11 Reasons Why This Small Bahamian Island Should Be Your Next Trip

Long Island isn’t just the name of this beautiful island; it’s also an apt descriptor. The island runs about 80 miles in length from north to south and at its widest, it’s less than four miles. With one major road, it’s hard to get lost on this island. In addition, the simplicity of the road system is fantastic if you like to explore on your own without fear of getting stranded.

Surrounded by water, Long Island gives you unique access to its top-rated beach coast on the west and the jagged and breathtaking cliff coast on the east. Depending on what you’re looking for, the dramatic differences in the landscape are within a short drive of each other.

With around 3,000 residents, Long Island is quiet almost all year round. So even if you arrive at peak tourism time at the most popular resort, Cape Santa Maria, you’ll find the majority of the beach to yourself. As a result, socially distancing from others in low-risk, outdoor environments is easy here.

Whether you like to dip your toes in the kitty pool or if you’re a professional swimmer, you won’t want to miss the second deepest blue hole in the world. Dean’s Blue Hole draws people to it as the Internation Free Diving Competition destination every year. Not a swimmer? The water leading up to the 666 feet hole is only about waist deep—just don’t get too close to the edge!

Long Island is full of historical landmarks, such as St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, the oldest church in the Bahamas said to have been built in the 1600s. Not only is it easy to find from the main road, but it’s accessible to the public, and you can walk among the ruins. If you prefer something a bit darker, you can go underground to the most extensive cave system in the Bahamas, Hamilton’s Cave. The island’s small population also gives easy access to incredible sources of knowledge, such as Hamilton Cave’s owner and tour operator, Leonard Cartwright. Or you can wander to the Long Island Museum, where you get historical and cultural lessons on the Bahamian people and the indigenous Lucayan Indians.

Part of the Bahamas’ reputation is a popular cruise stop. However, the country is so much more than that, and on Long Island, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a ship. This allows for more authentic connections between Long Islanders and tourists who come to visit. On the off-chance that a cruise ship stops by, it’s only there for half a day before sailing off again.

Bird watchers will love Long Island’s incredible backdrop for birding, with more than 150 species spotted. The West Indian Whistling Duck is an incredibly gratifying bird to spot, as the largest and rarest of the whistling ducks.

Long Island has two small airports: Stella Maris Airport and Deadman’s Cay Airport. Although Long Island is not the capital of the Bahamas, it is open to private international planes, which means that you can charter your private flight. You can enjoy the island without stopping by the main island, New Providence, first.

With such a small community on the island, Long Island locals all seem to know each other. So it’s not difficult to enjoy the local community, from the Saturday farmer’s markets to art hubs such as Starfish Traders. Or you can grab a bite to eat and swap stories at infamous watering holes such as Max’s Conch Bar.

Long Island has indescribable magic, evident as most resort guests return every year. The familiarity creates a warm environment even in resort restaurants and bars, as old friends reunite and new friends are made.