Long Island is 80 miles long and it is also narrow--no more than 4 miles wide. It is indeed a land of eloquent contrasts in geography, architecture and enterprise.
One of The Bahamas most scenic hideaways and often called the "beauty" of The Bahamas. Long Island it is divided by the Tropic of Cancer and bordered by two very different coasts, one with soft-white, broad beaches on the west and on the east, rocky cliffs and caves that rise from the sea. The terrain varies from sloping hills in the northeast to low hillsides in the south fading into stark white flatlands where salt is produced; from swampland to beautiful beaches.
This range of physical appearance is why Long Island is considered by many to be one of the more picturesque islands in The Islands of The Bahamas.

In the 1790s, loyalists migrated here from the US and prospered with their plantation societies. Dunmore House, in Clarence Town, was erected by the Earl of Dunmore before the abolition of slavery led to the demise of the plantation system. Today, farmers engage in the pothole method of farming, where potholes in the rocks are used to grow crops.

Clarence Town is the largest settlement on Long Island and features two of the largest churches outside of Nassau, also built by Father Jerome. Six miles north of Clarence Town, at Deadman's Cay, is a network of caves featuring stalagmites, stalactites and archaeological evidence of Arawak Indians, supporting the idea that caves were incredibly important to the ceremonial society of Lucayan Indians.

Long Island's population is about 3,500. Long Island is un-crowded, socially stable and peaceful. It represents the "old" - the "Out Island" ways, hardly touched by modern tourism. Its 3500 inhabitants reside in some 35 quaint villages and prosperous farming towns.
Long Island is the leading stock-rearing island in The Bahamas and its farmers also raise corn, peas, bananas, pineapples and other crops.
Points of interest are plantation ruins and Indian caves, historic churches, salt salinas, fish and shrimp farms, and pineapple plantations.

Originally called by the Arawak name 'Yuma,' Long Island was rechristened 'Fernandina' by Christopher Columbus on his first voyage to the New World in 1492. Archaeological evidence shows that the Lucayan Taino settled on Long Island as they did throughout the Bahamian chain of islands. After the demise of the Lucayans, who were carried as slaves to Hispaniola and Cuba, there was no large permanent settlement until the arrival of the Loyalists.

Numerous Loyalist families settled on Long Island, some setting up cotton plantations and others raising cattle and sheep. The plantations flourished for only a few years and, by the time of the abolition of slavery in 1834, most of them had collapsed and been abandoned. There are many ruins from this era today, the majority of which are overgrown by bush. There are also remains of some of the houses built after slavery, which are usually small and built of stone. Originally they had thatched roofs; today, most are shingled.

Things to Do:
From world-class scuba diving to bonefishing to quiet villages and beaches, Long Island offers the duality of thrilling encounters and peaceful isolation that travelers seek in The Bahamas.

Long Island has a number of beautiful beaches, mainly on the Caribbean side. They range from secluded to activity beaches all along the Island. Beaches feature coarse pink sand, yellow/white soft sand, lots of small shells. Some are small and some are very long, some are shaded by pine trees, some are great for snorkeling, beachcombing and walking.
On Long Island, you will find hidden coves and secluded beaches, superb snorkeling gardens and adventure caves. You can explore old plantation ruins or just leisurely coast through peaceful villages, take in a game of pool or have your conch salad prepared especially for you.
On Long Island, you can gaze in wonder at the world's deepest blue hole, Dean’s Blue Hole, dipping some 663 feet (203 meters) into the ocean floor right off shore. It is said to be the deepest Blue Hole in the world, and the second largest underwater chamber. It is also the site where the Freediving World Record was set in April 2007.

Long Island is well known for its superb bone fishing flats and deep sea fishing. Both novice and experienced anglers can engage in fly and spin-casting bone fishing, plus reef and deep sea sportsfishing with knowledgeable local guides.

Getting There:

Regional airlines as well as charter airlines fly into Long Island.  Check “links” on our main page.