Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make a reservation? Making a reservation is a simple process. To hold your dates for ten days we request that you do the following.
First - print, complete and sign the rental agreement found on the Rental Info tab of this web site.
Second - write a deposit check for 50% of total rental amount.
Third - scan both the rental agreement and deposit check and email the scanned images to jpbrandon@hotmail.com.
Upon receipt of your email, your tentative reservation will be held for ten days to allow you time to mail the original, signed rental agreement and check to: Palm 22 Bahamas LTD, 6 Cattail Court, Stafford, VA 22554. When received, your requested dates will be entered into the VRBO online calendar and you will receive an email confirming your reservation.

How do I get to Spanish Wells? Most locals and visitors fly into North Eleuthera International Airport (ELH) and then arrange for short van/ferry ride to Spanish Wells. The van and ferry ride usually takes less than 30 minutes total. Another option is to fly into Nassau and take the Fast Ferry (AKA Bo Hengy) to Spanish Wells. Getting from the airport to the fast ferry and then to Spanish Wells will take more than three hours traveling from Nassau. Departing at 8:00am from Nassau the Bo Hengy only makes one trip per day to Spanish Wells. The telephone number and website for the ferry is 242-323-2166 and bahamasferries.com.

Where is the property located? Palm 22 is located on 12th Street directly on the beach. The location can be seen, via Google maps, by following the link below and scrolling to the bottom of the page.
Palm 22 Cottage

What type of electricity is available in the beach cottage? The electricity is the same as the US; 120 volt, 60 Hertz. You will not need converters if you are coming from the US or Canada. Electricity is very expensive so a $300 allowance for energy consumption is included in the rental rate.

What time zone is Spanish Wells in? Eastern Standard Time.

What Currency is used on the island? Both Bahamian and US currency is accepted throughout Spanish Wells. The Bahamian currency is similar to US denominations however you cannot buy or exchange Bahamian money at US banks. On the Island you can pay for things in US dollars and the merchant will likely give you change in Bahamian money. The exchange rate is generally one for one.

Do merchants on Spanish Wells accept credit cards? Many stores in Spanish Wells take credit cards but it is wise to bring enough cash for those vendor and services that don’t take credit cards. There is a Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) in the center of the island by the Food Fair Grocery Store. The RBC will exchange money for a fee and they have an ATM machine.

Does the cottage have telephone and internet service? Yes, both. We have a Vonage telephone that can be used to call numbers in the US for free. Calling someone on Spanish Wells is a long distance connection and guests are asked to avoid that if possible. A high-speed wireless Internet connection is available in the cottage. There is no computer in the cottage so bring your own if you want to access the web.

Who do you recommend for transportation to and from the airport?It is best to make transportation arrangements through our caretaker, Johnny Underwood. There are several options available on the island and he can help you set up the most cost effective means to get from the airport to Spanish Wells. Johnny’s number is 1-242-333-4575.
**If for some reason you have difficulty getting in touch with Johnny you can contact Calvin Pinder directly.** He owns and operates a transportation service, is highly reliable and charges a reasonable rate. Call Mr. Pinder on 1-242-333-4068 a couple of days before you arrive to make arrangements. When contacting either Johnny or Calvin for transportation please be prepared to provide the names of the travelers and flight information.

What do I do when I get to the dock on Spanish Wells? Johnny Underwood will meet you at the dock and lead you to the house. If you have rented a golf cart from him he will have it waiting for you at the dock.

How do I get around on Spanish Wells? Visitors often walk, rent bikes or use golf carts for transportation. The cottage caretaker, Johnny Underwood, has daily and weekly golf cart rental available. Johnny’s phone number is 1-242-333-4575

Is alcohol sold on Spanish Wells? Yes, in 2013 Spanish Wells was approved to dispense and sell alcohol. It is now available in some restaurants and a gentleman named Buddha has set up a shop on 12th street near the center of the island. There is also a liquor store at the dock in Jeans Bay on North Eleuthera that has a wide selection of beer, wine and liquor.

What do I do if I have a question or problem with the cottage? Our Caretaker, Johnny Underwood, will be available throughout your stay to answer questions or address any problems that you may have with the property. Johnny’s phone number is 1-242-333-4575.

Are there grocery stores on the island? Yes, there are two grocery stores. The largest is the Food Fair, which is less than a half-mile from the beach cottage. The other grocery store is called Pinder’s Supermarket, which is located on the harbor side of the island.

Are there any bakeries on the island? Yes, Kathy’s Bakery is located across from the Food Fair. She sells exceptionally good homemade bread, desserts, etc.

What side of the road do people drive on? The left side! This is very important for drivers and pedestrians. Remember to look both ways before you step off the curb.

What is available at the cottage for the beach? An assortment of beach towels, Adirondack chairs and a sea kayak is available for guest use.

Can you drink the water out of the tap? Yes, many locals do; however most guests drink bottled water. There will be several bottles in the cottage when you arrive. We ask that guests replace what they use during their stay. To order bottles, call Bobby Robson at 1-242-333-4704. Leave the empty bottles on the porch along with payment, which is $5 per bottle. Bobby will pick up the empties and will deliver the number of bottles requested.

What do I do with garbage?  Put garbage in the white can at the end of the driveway. There is no regular schedule for trash but it is normally collected several times during the week.

Are there restaurants on Spanish Wells? Yes, there are at least five on the island. The names are; The Gap, Diner’s Delight, Eagles Landing, Marina Restaurant and the Ship Yard. Most are either closed on Sunday or have limited hours. There are also small stands set up by local women at lunchtime each day. They sell a variety of lunch items and desserts that are very good.

How do I get to Harbor Island? There are a couple transportation options to get to Harbor Island. The Bo Hengy offers roundtrip service on a daily basis. Tickets for the fast ferry are sold at the Sea Life Bahamas building by the government dock. Cost is about $40 per person, round trip. Although the trip on the Bo Hengy is expedient and comfortable you will only have about three and half hours to visit Harbour Island traveling on the Bo Hengy. The Bo Hengy leaves Spanish Wells at about 10:25am and departs Harbour Island at about 3:40pm. The telephone number and website for the ferry is 1-242-323-2166 and bahamasferries.com.

Is there anything to do on Russell Island? Not much. It has homes, marinas and farms but no shops, stores or restaurants.

What do I do when I leave? It would be greatly appreciated if you put your remaining garbage out, leave keys to house on kitchen counter or give them to Johnny Underwood and close the valve on the grill’s propane tank if you used it. 

How do I contact the owner? If you need help planning your trip or there is a situation while you are on the island that can’t be resolved by the caretaker, please contact Joe Brandon on his cell phone (202)-437-5499 or email jpbrandon@hotmail.com