Long Island
Long Island, located in the southeastern region of the Bahamas, is a slice of paradise that perfectly encapsulates the allure of the Caribbean. Stretching approximately 80 miles in length but only about four miles at its widest point, the island offers a rich tapestry of experiences that range from tranquil to thrilling. Known for its contrasting coastlines, one side of the island features soft, white sandy beaches caressed by the gentle waves of the Atlantic Ocean. In contrast, the other side offers dramatic cliffs that overlook the serene waters of the Great Bahama Bank.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Long Island in the Bahamas depends on what you're looking for in your vacation. Here's a general breakdown of what to expect throughout the year:
High Season (December - April)
Weather: Warm and dry with temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to low-80s Fahrenheit (24-28°C).
Crowds: More tourists, as this is the peak season for most Caribbean destinations.
Activities: All tourist attractions and activities are usually open.
Cost: Accommodations and flights are generally more expensive during this period.
Shoulder Season (May - June, November)
Weather: Mild and relatively dry. A good balance between the warm temperatures and avoiding the heavy rains that come later in the summer.
Crowds: Fewer tourists, making for a more relaxed atmosphere.
Activities: Most activities are still available, and you'll likely experience fewer crowds at popular spots like Dean's Blue Hole.
Cost: Prices for accommodations and flights may be more moderate compared to the high season.
Low Season (July - October)
Weather: Hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from the high-80s to low-90s Fahrenheit (31-34°C). This is also hurricane season, so there's a higher chance of storms.
Crowds: Least number of tourists, if you're looking for solitude and don't mind taking a risk with the weather.
Activities: Some businesses may be closed or have limited hours due to fewer tourists and the potential for inclement weather.
Cost: The least expensive time to visit, but keep in mind that you're trading cost for the risk of hurricanes and limited availability of some activities.
How to Get There
Getting to Long Island in the Bahamas generally involves flying, as the island doesn't have ferry services that connect it directly to the U.S., or even Nassau, the capital city of the Bahamas. Below are the most common ways to get to Long Island:
Via Nassau
Fly to Nassau: The most common route is to first fly to Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS) in Nassau, which is well-connected to various international destinations, including cities in the United States, Canada, and Europe.
Connecting Flight to Long Island: From Nassau, you can take a domestic flight to one of Long Island's two airports:
Deadman's Cay Airport (LGI) in the south
Stella Maris Airport (SML) in the north
Via Other Bahamian Islands
Some travelers prefer to explore multiple islands in the Bahamas and may arrive on Long Island as part of an island-hopping itinerary. In this case, you may find domestic flights from other Bahamian islands like Exuma or Eleuthera, although these are less frequent than flights from Nassau.
Charter Flights
If you're traveling with a group or looking for a more personalized travel experience, you can also consider chartering a flight directly to Long Island. Several companies offer charter services from various departure points, including Nassau and other islands.
Private Boats/Yachts
For those traveling by sea, private boats and yachts can dock at various marinas around Long Island, though this is less common for the typical tourist. However, if you are an experienced sailor or boater, this option allows for a unique and flexible travel experience.
How to get Around
Once you've arrived on Long Island in the Bahamas, there are several ways to get around, depending on your travel preferences, budget, and the places you want to visit. Here are some options:
Rental Cars
Availability: Both of Long Island's airports, Deadman's Cay and Stella Maris, usually have car rental agencies.
Flexibility: Renting a car provides the most flexibility to explore the island at your own pace.
Tips: Roads can be less developed than what you may be used to, so exercise caution, especially if driving at night.
Taxis
Convenience: Taxis are available, particularly near the airports and some hotels.
Cost: Fares can be on the higher side, especially for longer distances.
Tips: Always agree on a fare before starting your journey.
Local Buses
Limited Service: Some local buses operate on the island, but service is infrequent and routes are limited.
Cost: This is usually a more budget-friendly option compared to taxis.
Tips: If you opt for local buses, it's a good idea to ask locals for information on schedules and stops, as these may not be well-publicized.
Bicycles
Short Distances: For nearby places, renting a bicycle can be a pleasant way to get around.
Availability: Some resorts and rental shops offer bicycles.
Tips: Given the island's size and sometimes hilly terrain, biking is generally more practical for short trips.
Scooters/Mopeds
Medium Distances: These are good for medium-range distances and are usually available for rent in more touristy areas.
Boats
Island Hopping: If you're looking to visit other nearby islands or secluded beaches, consider chartering a boat.
Walking
Local Exploration: Some areas are best explored on foot, especially the smaller villages and beaches.
Most Popular Attractions and Activities to See and Do in Long Island
Top 10 Beaches in Long Island
Long Island in the Bahamas is renowned for its stunning beaches, each offering a unique set of attractions for various types of travelers. From secluded coves to stretches of white sand ideal for sunbathing and water sports, here are some of the top beaches on the island:
Cape Santa Maria Beach
Location: Northern Long Island
Features: Named after Christopher Columbus's flagship, this beach is famous for its soft, white sand and crystal-clear, shallow waters that are perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
Dean’s Blue Hole Beach
Location: Near Clarence Town
Features: Home to the world's second-deepest blue hole, this beach is a must-visit for adventurous travelers interested in free-diving, snorkeling, or just experiencing a unique natural wonder.
Gordon’s Beach
Location: Southern Long Island
Features: This beach offers calm, clear waters and is excellent for those looking for a more secluded beach experience.
Lochabar Beach
Location: Central Long Island
Features: Known for its stunning blue hole and large lagoon, Lochabar Beach is perfect for snorkeling, kayaking, and other water activities.
Newton’s Cay
Location: Northern Long Island
Features: Accessible only by boat, this secluded beach is ideal for those looking to escape the crowds. The area is also known for its excellent bonefishing.
Tropic of Cancer Beach
Location: Also known as Pelican Beach, located in the southeastern part of the island.
Features: The beach is famous for being located on the Tropic of Cancer latitude line. It has powdery white sand and offers a relatively secluded environment for relaxation.
Chez Pierre Beach
Location: Near Stella Maris in Northern Long Island
Features: This beach is known for its natural beauty, with rocky formations offering a dramatic contrast to the white sandy beaches and turquoise waters.
Clarence Town Beach
Location: Near Clarence Town
Features: This beach offers a mix of sandy stretches and rocky coves, providing various options for beach activities and water sports.
Galloway Beach
Location: Southern Long Island
Features: A pristine, often-deserted beach that offers excellent opportunities for shelling and beachcombing.
Simms Beach
Location: Near Simms, in the central part of the island
Features: This is a great beach for those looking to explore Bahamian local life, offering a mix of natural beauty and local charm.
Top 9 Attractions in Long Island
Long Island in the Bahamas offers a diverse range of attractions catering to various interests, from natural wonders to historical sites. Here are some of the top attractions on the island:
Dean's Blue Hole
What it is: One of the world's deepest known blue holes, plunging to a depth of 663 feet.
Why visit: Popular for free-diving, snorkeling, and experiencing an extraordinary natural phenomenon.
Cape Santa Maria Beach Resort
What it is: A luxury resort located on one of the most beautiful beaches in the Bahamas.
Why visit: For the quintessential beachfront luxury experience, water sports, and relaxation.
Columbus Monument
What it is: A historical monument marking the landfall of Christopher Columbus on his first voyage to the New World.
Why visit: For panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and a dose of history.
Hamilton's Cave
What it is: One of the largest cave systems in the Bahamas, featuring fascinating stalactites and stalagmites.
Why visit: For a guided tour that reveals both the natural beauty and the historical significance of the caves.
Clarence Town
What it is: The capital of Long Island, known for its twin churches designed by Father Jerome Hawes.
Why visit: To experience local culture, historical architecture, and to try local Bahamian cuisine.
Adderley Plantation
What it is: A historical plantation site featuring ruins of the original settlement.
Why visit: For a glimpse into the island's history and an opportunity to explore on foot.
Newton Cay and Bonefishing
What it is: A small cay accessible only by boat.
Why visit: For bonefishing, an increasingly popular sport; the shallow waters around the cay are a bonefish habitat.
Max's Conch Bar
What it is: A popular roadside bar and eatery.
Why visit: To try the local specialty, conch salad, and experience the local atmosphere.
Stella Maris Resort Club
What it is: A resort offering a variety of water sports and activities.
Why visit: For diving, snorkeling, and other water-based activities.
Top 20 Activities to do in Long Island
Long Island in the Bahamas offers a variety of activities that cater to all types of travelers, whether you're an adventurer, a nature lover, or someone just looking to relax by the beach. Here are some top activities to consider:
Water Sports
Snorkeling: Explore the vibrant marine life in the coral reefs around the island.
Scuba Diving: Visit some of the unique dive sites, which include underwater caves and blue holes.
Kayaking: Paddle through the mangrove forests and along the scenic coastline.
Kite Surfing: Experience the thrill of kite surfing, especially in the more windy regions of the island.
Adventure Activities
Free-Diving in Dean’s Blue Hole: A challenging and exhilarating experience for seasoned divers.
Cave Exploring: Visit Hamilton’s Cave for a guided tour of one of the largest cave systems in the Bahamas.
Fishing: Try your hand at bonefishing in the flats or go deep-sea fishing for species like tuna and marlin.
Nature and Relaxation
Beachcombing: Spend some time collecting shells and other treasures on Long Island's pristine beaches.
Sunbathing: With numerous white sandy beaches, finding a spot to relax and soak up the sun is easy.
Bird Watching: Observe a variety of bird species, both native and migratory.
Stargazing: Away from city lights, the night sky over Long Island offers a stunning celestial view.
Cultural and Historical Exploration
Visit Columbus Monument: Learn about the island’s history and enjoy panoramic ocean views.
Tour Clarence Town: Explore the island’s capital, including the twin churches designed by Father Jerome Hawes.
Eat at Max’s Conch Bar: Experience local culture and cuisine at this popular roadside establishment.
Island Exploration
Island-Hopping: Use Long Island as a base to visit nearby islands, either via short flights or chartered boats.
Drive along the Queen’s Highway: This main road stretches the length of the island and offers beautiful views, including a variety of beaches and coves to stop at.
Boating and Sailing
Charter a Boat: Spend a day on the water, visiting smaller cays and snorkeling spots.
Sailing: Experience the island from a different perspective and try your hand at sailing, either on a rented boat or as part of a sailing tour.
Unique Experiences
Stand on the Tropic of Cancer: Take a photo on the beach that sits exactly on this important geographical line.
Watch a Local Regatta: If your visit aligns with local events, watching a traditional Bahamian sloop sailing race is a unique experience.
Island Hopping in Long Island
Island hopping is a popular activity for visitors to Long Island in the Bahamas, offering a chance to explore the surrounding islands and cays that each offer unique experiences, landscapes, and attractions. Long Island itself serves as a convenient base from which to embark on these excursions, given its central location within the Bahamas archipelago.
Popular Destinations for Island Hopping
Conception Island: A uninhabited island that is a National Park, known for its untouched beaches and coral reefs. It's an excellent location for snorkeling and diving.
Rum Cay: Known for its rich history of shipwrecks and pirate lore, Rum Cay offers excellent fishing and diving opportunities along with beautiful beaches.
San Salvador: Known for being the first landing spot of Christopher Columbus, this island is rich in history and offers beautiful beaches and excellent diving conditions.
Cat Island: Known for its rich cultural heritage, Cat Island offers a mix of natural beauty and historical sites, like the Hermitage on Mt. Alvernia.
Acklins and Crooked Island: These are less touristy islands known for their natural beauty, including lagoons and coral reefs. They are excellent for those looking for a secluded, off-the-beaten-path experience.
How to Get There
Chartered Boats: Many companies offer chartered boat services, ranging from luxury yachts to more basic vessels, to take you from Long Island to nearby islands.
Local Ferries: While not as prevalent as in some other parts of the Bahamas, there may be local ferry services for closer islands. Check the availability and schedule.
Seaplanes: For a quicker (and more thrilling) trip, some companies offer seaplane services between islands.
Scheduled Flights: Some nearby islands have airports that are served by domestic flights, providing another option for faster travel.
Entertainment & Nightlife
Long Island in the Bahamas is known more for its natural beauty, outdoor activities, and tranquil atmosphere than for a bustling entertainment and nightlife scene. However, that doesn't mean there aren't options for those looking to unwind and have some fun after the sun sets. Here's what you can expect:
Local Bars and Restaurants
You'll find several local bars and restaurants where you can enjoy Bahamian cuisine, tropical cocktails, and sometimes live music. Establishments like Max's Conch Bar are popular spots for both locals and visitors.
Beach Bonfires
Some resorts and local operators organize beach bonfires, which can be a great way to spend an evening under the stars, sometimes accompanied by music or local storytelling.
Resort Entertainment
If you're staying at a resort, check out their schedule for evening entertainment. This could range from themed dinners, live music, and dance performances, to movie nights.
Fishing Trips
Evening or night fishing trips can be arranged, offering a different kind of nocturnal activity. Catching fish like snapper under the stars is a unique experience.
Stargazing
The low light pollution on Long Island makes it an excellent location for stargazing. Whether you do this from the beach, a boat, or a designated viewpoint, it's a peaceful and awe-inspiring way to spend an evening.
Local Cuisine
The local cuisine in Long Island, Bahamas, reflects the island's rich cultural heritage and abundant natural resources. As with much of the Bahamas, the culinary landscape is dominated by fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and flavors influenced by British, African, and Caribbean cuisines. Here's a closer look at some of the local food and drinks you might encounter:
Seafood
Conch: This sea snail is a Bahamian staple and can be prepared in various ways, including conch fritters, conch salad, and cracked conch (deep-fried).
Fish: Freshly caught fish such as grouper, snapper, and mahi-mahi are often grilled, fried, or baked. Fish is also commonly used in stews and soups.
Lobster: Spiny lobster is another local delicacy, often grilled or used in rich, creamy dishes.
Meat and Poultry
Chicken: Often seasoned with a mix of spices, chicken is commonly grilled or fried. Chicken souse, a type of stew, is also popular.
Pork: Although not as prevalent as seafood, pork is occasionally featured in Bahamian cuisine, often seasoned with local herbs and spices.
Side Dishes
Peas 'n Rice: A traditional side dish made with pigeon peas and rice, often seasoned with tomatoes, onions, and spices.
Johnny Cake: A type of cornbread that's often enjoyed with stews and soups.
Plantains: These can be fried, boiled, or mashed and are a popular side dish.
Grits: A dish made from ground corn, often served as a side or as part of a breakfast.
Fruits and Vegetables
Guava: Used in various dishes and desserts, including the famous guava duff, a type of dessert roll.
Pineapple: Fresh pineapples are often used in fruit salads, desserts, or simply eaten fresh.
Coconut: Used in both savory and sweet dishes, as well as drinks.
Mango: Enjoyed fresh or used in chutneys and desserts.
Beverages
Switcha: A local lemon or limeade that's both sweet and tart.
Rum: The Bahamas has a long history of rum production, and you'll find a variety of local rums available.
Sky Juice: A cocktail made with gin, coconut water, and condensed milk.
Bahamian Beer: Brands like Kalik and Sands are popular local beers.
Accommodations
Long Island, Bahamas, offers a range of accommodations to suit various tastes and budgets. Whether you're looking for a luxury resort experience or a more intimate, budget-friendly option, you're likely to find something that suits your needs.
Luxury Resorts
Cape Santa Maria Beach Resort & Villas: Located on one of the most beautiful beaches in the Bahamas, this resort offers beachfront villas and bungalows with an array of amenities.
Stella Maris Resort Club: Offers everything from hotel rooms to villas and bungalows. It also provides various activities and excursions, including fishing, diving, and island tours.
Boutique Hotels
Greenwood Beach Resort: Situated on the Atlantic side of the island, it offers a more intimate experience and is popular among divers.
Gems at Paradise Private Beach Resort: A smaller resort offering stunning ocean views and an array of room options, from suites to lofts.
Guest Houses and Bed & Breakfasts
Chez Pierre Bahamas: Offers small, beachside cottages and is known for its restaurant which serves a blend of Bahamian and Italian cuisine.
Harbour Breeze Villas: Offers the comforts of home with fully furnished villas that provide beautiful harbor views.
Vacation Rentals
Many locals offer vacation rentals, which can be an excellent option for those who prefer a more home-like environment or for larger groups. Websites like Airbnb and Vrbo often list these.