Spanish Wells is a small, spotless fishing island off the north tip of Eleuthera — golf carts instead of cars, candy-colored houses, and water so clear it looks edited. It's also our home dock, so this guide is genuinely from the ground: how to get here, what's worth your time, and how to use it as a launch pad for the best out-island boat trips.
How to get to Spanish Wells
Spanish Wells sits just off the northern tip of Eleuthera, so almost everyone arrives the same way:
- Fly into North Eleuthera (ELH). It's the closest airport, with connections through Nassau and seasonal direct flights from the US.
- Taxi to the Gene's Bay / Jean's Bay dock. A short ride from the airport.
- Take the quick ferry across. The crossing to Spanish Wells takes only a few minutes.
The same North Eleuthera hub also serves Harbour Island by ferry, so it's easy to base in one and day-trip to the other.
Getting around: rent a golf cart
There are very few cars on Spanish Wells — the island runs on golf carts. Renting one for the day is the move: the whole island is small enough to explore in an afternoon, and a cart gets you between the beaches, the harbor and the shops at your own pace. Drive on the left, go slow, and wave at everyone (they'll wave first).
Best things to do in Spanish Wells
- Get on the water. This is the real reason to come — see the boat trips below.
- Beach-hop by cart. The north-shore beaches have soft sand and calm, swimmable shallows.
- Snorkel the nearby reefs. Some of the clearest, healthiest reef in the area is a short ride out.
- Eat fresh seafood. This is a working fishing community — the conch and lobster are about as fresh as it gets.
- Wander the harbor. Watch the fishing fleet come in and stroll the pastel streets.
Boat trips that launch from Spanish Wells
Spanish Wells is the perfect jumping-off point because so much sits within a short, protected run of the dock. From here we reach:
- The swimming pigs — a short ride away; full details in how to swim with the pigs.
- Sandbars & starfish flats — shallow, glassy water perfect for families and photos.
- Spearfishing & lobstering — healthy reefs close by; see the spearfishing guide.
- Snorkel reefs — easy, colorful sites for all ages.
Want the full ranked list of experiences and what they cost? Browse our top-rated things to do.
Where to stay
Spanish Wells leans toward vacation rentals and small guesthouses rather than big resorts — which suits the quiet, local feel. Many visitors base on Spanish Wells or nearby North Eleuthera and day-trip to Harbour Island. Whichever you choose, you're never far from the dock.
Frequently asked questions
How do you get to Spanish Wells?
Fly into North Eleuthera (ELH), taxi to the Gene's Bay/Jean's Bay dock, and take the short ferry across — the crossing only takes a few minutes.
Do you need a car in Spanish Wells?
No. The island runs on golf carts. Rent one for the day to explore the beaches, harbor and shops — the whole island is small enough to see in an afternoon.
Is Spanish Wells worth visiting?
Yes, especially if you love clear water and a quiet, tidy island feel. It's a working fishing community with great seafood and easy access to swimming pigs, sandbars and spearfishing right offshore.
Can you swim with the pigs from Spanish Wells?
Yes — the swimming pigs are a short, protected boat ride from Spanish Wells, which is why it's such a convenient launch point.
Ready when you are
We launch right from here. Tell us what you want to see — pigs, sandbars, reefs or fish — and hold your date with a small refundable deposit.
Plan a trip from Spanish WellsFree cancellation up to 2 days before · Refundable deposit
