Spanish Water

Spaanse Water is a branching lagoon connected to the sea by a single narrow channel, which makes it flat water in all conditions and the natural anchorage for the island's yachts and the base for its sailing clubs. Mangroves line much of the inner shore and small islands sit in the middle, some of them used at weekends. Kayaks, paddleboards and small boats are hired around the edge, and the channel out leads to Caracas Bay.

What you'll find

• The lagoon - a branching body of flat water behind a single narrow channel.
• The anchorage - the yachts and sailing clubs the lagoon is known for.
• The mangroves - the vegetated inner shore, paddled by kayak.
• The islands - the small cays in the middle used at weekends.

When to go

Year round; the water is flat in all conditions. Weekends are busy with local boats. Mornings are calmest for paddling.

Before you go

Much of the shore is private property and access points are limited. Water quality in the inner arms is variable. There is no beach on the lagoon itself.

Nearby

Caracas Bay is at the channel mouth, and Jan Thiel Beach is east.