats that are fenced in, as you pass them by in your rented golf cart. Russell Island is home to many different kinds of fruit trees such as bananas, sour oranges, breadfruit, coconut trees and more. There is great birdwatching here, and the sunsets are spectacular, too.

The population of the Spanish Wells/Russell Island area is about 1,800 people. Many of the Bahamian locals here share the same common last name such as Pinder, Higgs, etc. You will find that the locals are very hard-working people, and many multi-talented. This is a close-knit, family-oriented and religious community. Many of the businesses are closed on Sunday.

The main mode of transportation for tourists is golf carts. Golf carts can be rented at the dock. The locals generally own either a car, pick-up truck or golf cart. Driving is on the left side of the road. Many of the locals are very friendly and welcoming, and it is very common for them to wave to tourists as they pass them by on the streets.

Although Spanish Wells may not be for everyone, I highly recommend this island to those vacationers who want to relax in a nice tropical atmosphere, and for those who know how to entertain themselves. Spanish Wells is not for those seeking glamourous, glitzy casinos and shopping meccas. However, Spanish Wells is a wonderful place if you are an enthusiastic with water sports, such as boating, fishing, kayaking, diving, snorkeling, or just enjoying a day a the beach. Bicycling is a great option, too.