Category: Eleuthera
Eleuthera meaning Freedom was settled by persons seeking freedom from religious persecution. The island of Eleuthera is over 100 miles long but only two miles wide at it’s widest. The eastern coast is covered by miles of white to pink sand beaches.
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A Quiet Morning on the Perfect Beach
This morning I found the kind of beach people daydream about.
I wasn’t expecting much — just out exploring — when I came across this completely empty stretch of white sand. No crowds, no noise, no beach umbrellas in sight. Just soft, powdery sand underfoot and unbelievably clear, turquoise water stretching out in front of me. It looked like something off a screensaver, but real.
The sun was already shining bright, but not in an overbearing way. It felt warm and welcoming, like the perfect kind of beach weather. A light breeze was blowing through some casuarina trees lining the edge of the beach, and the sound of their needles rustling was actually kind of relaxing. Between that and the waves gently lapping the sand, it was one of the most peaceful spots I’ve ever experienced.
Every once in a while, a seagull would glide by overhead, maybe hoping to spot something in the shallows. It didn’t feel out of place — just part of the scene. Down by the shoreline, a little group of sandpipers was busy running back and forth. They were fun to watch, just doing their thing, moving fast along the edge of the water with those quick little legs. It gave the beach some life without breaking the calm vibe.
I just stood there for a while, soaking it all in. No distractions, no schedule — just the sound of the ocean and the breeze. It was kind of crazy how quiet it was, but in the best way. The kind of quiet that helps you relax, clear your head, and be present.
Normally it would be rare to find a beach like this with no one else around, especially one this beautiful. But this is actually the norm for Spanish Wells. There was something about being completely alone in a place like that that made it feel even more special. I didn’t even feel like I needed to swim or do anything — just being there was enough.
This place reminded me how refreshing it can be to unplug and let nature do its thing. No notifications, no background noise — just fresh air, sunshine, and the ocean doing what it’s always done.
If you ever get the chance to find a beach like this, take it. Sit, breathe, and just enjoy it. It’s not about doing a bunch of stuff — it’s about letting the moment be what it is. Peaceful, simple, and kind of perfect.
Come visit Spanish Wells.
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Spanish Wells Hotels
I have been seeing searches for “Spanish Wells Hotels” coming in to bahamabook. Spanish wells is fortunate enough to not have hotels on the island, at least not large ones. Spanish Wells has not become a tourist trap, and I hope the government of the Bahamas never allows a large hotel chain to build there.
Rental Homes
There are a good number of homes for rent through the normal online booking channels.
A local booking site.
Rental Home Web Sites
Boutique Hotels
Spanish Wells Yacht Haven and Resort is a boutique hotel with six guest rooms, one villa and a 30 slip all-weather marina. The property features a swimming pool, a restaurant & bar serving Mediterranean and Bahamian cuisine, and a shop. Also located on site are laundry facilities and showers for marina guests.
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Bahamas Wireless Connectivity Explained
Modern technology is not only affecting our daily lives at home. It is also affecting the way we travel. Not too long ago one went on vacation while vernon at home wondered how the vacation was going, and if every one was safe and healthy.
Photos and live video can also be shared to your social media, letting family back home share in your vacation.
Now in any modern country there is no need to be disconnected from home.
Unlocked GSM Cell Phones
One simply needs to own an unlocked GSM phone. On arriving in the Bahamas for a few bucks one can obtain a local Bahamian number with voice access to the USA and Europe with out roaming costs.
In the video we talked about the iPhone, but in reality any GSM phone should work fine. If you would purchase a phone for this use, then I would suggest purchasing a quad band phone.
The following video pretty much goes through the whole process.
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Shipyard Restaurant and Bar
The shipyard is one of the newest restaurants on Spanish Wells. This is a more upscale restaurant bent on changing it up from the fried food, local type food that has traditionally been served at the local restaurants.
The View
The View is definitely gourmet! I enjoy simply sitting on the deck, the food is a definite added bonus. On my first day on Spanish Wells we ordered the Smoked Fish dip, and a few beers. As we slowly consumed the food and drink I could not help being drawn to the sea, a mere 6 feet from where I sat. The swaying palms seemed to sing a sweet song of enchantment that would not permit us to leave.
The Menu
Is a bit more pricy than the other restaurants on Spanish Wells but it is definitely good for at least one visit during the stay.
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Bullseye Bonefishing
Shaw Underwood of Bullseye Bonefishing has spent his entire life boating and fishing the waters around Spanish Wells. His skill becomes evident very quickly as he pilots his boat from one fishing spot to the next in pursuit of the “ghost of the flats.”
The Challenge
Fishing for Bonefish is challenging in the best of conditions because the fish is extremely spooky. They are hunted by both predators of the sea, including shark and barracuda, while having to keep an eye out for the osprey from above. Add to this that the bone fish feed in very shallow waters, sometimes mere inches deep, and you have for yourself a combination of circumstances that produce a very skittish fish. Hook up on one and you realize very quickly why you’re fishing with an 8 weight rod.
The Gear
Shaw provides top notch gear including Loomis rods equips with Hardy reels and custom tied flies. No need to haul gear, just show up.
The saying “Your only as good as your equipment” is definitely the case when chasing bonefish. Our 2016, 18 foot flats boat is The Bossman TailSpotter. The TailSpotter is a new generation of technical poling skiff designed with shallow water tournament fishing & guide captains in mind.
Book a trip with Bullseye Bonefishing today at. https://bullseyebonefishing.com
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Budda’s Snack Shack
Budda’s Snack Shack and Liquor Store is a local outdoor, family friendly restaurant and bar. Bahamabook was told that Friday nights this is a happening place. The place to go to meet the locals.
The menu at Budda’s includes Bahamian food, American food and some Chinese. Prices are reasonable between $7.00 and $20.00 per entree.
The Feel
Budda’s just feels comfortable, like the kick off your shoes and prop your feet up comfortable. A family can sit and relax while the kids do what kids do, and the adults can sit at the bar if they wish to hob nob with the locals. The locals are a friendly but at first reserved group. One they get to know you a bit they are warm and engaging, fun to talk with.
Budda’s started the restaurant as a food truck in a customized school bus. To this day the kitchen is run from the school bus.
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Getting to Spanish Wells, Eleuthera
Spanish Wells is one of the best kept vacation secrets in the Bahamas. This video is a bunch of clips getting to the island from Harrisburg PA airport (mdt).
The round trip ticket cost in the neighborhood of $450.00.
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Winding Bay
Winding Bay is the perfect get-a-way kind of place. There are few beach goers besides the local bird population. It’s one of those kinds of places that causes the rest of the world to melt into insignificance.
A car is a must when staying in Winding Bay. I’d be willing to bet that when you make your reservations you can get the best info on who to rent a car from. If you’re in the mood to explore, I’d try to get an SUV type vehicle if possible.
The Beach
Is on the east side of the island of Eleuthera. It is a pretty deep cove that is protected from the surf by a barrier reef at it’s entrance. Even on days when the Atlantic is raging the waters of this cove remain relatively still. Toward the southern end of the beach is the remnants of an old canal that went through to a pretty large lagoon. The lagoon is easily reachable by kayak which are supplied by most of the rental homes on the beach.
Places To Stay
There are several rental homes on the beach. Many of them are designed for multiple couples to stay with all rooms being master suites. Click here
Shopping and Restaurants
This gorgeous beach is a little on the remote side, but not too far from Tarpum Bay and Rock Sound. Both villages offer pretty decent grocery shopping and a few local restaurants.
On Front Street in Tarpum Bay there is a young lady making a local delicacy called “Conch Salad.” Which is said by the locals to have many healthy benefits. It is very tasty! Be sure to let the young lady know of your preference for heat (the spicy kind), and she will make the Conch Salad to your preference.
Berthas Go Go Ribs is another stop you’ll need to make if you enjoy barbecue. The rids are smoked over a local hardwood and are served with Bahamian side dishes. Berthas is located on the hill entering Tarpum Bay from the south or Winding Bay direction.
In Rock Sound Sammy’s place is a local staple. Located in the center of the village it draws a lot of local foot traffic. It’s also one of the places folks from the north of Eleuthera will stop to eat if they are “down south” for business.
Things to do
The noonday sun here in the Bahamas can be a bit brutal, so midday makes a good time to get off the beach to do something else.
In Rock Sound there are two Blue Holes. The one called Ocean Hole, located dead center of Rock Sound is the local swimming hole. It is also a fun place to take some stale bread to feed to the fish in the Blue Hole. The fish are so used to being fed in this way that they gather round the steps as soon as your feet hit the steps. They feed quite aggressively and is fun to watch. It is not permitted to fish in Ocean Hole. The other Blue Hole is located on the southern end of Rock Sound. It is called Boiling Hole by the locals, probably due to the bubbles constantly breaking the surface of the water. The tidal flow in and out of this Blue Hole are not sufficient to keep the water from stagnating, which is probably the cause of the bubbling water.
Winding Bay is tailor made for fly fishermen. While your travel companions are busy with the beach, grab your fly rod and go for a walk. There are Bones that run the bay and offer good opportunities for a cast. There are also predatory fish such a Jack that have the habit of forcing bait fish toward the beach while feeding on them. Back toward the lagoon mentioned earlier, there is a kind of back water place where a pretty large shoal of Bonefish run. There are some monsters in that group. Fishing from the kayak around the reef at the entrance of the cove is also exciting. Pulling a rattle bait behind the Kayak will get you some strikes from the predatory fish around that reef.
Doing nothing is also another good option. It is not at all hard to just relax and accept the beauty of this idyllic cove.
Getting to Winding Bay
The best way to get here is by air. The Airport code at Rock Sound is RSD. The most efficient way to get here is to book through the Bahamasair booking system. Here
