Nassau to Spanish Wells Ferry

Your weekend escape to the REAL Bahamas - where locals vacation!

Hey there, I'm Mark! After 12 years of weekend trips to Spanish Wells with my family (and trying every possible way to get there), I'm spilling all the secrets. This ain't your touristy Harbour Island scene - Spanish Wells is where Bahamians go to chill, catch lobster, and enjoy beaches that'll make you forget Instagram exists!

Ferry Service
M/V Bo Hengy III
Weekend Only
Friday - Sunday
Travel Time
2 hours 10 minutes
Round Trip
From $115

Your Ferry to Fishing Paradise

The only regular service from Nassau to Spanish Wells

Nassau → Spanish Wells Direct

Bahamas Ferries - M/V Bo Hengy III

WEEKENDS ONLY
Departure from Nassau
8:00 AM
Check-in Time
6:30 AM
Arrival Spanish Wells
10:10 AM
Return Departure
3:30 PM
Adult Round Trip
$115-155
Child (2-11)
$85-110

Real Talk: That 6:30 AM check-in? They ain't kidding! I've watched folks stroll up at 7:45 thinking they're good - NOPE! The ferry leaves at 8 sharp, and Potter's Cay traffic is unpredictable. Pro move: Get there at 6:15, grab some johnny cake from the vendors, and relax knowing you're good to go.

Why Spanish Wells Hits Different

This ain't your average Bahamas tourist trap

Lobster Capital

Spanish Wells feeds the entire Bahamas with lobster. These folks are RICH from fishing, not tourism. That means authentic vibes, no pushy vendors, just genuine island life. Plus, lobster's cheaper here than anywhere else!

Beaches Without Crowds

North Beach stretches for miles with sand so white it hurts your eyes. At low tide, you can walk out quarter-mile sandbars. Best part? You might see 5 other people all day. This is what the Bahamas looked like before cruise ships.

Golf Cart Paradise

Nobody drives cars here - it's all golf carts, baby! Rent one for $60/day and cruise the whole island in 20 minutes. Kids can drive (supervised), dogs ride shotgun, and nobody's in a hurry. Island time is REAL here.

Conch Salad Heaven

Forget Nassau's tourist prices - here you get the BEST conch salad for half the cost. The lady at the dock? She's been making it for 20 years. Watch her crack that conch fresh, add some bird pepper, and boom - paradise in a bowl!

New England Meets Caribbean

The architecture here is wild - looks like someone transported a Maine fishing village to the tropics. White picket fences, colonial houses, but with palm trees and turquoise water. It's like a Bahamian Nantucket, minus the attitude.

World-Class Fishing

Bonefish here average 4-6 pounds, but 10-15 pounders are common! Deep sea, reef fishing, spearfishing - whatever your thing, Spanish Wells delivers. Local captains know every spot and actually want you to catch fish.

Insider Tips from 50+ Trips

The stuff nobody tells you (but should)

The Early Bird Gets the Seat

Listen up - this ferry sells out on holiday weekends FAST. Easter? Forget about it unless you book weeks ahead. Summer Fridays? Gone by Wednesday. Call Bahamas Ferries directly at (242) 323-2166 - their online system is sketchy. Ask for Keisha, tell her Mark sent you, she'll hook you up with the real availability.

Food Strategy That Works

The ferry has a snack bar, but it's basic and pricey. Grab breakfast at Potter's Cay - the fish sandwich guy near the ticket booth? LEGENDARY. For the ride, bring water and snacks. Once in Spanish Wells, hit up Papa Scoops for lunch - their cracked conch is stupid good. For groceries, Food Fair has everything, prices aren't bad considering it's an island.

Where to Crash

Hotels? Nah, Spanish Wells is all about vacation rentals. Check VRBO and Airbnb - tons of options from $150-400/night. Pro tip: Russell Island (connected by bridge) has cheaper rentals with the same vibe. Spanish Wells Yacht Haven is the only "resort" - nice but pricey. For the real experience, rent a house with a dock and golf cart included.

Money Matters

Bring CASH! There's one ATM on the island and it runs out on weekends. Most places take cards now, but fish vendors, golf cart rentals, and local restaurants are cash only. US dollars work everywhere. Don't expect change for $100 bills - break 'em in Nassau. Tipping? 15-20% at restaurants, $5-10 for boat captains per trip.

The Return Trip Reality

That 3:30 PM return? It's the ONLY one. Miss it and you're stuck till Friday (not the worst problem, honestly). Get to the dock by 3:00 PM - they start boarding early. Sunday returns are PACKED with Nassau folks heading home. Grab a seat on the upper deck if you can - better views, less crowded, and you can actually enjoy the ride back.

Weather Wisdom

The crossing can get choppy, especially in winter. If you're prone to seasickness, take Dramamine BEFORE boarding - once you're queasy, it's too late. Sit in the middle of the boat, lower deck, and look at the horizon. Summer's usually glass smooth, but afternoon thunderstorms can delay returns. Check weather before you go - they'll cancel for serious storms.

Your Spanish Wells Weekend Playbook

How to live like a local (even if just for a weekend)

Friday Night Arrival

Check into your rental, grab that golf cart, and head straight to The Shipyard for sunset. Friday night fish fry with live music - locals and visitors mixing it up. Order the grouper, trust me. Stay for the band, they usually rock till midnight.

Saturday Beach Day

North Beach at low tide is MAGICAL. Those sandbars go forever. Pack a cooler, bring a football, spend the whole day. Around 2 PM, cruise to Russell Island Beach - different vibe, perfect shells. Dinner at Wreckers, sit outside, watch the boats come in.

Sunday Funday

Hit the Spanish Wells Museum ($10, worth it for the history). Grab lunch at Buddha's Snack Shack - the fish tacos are insane. Before the 3:30 ferry, stop at the dock for fresh lobster to take home. Way cheaper than Nassau, and the guys will pack it in ice for the trip.

Ready for Your Spanish Wells Adventure?

Trust me, once you go, you'll be planning your next trip on the ferry ride back!

Book Your Ferry Now Call (242) 323-2166