Unforgettable Experiences in Spanish Wells: Tours, Hidden Gems, and Sunset Spots (2026 Guide)
- Cari
- 20 hours ago
- 5 min read
If you're dreaming of turquoise water, uncrowded beaches, and authentic Bahamian charm, Spanish Wells should be at the top of your travel list.
Unlike many Caribbean destinations filled with large resorts and cruise ship crowds, Spanish Wells offers something much rarer. Here, you'll find friendly locals who wave as you drive by, miles of crystal clear shallow water, hidden sandbars, incredible boating adventures, and sunsets that make you forget to check your phone.
After spending a week exploring every corner of the island, these are the experiences we believe every visitor should add to their itinerary.
Whether you're planning your first trip or returning to one of our favorite islands in The Bahamas, here's our guide to the most unforgettable things to do in Spanish Wells in 2026.
1. Spend a Full Day on the Water with Jackson's Charters
If we could only recommend one experience in Spanish Wells, this would be it.
Our day with Jackson's Charters wasn't just the highlight of our trip. It ranks among our favorite experiences anywhere in The Bahamas.
Every charter is customized around the weather and tides, meaning no two days are exactly alike. Depending on conditions, your adventure may include:
Hidden sandbars
The famous swings in the middle of the ocean
Swimming pigs
Sea turtles
Stingrays
Remote beaches
Dolphins, if you're lucky
Many of these places simply can't be reached by land, making a boat day the best way to experience the breathtaking waters surrounding Spanish Wells.
Saltlife Family Tip: Schedule your boat day early in your vacation. If weather changes, you'll have flexibility to move it later in the week.
2. Walk the Famous 20th Street Sandbar
Some places almost feel too beautiful to be real. The 20th Street Sandbar is one of them. At low tide, a winding sandbar stretches nearly a third of a mile into the turquoise water before curving back toward shore. The water remains ankle to knee deep nearly the entire way, making it one of the most unique walks you'll ever take. Unlike many famous sandbars across The Bahamas, this one often feels completely empty. Bring your camera. You'll probably fill your memory card before you make it back to shore.
3. Spend the Day at Russell Island Beach
Sometimes the best beach isn't the most famous one.
Connected to Spanish Wells by a short bridge, Russell Island offers one of the quietest beaches we've found anywhere in The Bahamas.
The water is calm.
The sand is powdery white.
The crowds are practically nonexistent.
Bring a cooler, beach chairs, and a good book because you'll probably end up staying much longer than you planned.
4. Explore the Island by Golf Cart
Spanish Wells is one of those places where getting around becomes part of the vacation.
Golf carts are the primary mode of transportation, and exploring the island this way is half the fun.
Cruise colorful residential streets.
Stop whenever the water catches your eye.
Grab fresh pastries.
Wave to locals.
Then keep driving.
The island is small enough that you'll quickly feel like you know your way around, yet every turn seems to reveal another beautiful view.
Reserve your golf cart before arriving so it's waiting when your ferry docks. We use Spanish Wells Rentals
5. Take a Day Trip to Harbour Island
One of the best things about staying in Spanish Wells is its proximity to Harbour Island.
Hop over for the day and experience:
Pink Sand Beach
Dunmore Town's colorful streets
Boutique shopping
Horseback riding along the famous pink sand
Friday Fish Fry at Valentine's Resort if you're visiting on a Friday
We especially loved horseback riding on Pink Sand Beach. It's one of those experiences you'll remember forever.
6. Kayak Through Crystal Clear Water
Spanish Wells is made for kayaking.
The protected harbor stays remarkably calm, making it ideal for beginners while still offering incredible scenery. Early mornings are especially beautiful when the water looks like polished glass. If your vacation rental includes kayaks or paddleboards, don't miss the opportunity to get out on the water.
7. Visit One of the Island's Best Hidden Gems
Ponderosa Shell & Gift Shop is much more than a souvenir store.
Owned by local artist and photographer Delroy Sweeting, it's filled with handcrafted shell artwork and beautiful island photography.
It's exactly the kind of locally owned business we love supporting while traveling.
Many visitors never even discover it.
8. Experience Local Bahamian Food
One of our favorite parts of visiting Spanish Wells was eating where the locals eat.
Some of our favorite restaurants included:
Sandbar Bar & Grill
Budda's Snack Shack
Lindy's Corner Kitchen
Wreckers
The Shipyard
Mae Blossoms Paradise
J's Conch Shack
Don't leave without trying:
Fresh conch salad
Cracked conch
Fresh seafood
Homemade Bahamian desserts
Fresh conch salad prepared right in front of you is an experience all by itself.
9. Hire a Private Chef
One evening, skip the restaurant entirely.
Several talented local chefs offer private dining experiences inside your vacation rental.
Imagine watching the sunset while someone else prepares fresh seafood and authentic Bahamian dishes just for your family.
It makes birthdays, anniversaries, or family vacations even more memorable.
10. Discover North & Central Eleuthera
If you're staying longer than a few days, dedicate one day to exploring nearby Eleuthera.
Some of our favorite stops included:
Sapphire Blue Hole
Glass Window Bridge
Preacher's Cave
Tay Bay Beach
French Leave Beach
It's an easy day trip that lets you experience another side of Eleuthera while returning to Spanish Wells for the evening.
Where to Watch the Best Sunsets in Spanish Wells
One thing we weren't expecting?
Just how incredible the sunsets would be.
Our favorite sunset spots include:
Russell Island Beach - Quiet, peaceful, and perfect for an evening swim.
Wreckers - Stay after dinner and watch the harbor light up as the sun disappears below the horizon. Wednesday Sushi Night is especially popular.
Why We Fell in Love with Spanish Wells
Spanish Wells isn't flashy.
It doesn't have giant resorts.
There aren't endless rows of beach chairs.
Instead, it offers something much harder to find.
Peace.
You'll spend your mornings walking empty beaches.
Your afternoons floating in water so clear it hardly looks real.
Your evenings watching another incredible sunset with people who quickly feel like friends.
It's the kind of place that reminds you vacations don't have to be busy to be unforgettable.
In fact, slowing down might just become your favorite activity.
Planning Your Trip?
If you're planning a trip to Spanish Wells, don't spend hours piecing together information from Facebook groups and dozens of blogs.
Our Ultimate Guide to Spanish Wells (Deluxe Edition) includes everything you need to plan an unforgettable vacation, including:
A complete 7 day itinerary
Where to stay for every budget
Our favorite restaurants
Hidden beaches and local gems
Boat charter recommendations
Ferry and transportation information
Contact information for local businesses
Insider tips we wish we knew before our first visit
👉 Get your copy here: https://www.thesaltlifefamily.com/product-page/the-ultimate-guide-to-spanish-wells-deluxe-edition
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best thing to do in Spanish Wells?
Without question, book a full day with Jackson's Charters. It gives you access to hidden sandbars, wildlife, secluded beaches, and some of the clearest water you'll ever see.
Is Spanish Wells worth visiting?
Absolutely. If you love uncrowded beaches, authentic island life, golf cart transportation, and crystal clear water, Spanish Wells is one of the most underrated destinations in The Bahamas.
How many days should you spend in Spanish Wells?
We recommend at least 5 to 7 days. That gives you enough time to enjoy a boat charter, relax on the beaches, visit Harbour Island, explore North Eleuthera, and still have plenty of time to simply slow down and enjoy island life.
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