Long Island: Coast, Diving and History

At Cape Santa Maria Beach, a four-mile stretch of white sand extends along the coast. Visitors can swim, dive and snorkel in the turquoise water, or walk for four miles along the beach. Long Island’s coastline is striking elsewhere, too: the east coast has cliffs and caves facing the Atlantic, while the sheltered west side offers calm sandy beaches that slope gently into the Bahama Bank and provide good swimming conditions.

Coast, Diving and Sailing

The coastline offers varied scenery: cliffs and caves define the view on the east side, while the west side features sand and the Bahama Bank. The shallow reefs at Grouper Valley are a colorful introduction to diving for beginners. More advanced divers can explore the Comberbach wreck from Long Island. The Vertical Blue Free Diving Competition takes place every year at Dean’s Blue Hole.

Fishing is another option off Long Island. Just a few minutes offshore, you can fish for marlin, tuna and wahoo year-round; catch conditions vary. There are also miles of bonefishing flats. At the annual Long Island Regatta, traditional Bahamian-built sailing boats known as sloops compete against one another. Diving, fishing and sailing therefore offer different focuses for trip planning alongside beach activities.

History and Culture on Long Island

At the northern tip of Long Island, Columbus Point marks the coast where Christopher Columbus came ashore on the island. A towering monument stands on the hill, which also offers views. In Clarence Town stands St. Paul’s Church, one of the historic twin-towered churches attributed to Father Jerome Hawes. It was built when Hawes was an Anglican priest. St. Peter & St. Paul’s Church has a different history: Hawes designed it after becoming a Roman Catholic priest.

Below the settlement of Hamilton’s lies the largest cave system in the Bahamas. Hamilton’s Cave once served as a refuge for the Lucayans; archaeological discoveries from 1936 show that the Bahamas’ Indigenous people lived there around 500 AD. The cave is on private property and can only be visited as part of a guided tour. Confirm availability before visiting.

The Long Island Museum explores the island’s history, culture and customs. Exhibits include straw work and shells, as well as a historical mural, Rake n. Scrape instruments and Junkanoo costumes. A guided tour from Cape Santa Maria visits eight stops on Long Island in about four to five hours. These include historic monuments, caves, churches, plantations and the museum. Confirm the tour’s availability before your trip.

Local Traditions and an Excursion Nearby

The Long Island Mutton Festival is held annually at the Salt Pond Cultural Site. The seventh edition was scheduled for March 20 and 21, 2026. The festival features authentic Bahamian cuisine, local drinks and live entertainment; check dates for future editions separately.

The Conception Island National Park is located near Long Island. It protects Conception Island, Booby Cay, South Rocks and the surrounding marine ecosystems. The mangroves serve as nursery areas for young Green Turtles. A short boat trip from Long Island to the uninhabited island may include snorkeling and exploring historic ruins. Actual access depends on the weather, operators and conditions in the park; before visiting, also check the protected-area boundaries and management status.

Getting There and Getting Around

Deadman’s Cay Airport is an official port of entry with customs and immigration clearance and serves Clarence Town, the capital of Long Island. Stella Maris Airport serves the northern end of the island and connects it with Deadman’s Cay Airport and Nassau. The airports therefore offer different geographic reference points for planning. Check current connections and flight schedules before traveling; the port-of-entry designation may also change.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Seymourʼs, Stella Maris, Clarence Town, Cartwright Settlement, Lower Deadman's Cay Settlement, North Andros, Crooked Island And Long Cay, Cat Island.

Go to the main travel overview: Bahamas.