Spanish Wells Yacht Haven

Marina facilities & services

Spanish Wells Yacht Haven provides 30 fixed slips in a well-protected harbour, with depths reaching 11 to 12 feet at high tide. Shore power ranges from 30 to 100 amps in both single and three-phase configurations, all metered. Reverse osmosis water is available at each slip.

On-site amenities include showers, laundry facilities, ice, and a swimming pool. Wreckers dockside restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, with Starbucks coffee on hand. Golf cart rentals through the front desk make exploring the settlement easy.

The Spanish Wells community

Spanish Wells takes its name from the freshwater wells that Spanish galleons once used to replenish their supplies. Today the settlement of around 1,600 residents is remarkably prosperous, built on generations of commercial fishing expertise. Local fishermen pioneered the use of crawfish condos to harvest spiny lobster, transforming the community into one of the wealthiest per capita in the Bahamas.

The narrow streets are lined with well-kept homes and businesses, and the pace is unhurried and friendly. A short walk reaches grocery stores, a marine store, hardware supplies, and the post office.

Boatyard & repair services

Spanish Wells is regarded as one of the top islands outside Nassau and Freeport for boat and engine repair. R&B Boatyard, located nearby, operates a syncrolift capable of hauling catamarans up to 28 feet wide and monohulls to 90 feet or 120 tons. The facility stocks Eleuthera's largest marine store, carrying repair and maintenance supplies from major brands.

For cruisers needing service work, the combination of Yacht Haven's protected dockage and nearby boatyard expertise makes Spanish Wells a practical extended stop.

Flats fishing & exploration

The waters surrounding Spanish Wells rank among the finest flats fishing grounds in the Bahamas. The Dutch Bars and surrounding shallows draw bonefishing enthusiasts from around the world. Blue holes, tidal cuts, and the barrier reef system offer diverse snorkelling and diving opportunities within easy reach by dinghy or small boat.

The marina serves as an ideal base for day trips to the Devil's Backbone reef, the Royal Island anchorage, and the dramatic Glass Window Bridge where the Atlantic meets the Caribbean.

Getting there

Spanish Wells lies off the northwestern tip of Eleuthera, accessed via narrow channels that require careful navigation. Most cruisers approach from the east through Devil's Backbone or from the western channels. The Yacht Haven is located about one mile in from the eastern channel entrance on the north side of the harbour. North Eleuthera International Airport is accessible for crew changes and provisioning flights.

Frequently asked questions

Is Spanish Wells Yacht Haven a port of entry?

Yes. Spanish Wells Yacht Haven is an official Bahamas port of entry. Customs and Immigration can be reached at 242-333-4760, located at the freight dock, though cruising boats should clear at the Yacht Haven.

Is fuel available at Spanish Wells Yacht Haven?

The marina does not have fuel on-site, but fuel is available nearby in the Spanish Wells settlement. The marina can assist with arranging fuel delivery or directing you to the closest fuel dock.

What is Spanish Wells known for?

Spanish Wells is known as the lobster capital of the Bahamas, with one of the largest fishing fleets in the Caribbean. Local fishermen pioneered crawfish harvesting techniques that transformed the settlement into one of the most prosperous communities in the islands.