Spanish Wells has a bit of Florida feel with Bahamian vibe. This small, picturesque island is only two miles long and a half mile wide. A small bridge connects it to Russell Island which is a bit longer at three miles. There are about 1600 people who call this unassuming island community home.
The 42 Nautical Mile cruise was smooth and lovely. The sun was shining, tunes were cranking and uneventful weather was on on the agenda, this is the reason we cruise! Captain Bob managed the timing of the trip meticulously. We pulled anchor at Governor’s Harbor around 10 AM to hit Current Cut at 12:30 which was at high, slack tide. This meant instead of a 3-5 mph tidal current which could make the boat maneuvering more difficult while transiting the narrow cut, the current was calm.
We cruised by the glass window we visited by car. It was kind of cool to see it from a different perspective. Even a mile away, you could see the waves crashing through the small opening into the calm water.
Spanish Wells has a rich history and culture, with a focus on fishing and boat building. Charming with a unique, calm character that carries a traditional way of life is the only way we can describe this place. As we walked around, we could feel the friendless of folks. Everyone you pass waves, says hello and starts up a conversation.
We took a walk around town to check things out! Two great find in our exploration. After spending 7 weeks where we were excited when we found water (even if it was 50 cents a gallon) finding flavored ice coffee topped with whipped cream was a magical treat! Even with the hefty price tag, sipping this rare find was worth every penny!
Watching rays swim in clear water will never get old!
With our buddy boats we enjoyed a nice dinner at Shipyard. Walking into the empty restaurant, the waitress informed us most folks start at Happy Hour at the upstairs bar with live music and then come down for dinner. We thanked her for her suggestion, follow up with the comment that “we are old, so we will do it in reverse!” It was a great night with dinner first followed by live music in the upstairs bar.
Renting a golf cart for the day, we toured the island! First a Farmer’s Market with more artisan tables than vegetables, but Tracy found a beautiful conch necklace. Next, we headed over to Russell Island for lunch at Sandbar, what a beautiful venue! Then we continued the golf cart tour taking it down roads not intended for golf carts, or maybe any vehicle. We stumbled upon a wonderful view at the end of the road, where we enjoyed some beers. Ok maybe risking life to get there was worthwhile.
Yes, a real grocery store! Of course, when we went the produce section was picked over and when we went back the next day, it was closed!
A morning walk and breakfast.
A day by the pool! After some sunning, the girls played Farkle while the guys brainstormed what ever Captains chat about. Round two of specialty coffee!
We really enjoy finding local fresh caught seafood! Caught this fisherman just in time to secure dinner of grilled lobster and chick pea salad on Three Sons. It was just delicious! However, fast forward 6 hours when Tracy took ill, for the second time after eating Bahamian Lobster, she wished this never happened. Needless to say, it was a hard repeat lesson that Bahamian Lobster and Tracy do not get along, never again!
A drive thru, or in our case walk up, ice cream stand! Yes, the best ice cream ever! Papa Scoops is open every day 7PM-10PM featuring two different flavors of soft serve. They post the flavors outside of the stand around noon each day!
Just like last year, we were hoping to visit Harbor Island, just 10 miles from Spanish Wells but needing to transit ‘Devil’s Backbone.” We were ready to go but once again weather cut our visit to this area short so Harbor Island is on the top of our list for next year. We are off to the Abacos!