Fishing attracts countless visitors to the Harbour Island and Eleuthera region, thanks to ideal conditions that consistently draw anglers and sportfishing enthusiasts from around the world. The area regularly hosts internationally recognized fishing tournaments, further boosting its appeal. In particular, Floridians frequently travel to The Bahamas to indulge in one of their favorite pastimes—fishing in Harbour Island, where the waters are among the clearest and most bountiful in the Caribbean.
Beyond recreational fishing, the region—particularly Spanish Wells—is deeply rooted in commercial fishing, serving as one of the most active and productive fishing communities in the entire country. Spanish Wells is often considered the fishing capital of the Bahamas.
Spanish Wells, located on St. George’s Cay and reachable by boat from Harbour Island in about 45 minutes, is the cornerstone of The Bahamas’ spiny lobster fishery. Navigating to Spanish Wells requires care due to the presence of numerous coral reefs, but the journey rewards visitors with an authentic and culturally rich experience.
This small but vibrant town is home to a community of white Bahamians whose families have lived on the island for generations. It is a destination well worth exploring—not only for its charm, but also for its vital role in the national fishing economy.
The spiny lobster industry is the lifeblood of Spanish Wells, with local fishermen contributing significantly to the more than 6 million pounds of lobster exported annually, primarily to markets in the United States and Europe. Fishing trips are often extensive, with large vessels deploying smaller dinghies to increase efficiency and reach more remote areas of the sea.
In addition to lobster, Spanish Wells fishermen harvest a variety of premium seafood including:
These catches support both local consumption and international exports, making fishing a critical pillar of the community’s economy and way of life.
