Long Island

Set a course for Long Island, a breathtaking dramatic escape southeast of Nassau. Discover the striking contrast between its Atlantic-facing eastern cliffs and the tranquil turquoise waters of its western white-sand beaches. Immerse yourself in a rich history—from ancient Lucayan cave networks and Columbus’s historic landfall to iconic twin-steepled churches. Escape the ordinary and explore the legendary depth of Dean’s Blue Hole, where natural wonder meets true island charm.

Why go there?

Long Island offers an intoxicating blend of natural wonders and authentic Bahamian charm. A must-see is Dean's Blue Hole, the world's second-deepest saltwater blue hole, a mesmerizing site for snorkelling, freediving, or simply admiring its intense blue hue. Explore Hamilton's Cave, one of the largest cave systems in the Bahamas, revealing ancient geological formations. For a taste of local life, visit Clarence Town with its twin churches by Father Jerome. Anglers will revel in the world-class deep-sea fishing opportunities. Look out for the Long Island Regatta held annually in June in Salt Pond, a vibrant celebration of traditional Bahamian sloop sailing, complete with live music, local food, and cultural activities.

How to get there?

Long Island has two airports: Deadman's Cay Airport (LGI) and Stella Maris Airport (SML). Scheduled flights primarily arrive from Nassau, operated by Bahamasair and Southern Air.

For those chartering from Nassau, the three largest marinas are:

• Nassau Yacht Haven: The largest and oldest continuously operating marina, accommodating vessels up to 220 feet.
• Palm Cay Marina/One Marina: A popular charter base with resort amenities.
• Bay Street Marina: Another well-established option in Nassau.

The sailing distance from Nassau to Long Island is approximately 150-170 nautical miles, depending on your specific destination on Long Island.

For those flying into Freeport International Airport (FPO) on Grand Bahama, the sailing distance to Long Island is considerably further, typically over 300 nautical miles, making it a less common starting point for Long Island charters due to the extended travel time. Marinas in Freeport include Port Lucaya Marina and Grand Bahama Yacht Club.

Marina facilities:

Long Island's marinas are generally smaller and offer essential services, catering more to local traffic and smaller charter vessels.

• Stella Maris Marina (Stella Maris Resort Club): Located on the northern end, it offers fuel, water, power, a restaurant, and resort amenities. It can accommodate vessels up to around 60-80 feet with a reasonable draft.
• Clarence Town Dock: While not a full-service marina, it's a main public dock for mooring and accessing the town, with basic provisions sometimes available nearby.
• Salt Pond Dock: Primarily a public dock, especially active during the Regatta, offering basic tie-up options.

Services are generally more limited than in major hubs like Nassau, focusing on fuel, water, and perhaps ice. It's always advisable to confirm specific services and maximum vessel sizes in advance.

What food to expect?

Long Island's cuisine is a true reflection of authentic Bahamian flavors, heavily featuring fresh seafood. Conch is king here, prepared in countless ways: conch salad (a fresh ceviche-style dish with lime, peppers, and onions), cracked conch (tenderized, battered, and fried), and conch fritters. Other staples include grouper and snapper, often grilled, fried, or stewed. Don't miss Bahamian stew fish (a hearty fish stew) and peas 'n rice (a quintessential side dish). For dessert, guava duff (a steamed pudding with rum sauce) is a local favorite. Restaurants are typically casual, family-run establishments, offering a genuine taste of the islands. Many are accessible by dinghy, especially in coastal tlements, and provide a high-quality, fresh, and flavorful experience, albeit often simpler in presentation than high-end resort dining.

Provisioning advice:

While some basic provisions can be found on Long Island, especially in settlements like Clarence Town and Stella Maris, selection can be limited, and prices may be higher due to import costs. For extensive provisioning and fresh produce, it is highly recommended that charterers plan to stock up in Nassau or Freeport before departing for Long Island. Larger supermarkets in these hubs offer a wider variety of fresh meats, produce, dairy, and specialty items. On Long Island itself, smaller local stores and sometimes roadside stalls will offer fresh fish (often directly from local fishermen), some seasonal fruits and vegetables, and essential dry goods. It's wise to arrive on Long Island with most of your desired provisions already on board.