Since 1999, our family has been vacationing in Spanish Wells Eleuthera Bahamas. It is truly a grand slice of paradise. We fly into the North Eleuthera airport (ELH) and take a taxi to the Gene's Bay dock. At Gene's Bay we board the water taxi and take a five minute ride to Spanish Wells. During the five minute ride we are always captivated by the glittering turquoise sea as we approach the unique fishing village with the pastel homes. Lobster fishing is the main industry in Spanish Wells and the town is known as the Lobster Capital of the Bahamas.

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

Russell Island (about a two by four mile area) is connected to Spanish Wells by a small bridge. Russell Island is a larger area than Spanish Wells. The homes are sparsely scattered and it is in its early development stages. As you are traveling through some of the roads here in your rented golf cart, you pass many fruit trees such as bananas, sour oranges, breadfruit, coconut trees and more. It is fun to watch the goats as you pass by in their little fenced in areas. Many of the newer homes are being built in Russell Island by the younger Bahamian generation, or by foreigners moving in, because most of Spanish Wells is fully developed.

The population of the Spanish Wells/Russell Island area is about 1,800 people. Many of the Bahamian locals 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. Driving is on the left side of the road. 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.

Spanish Wells is not for those seeking casinos and shopping malls. However, Spanish Wells is a wonderful place if you are into water sports, such as boating, fishing, kayaking, diving, snorkeling, or just enjoying a day a the beach.