Each summer, as the water warms around the northern tip of Eleuthera, a distinct crowd starts booking flights to North Eleuthera Airport. They’re not coming for the resort pools or the pink-sand beaches. They’re coming for the start of lobster season on August 1, when Spanish Wells — a tiny settlement on an island just off Eleuthera’s north coast — earns its nickname as the “Lobster Capital” of the Bahamas. The town’s working waterfront, where lobster traps stack high on docks and the smell of salt and diesel mixes in the morning air, signals that this is a place built around what lives beneath the surface.
Spearfishing in the Bahamas is limited to snorkeling or freediving — scuba gear and air compressors are not permitted, and spearguns are illegal in favor of pole spears and Hawaiian slings.
Spanish Wells isn’t a spur-of-the-moment destination. The spearfishing season is excellent, but the logistics — separate fishing permits, cruising fees, and strict no-spearfishing zones around Eleuthera — require advance planning. If you can navigate the rules, you’ll find some of the clearest water and best lobster grounds in the Bahamas.
This article covers why Spanish Wells draws spearfishing divers during the season, what you can target, and the practical steps you need to take before you drop in. It’s written for experienced freedivers and first-timers alike, though the regulations tilt toward those who come prepared.
| Target Species | Season | Best Technique | Typical Depth | Key Tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lobster (Crawfish) | Aug 1 – Mar 31 | Pole spear or hand catch | 10–40 ft | Focus on rocky ledges and coral heads; check each hole before reaching in. |
| Hogfish | Year-round (peak Feb–Mar & Jun–Aug) | Hawaiian sling | 20–60 ft | Hogfish are curious — pause and wait; they often swim toward you. |
| Snapper (Lane, Mutton, Yellowtail) | Year-round | Pole spear | 15–50 ft | Schooling near reef edges; approach slowly at an angle to avoid spooking them. |
| Grouper (Black, Nassau) | Year-round (Nassau grouper closed Dec–Feb) | Hawaiian sling | 30–80 ft | Nassau grouper is closed Dec–Feb; check local closures before targeting. |
| Conch | Year-round | Hand collection | 5–30 ft | Harvest only conch with a well-formed shell lip; conch is a mollusk, not a fish. |
Why Spanish Wells Is the Lobster Capital
Spanish Wells sits on a small island off the northern tip of Eleuthera, and its name comes from the freshwater wells dug by Spanish sailors centuries ago. Today, the economy revolves around lobster. The commercial fleet works the banks year-round, but for recreational spearfishermen, the season officially opens August 1 and runs through March 31. That opening window — August through early fall — coincides with the warmest water and the best visibility, often exceeding 80 feet on calm days.
What sets Spanish Wells apart is the proximity of productive grounds. Within a 10-minute boat ride from the harbor, you can reach patch reefs in 15 to 40 feet of water where lobster hole up under ledges and in coral crevices. The current can run hard on the outer banks, so a good pair of freediving fins — longer blades help conserve energy on deeper dives — makes a real difference. The water temperature in August hovers around 82°F, but a 3mm wetsuit is still a good idea for warmth between dives and protection from coral and jellyfish.
One important restriction to know: spearfishing is not allowed within 200 yards of any Out Island, and that includes all of Eleuthera. You can spearfish in the waters around Spanish Wells itself, but you must stay outside that 200-yard buffer from the island’s shoreline. Most charter captains know the exact boundaries, but if you’re going out on your own, study the charts carefully. Also, no spearfishing is permitted in National Marine Parks — the nearest protected area is the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, well south of Spanish Wells, but it’s worth confirming boundaries before you head out.
If you’re short on time or the weather turns, consider prioritizing the inner patch reefs near Russell Island, just west of Spanish Wells. The water stays calmer there, and the lobster population holds well through the season. Skip the outer banks if the wind kicks up above 15 knots — the current becomes difficult to manage on a freedive.
Beyond lobster, the waters around Spanish Wells hold a variety of year-round targets worth chasing.
Hogfish and Snapper: Year-Round Targets
While lobster drives the season, hogfish is the iconic reef fish of the Caribbean, and Spanish Wells has a healthy population. Hogfish are available year-round, with peak seasons in February–March and June–August. They tend to hover around reef edges and sandy patches, often in 20 to 60 feet of water. Unlike skittish snapper, hogfish are curious — if you pause and wait at the surface after spotting one, it will often swim toward you, giving you a clean shot with a Hawaiian sling.
Snapper species — Lane, Mutton, Yellowtail, and Queen — school near the same reef structures. A pole spear with a single-barb tip works well for snapper; aim for the head or just behind the gill plate to avoid losing the fish in a crevice. Mutton snapper run larger, often exceeding 10 pounds, and tend to hold a bit deeper, around 40 to 60 feet.
Conch is another option during lobster trips. You’ll find them crawling along sandy patches between the reefs. Harvest only conch with a well-formed shell lip — that indicates a mature animal. Conch is a mollusk, not a fish, so the same spearfishing permit covers it, but check the size and bag limits with your charter operator.
On the hogfish grounds off the northwest side of Spanish Wells, the best action is often at the edge of the drop-off around 11 a.m., after the morning current slackens. That’s when hogfish move out of the deeper sand to feed along the reef crest.
If you’re new to spearfishing, many Spanish Wells charters will work with beginners. Before the trip, the captain will demonstrate how to load and handle a pole spear or Hawaiian sling — both are legal in the Bahamas, while spearguns are not. Expect to spend the first part of the day in shallower water, around 15 to 25 feet, until you’re comfortable with breath-hold and shot placement.
Grouper: Bigger Fish, Tighter Rules
Black grouper and Nassau grouper are both present around Spanish Wells, but the regulations are stricter. Nassau grouper is closed to harvest from December through February to protect spawning aggregations. Outside that window, they can be taken with a Hawaiian sling or pole spear. They tend to hold in deeper ledges, 30 to 80 feet, and require a solid freedive. Black grouper are less common but larger — some exceed 20 pounds — and they often sit tight against the bottom, waiting for an ambush.
Grouper are slow to reproduce, so consider taking only what you’ll eat that day. The local guides appreciate that ethic, and it keeps the population healthy for future seasons.
Gear You’ll Need for Spanish Wells Spearfishing
Spearfishing in the Bahamas means freediving only — scuba gear and air compressors are not permitted. That changes the gear list compared to a typical dive trip. A low-volume mask reduces mask squeeze and helps conserve air on deeper breath-holds. A 3mm wetsuit is standard for warmth and protection; even in August, multiple dives in 82°F water will cool you down. A weight belt helps you stay submerged without fighting buoyancy — start with 4 to 6 pounds and adjust based on your wetsuit thickness.
Freediving fins are worth the investment. Longer blades (28 to 32 inches) generate more thrust per kick, saving energy on deeper dives and when fighting current. For weapons, a pole spear with a single-barb tip is the most versatile for lobster and snapper. A Hawaiian sling is a good alternative for hogfish and grouper, offering more range and power. Gloves protect your hands from coral and line cuts — surfing gloves work fine.
If you’re looking to capture your dives, a compact action camera like the DJI Osmo Action 6 Bundle handles underwater footage well, with 8K video and stabilization that smooths out surge. The bundle includes extra batteries and a 64GB card, which helps on long days on the water. For a 360° perspective, the Insta360 X5 gives you the option to shoot first and frame later — useful when a hogfish appears from an unexpected angle.
Heads up: some links here are affiliate links — costs you nothing extra, earns us a small commission. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
A dive computer that doubles as a smartwatch, like the Garmin Descent Mk3i, is useful for tracking depth and bottom time across multiple dives. It’s rated to 200 meters and includes air integration if you eventually dive on scuba elsewhere. For surface navigation, the Garmin Fenix 8 Solar offers multi-sport GPS and a built-in flashlight — handy for early-morning boat launches.
Lionfish are an invasive species in the Bahamas and can be speared without limit. They carry venomous spines, so handle them carefully — use a dedicated catch bag and cut the spines before cleaning. Spanish Wells guides often encourage removing lionfish on sight.
Practical Section: Permits, Fees, and Logistics
Spearfishing in Spanish Wells requires more than just a plane ticket. The Bahamas government introduced updated cruising and fishing permit fees in 2025, and they apply to private vessels and charters alike.
| Permit / Fee | Cost | Who Needs It | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cruising Permit (≤34 ft) | $500 | Private vessels | Covers two entries within 30 days; up from $300 |
| Cruising Permit (35–100 ft) | $3,000 | Private vessels | Up from $1,000 |
| Fishing Permit | $100 | All spearfishing / fishing | Required separately from cruising permit |
| Passenger Fee | $30/person | Non-residents over age 3 | Added to cruising permit fee |
| 2-Year Digital Cruising Card (≤34 ft) | $2,500 | Frequent visitors | Covers multiple trips |
Getting to Spanish Wells
Most visitors fly into North Eleuthera Airport (ELH), which has daily flights from Nassau and Fort Lauderdale. From there, it’s a 10-minute taxi to the ferry dock, then a short ferry ride across the channel to Spanish Wells. If you’re bringing your own gear — fins, masks, pole spears — pack them in a hard-sided case; the ferry ride is short but can be wet in choppy conditions.
Where to Stay
Accommodation on Spanish Wells itself is limited to small guesthouses and vacation rentals. Most spearfishing visitors base themselves on the north end of Eleuthera — in Gregory Town or Alice Town — and take a day boat across. If you’re still weighing which side of the island to sleep on, this interactive map of Eleuthera’s hotels and rentals makes it easier to compare against the harbor or the trailhead.
Best Time to Go
The spearfishing season peaks from August through October, when the water is warmest and visibility is highest. Hurricane season runs June through November, so monitor forecasts closely if you book in September or October. Tourist season (mid-December through April) brings higher prices and more boat traffic, but the water stays clear and the lobster season is still open.
If you’re arriving by private vessel 50 feet or longer, your AIS must be active at all times. Non-compliance carries a $1,000 fine. Also, anchoring fees outside marinas run $200 to $1,500 depending on vessel category — factor that into your budget.
Before You Go: Spanish Wells Spearfishing Questions Answered
Can I use a speargun in Spanish Wells?
No. Spearguns are illegal throughout the Bahamas. The only permitted weapons are pole spears, Hawaiian slings, and occasionally Portuguese slings. Most charters provide these, but if you bring your own, make sure it’s a pole spear or sling.
Do I need a fishing permit for spearfishing?
Yes. A separate fishing permit costs $100 and is required for spearfishing or targeting snapper, wahoo, or tuna. It’s in addition to any cruising permit. Your charter operator may handle this, but confirm before you arrive.
Is spearfishing allowed near Spanish Wells itself?
Yes, but not within 200 yards of the island’s shoreline. The same 200-yard buffer applies to all Out Islands, including Eleuthera. Stick to the patch reefs and banks farther out, and your charter captain will know the legal zones.
What’s the best way to get gear to Spanish Wells?
Fly into North Eleuthera Airport and take the short ferry across. Pack fins, masks, and pole spears in a hard-sided case. A compact action camera fits easily in a carry-on. A leather slim backpack with a laptop compartment works well as a personal item for documents and electronics.
What if I’m a beginner?
Many Spanish Wells charters work with beginners. The captain will demonstrate equipment use and start you in shallow water. Expect to focus on breath-hold technique and shot placement before moving to deeper ledges. A low-volume mask and freediving fins make the learning curve easier.
The Real Draw of Spanish Wells
What makes Spanish Wells worth the logistics is the combination of clear water, healthy reef structure, and a working fishing community that understands the resource. The lobster season opener in August isn’t a tourist event — it’s the start of the local calendar, when families and guides head out before dawn to work the same banks they’ve fished for generations. For a spearfisherman, that means you’re not just hunting in good water; you’re learning from people who know exactly where the ledges drop and where the current pushes the fish. If that kind of local knowledge appeals to you, it’s worth planning a trip around the season. For more ideas on Bahamas adventures, check out how to island-hop between Eleuthera and the Exumas on a single trip.
References
FishingBooker. “Spearfishing in the Bahamas: Where to Go, What to Catch, and More.” FishingBooker Blog, 2025. ↗
Bahamas Ministry of Tourism. “Fishing and Cruising Regulations 2025.” Government of the Bahamas, 2025. ↗
If you’re planning a longer Bahamas trip, the jet ski safari through Nassau Harbor offers a very different kind of adrenaline, while Long Island’s hidden caves provide a quieter alternative for days when you want to stay dry. And if you’re curious about the underwater scenery from a different angle, the Bimini wreck dive is worth a look for wreck enthusiasts.
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