The route from the Glass Window Bridge to Spanish Wells goes through Current Cut, which (as the name implies) has a strong current, so we had to time our trip, leaving at 7 AM, to catch the slack tide. When we arrived at the cut it was pretty underwhelming, although we could see how it might be rough under very different conditions and tides.
Entrance into Spanish Wells is Daylight only, visual piloting is required. It is a very small entrance, not more than 100′ wide. We wanted easy access to town so we opted for moorings inside. There are only 5 mooring balls and picking up a mooring ball in a tight area only 50′ from shore and shallow water is tricky at best. We snagged it the first time and settled in very quickly.
Spanish Wells received its name from the historical function of the island. It was once used as the last stop for Spanish ships returning to Europe. Spaniards refilled their water supply from wells that were built specifically for that reason.
The first European settlers suffered a shipwreck on the nearby Devil’s Backbone reef in 1647. The settlers then used a cave, now known as Preacher’s Cave, as shelter. They ultimately ended up in St. George’s Cay, where they found Spanish Wells. Among later settlers in the area were Crown loyalists who left the United States following the American Revolutionary War. As a result, Spanish Wells does not fit the typical demographic makeup of the Bahamas. The island is home to a population of about 1,500 mostly white settlers of European descent.
The fishing fleet from Spanish Wells supplies more than half of the Bahamas’ commercial fish, lobster, and conch and has been given the title of fishing capital of the Bahamas. It is much wealthier than the other Bahamian communities we have visited. The folks speak a sort of pidgin/creole English with a very unique accent that is difficult for me to understand. It sounds Irish at first, but then there is a strong Bahamian Island influence that is a bit confusing but very pleasant sounding.
Our time in Spanish Wells was very laid-back. We did some light provisioning, checked out the local shops and walked all over the island admiring the homes and gardens. We found a basketball court right on the beach, next to the blue ocean. Shooting hoops here would be equivalent to playing 18 rounds of golf at Pebble Beach. We continued to walk around exploring the town. It is a working town, with no glitz and not too touristy, except for some rental properties, Air B&B for a few families who vacation here every year.
Everyone who comes to Spanish Wells stops at Buddhas Snack Bar (aka The Schoolbus bar). Despite its Asian-inspired name, the atmosphere is laid-back, the decor is quirky and fun. A converted school bus serves as the kitchen. A second converted bus used as a liquor store. The multi-colored outside seating area is covered, making it fit for all-weather dining. The restaurant is full of signs with hilarious quotes. The energy at this spot is vibrant and down home. Claudia and I had a wonderful time eating here.
The weather forecast for the next 3-4 days is excellent, the Gulf Stream conditions are perfect, and we decided it’s a good window of opportunity to sail back to the United States. We are shooting for a 48-hour long sail to Fort Pierce, FL. To prepare for the crossing, we spent time here fueling up with diesel, and fresh water. We also did an oil & fuel filter change and configured our boat for off-shore safety. We’re ready to get back to the States.
What beautiful pictures! A trip of a life time.
Thanks so much😘
Beautiful picture of you two! You are exactly the same as when we first met!!! Time has no effect on you!!! Lucky you!!!
Hi Marie-France, Thanks so much for your kind words and support .. today it stated to get cooler .. time to take out the sweat suits and heavy blanket! 😎😘
We are finally heading there today! The Bahamas misses you guys. Safe travels northward.
Hi Corky, Thanks for checking in on us. When going to Buddas Snack Shack read all the signs, they will make u laugh 😂.. (the fried chicken is good too). Also, the Shipyard has a great view. Miss you guys, safe travels and keep me posted on the Abacos. 😘
So glad your safely back in the US love all the pictures. sounds like a great adventure can’t wait to hear more when you get home!!!
Safe travels ❤️
Hi Toni, It does feel good to be back in the US. Can’t wait to go back to pickle ball and check out the new Villa with you girls 😘
Hey, I rented a 40 ft. refrigerated truck that will be waiting in your drive way when you guys get home. When you open it you’ll be able to shovel the snow that’s packed inside so you won’t feed bad about having missed anything fun while you were gone. Of course you can always opt to just let it all…………………………
melt away. Or……………… you can always pack the big fish that you caught out there Claud!
Hi Gil, 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
Since no 🐟🎣🐡yet… I’ll take the let it all melt option. 😘😘😘
Looks like dream! I’d love to hear the accent that sounds Irish at first!!! ☘️ Hard to believe you’re on your way back home but look forward to your adventures on the homeward bound journey too! Love your pic! Jim’s hair is so long! He might want to keep it long – groovy!!!
Hi Claire, Love your accent better 👍. I will miss the beauty of the Bahamas.. However, looking forward to ice cream 😜.
Enjoy school vacation week 😉
Great picture of u Guys. Hope your long trip back to the main land is “calm”. I can’t wait to see u both in a couple of months.
Hi Sharon, We have estimated 40-45 hour run to Ft. Pierce. Hope it’s a smooth sailing 🙏
Can’t wait to see you guys when we get back 😘
So now have many great memories of a wonderful time in the Bahamas.
I love how each area you have visited has been different from the other.
Safe travels as you make it to Florida and then towards home.
Beth, Thanks for following us, this was such a great adventure.. so many beautiful places and people. Thanks so much for all your help back in Natick, couldn’t have done it without you 💕💋💕😘