Meeks Patch to Spanish Wells, St. Georges Cay, Eleuthera, Bahamas

Crossing the channel from Meeks Patch to Spanish Wells (2NM) the mileage counter clicks over to 8,000 NM (actually, 8,500 if you include our previous trip to the Bahamas two years ago before we reset the counter). Just another notch on our Nordhavn belt.

We had tendered to town the day prior to get a feeling for the shallow entry to the marina and to get Kyle and Lindsey their five day COVID retest (negative). Entry to the marina is very shallow and must be navigated at high tide. We slide through fine and after tying up and washing the boat we head to the Wreckers bar for dinner and drinks. The next day we rent a golf cart and explore the neighboring Russell Island and then Kyle and Lindsey head out for Bonefishing the flats. Spanish Wells is known for its Bonefishing and anglers come here from around the globe to chase these fast and powerful fish. They are not for eating just for the thrill of the fight.

Spanish Wells got its name from the Spanish sailors who would stop here to refill their water supply prior to returning to Europe. The population is approximately 1,500 people and many can trace their lineage to the original shipwrecked individuals that found shelter in Preachers Cave six generations earlier. Later settlers were Crown Loyalists, who left the U.S. after the Revolutionary War.

Kyle opts for a Pina Colada at Wreckers…

The sweet little homes of Spanish Wells….

The grow Pineapples on Eleuthera but they are strangely hard to find — They grow Pineapples on Eleuthera but they are strangely hard to find

The Sandbar Restaurant and Bar at Russell Island

Kyle and Lindsey prepare to enjoy the fish tacos at the Sandbar…beware of the ‘Goombay Smash’ Zombies!!!

Back on Spanish Wells we visit Budda’s Bar and meet the owners’ (Budda) daughter, Carmen. Later we meet Virginia Park who is a sixth generation descendant of the original shipwrecked people of Preachers Cave.

Budda’s has painted signs everywhere you look…

The golf cart rental appears to be a hit. Outside Budda’s Bar

We met this nice couple, Jada & Cam, the previous night at Wreckers, then we saw them at lunch at the Sandbar, so we figured it only natural that they join us for dinner at Shipwrecks. Such a nice couple!

The last day and the obligatory picture on the swim platform

You have to take a water taxi to get to the car rental

We rent a car to tour areas south down to Governor’s Harbour (the capital of Eleuthera). Here we have stopped at The Glass Window. The most narrow section of Eleuthera where they placed a bridge to connect the span

The view across the bay to Governor’s Harbour

A quick bight of Grouper Fingers and fries at this cute roadside restaurant

After we drop Kyle and Lindsey at the airport we check out Preachers Cave

This is the cave where the shipwrecked people came for shelter. It is only a few yards from the sea.

The stone plaque says “William Sayle ship wrecked at Devil’s Backbone found refuge here. Sermons held 100 years”.

Natural openings in the cave ceiling give it a cathedral effect

Back to Spanish Wells via the water taxi

I finally used the last of the frozen lobster tails from Bimini for Lobster Tail Curry