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. 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, bicycle rentals, fishing charters, snorkeling trips, cave tours, "x-rated" picnic trips to uninhabited islands or beaches, 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), two bar/lounges, 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 1,500 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." - The Story of the Bahamas

Optional weekly rentals:

-Golf Cart $235 and up.

-14' Whaler boat w/motor & bimini top (refundable damage deposit of $200 cash required before taking possession. Plus gas) $375.

-Ocean Kayak (refundable damage deposit of $100 cash required before taking possession.) $200.

-20 ' Center Console w/bimini top (refundable damage deposit of $500 cash required before taking possession. Plus gas.) $750.

-Bicycles $90.

Please indicate the amount of payment sent for any of the weekly rentals that you would like to reserve for your stay. 50% deposit required to hold reservation. Full balance due 60 days prior to rental. (It's best to reserve the above at the same time as your vacation home; otherwise, you may find that it is not available when you arrive.)

How to get to Spanish Wells, Eleuthera, Bahamas:

There are direct flights offered to North Eleuthera from Miami or Ft. Lauderdale on Continental, USAir, or Twin Air (usually the least expensive Ph. 954-359-8266.) If you find that it will cost you about the same to fly into Nassau as it does into Florida, take this option. The flights from Nassau are half the price of the flights from Florida to North Eleuthera. Bahamasair and Sandpiper offer direct flights from Nassau to North Eleuthera. ($95 round-trip for adults.) From North Eleuthera Airport you will take taxi/water taxi service to Spanish Wells, and taxi service to your home. There is also fast ferry service offered from Miami to Nassau on Bay Ferries Ph. 888-635-9228. Bahamas Fast Ferries offers service from Nassau to Spanish Wells, Eleuthera daily Phone: 242-332-2166.

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.

Source: Bahamas Vacation Homes