Long Island

Long Island Bahamas is one of the Southern Bahamas Out Islands and displays an almost unparalleled pure natural beauty for you to appreciate on your Bahamas tour. You will have the chance to bask in the glory of the sun, the sky and the glittering white beaches.

Long Island Bahamas is steeped in history revolving around the history of Christopher Columbus. With exceptional beaches, the world’s second deepest blue hole and a wide range of activities to take part in, Long Island Bahamas is a perfect stop on your Bahamas tour.

There is no place on earth quite like the Bahamas Out Islands for you to escape from your daily life and experience tranquility, beauty and luxury. A visit to Long Island Bahamas on your Bahamas Island Hopping tour will provide you with the perfect escape, particularly since the entire island is only home to 3000 residents. This means that finding a peaceful place for you to lie back and enjoy the ambience is incredibly easy.

Even whilst viewing the picturesque landscape of Long Island Bahamas during your Bahamas tour, you will find yourself lulled into a wonderfully relaxed state in this paradisiac setting. The rugged cliffs, sun-soaked beaches and the verdant beauty of the mangroves display an authentic Bahamian scene. One of Long Island Bahamas’ most popular beaches is known as Santa Maria, and welcomes travellers from around the globe to enjoy this island’s undeniable beauty.

While the waters can prove to be very calming as part of the scenery, beneath the surface lies a plethora of excitement and life for you to discover on your Bahamas tour. Long Island Bahamas is home to Dean’s Blue Hole, which is the world’s second deepest blue hole and one of the country’s most exciting attractions. Free diving championships are held here, allowing competitors to swim down the hole with nothing more than a pair of fins and their swim clothes. No oxygen tanks or dive equipment is allowed, which means this can be quite a thrilling event, contrasting the immensely peaceful surroundings.

Long Island Bahamas is also a destination steeped in fascinating history. Starting with Christopher Columbus’ voyage to discover the New World in the late 15th century. Long Island Bahamas was the third of the Bahamian Islands for Columbus to visit, leading to a monument being erected in his honour. This was not the end of Long Island Bahamas’ historical significance. The oldest Bahamian church can be found here on a Bahamas tour, named St Mary’s Church and built well over 200 years ago by Spaniards.

Columbus Cove & Monument

Of all the historic places to visit in Long Island Bahamas on your Bahamas vacation, Columbus Cove & Monument is one of the most interesting. Columbus Cove is a mile long bay that was where Christopher Columbus made landfall on his very first voyage to discover the New World.

Unbeknownst to Christopher Columbus, the island was already named “Yuma” by the native Arawak people. Columbus later rechristened it “Fernandina” in the late 15th century, which was subsequently changed to Long Island as time went by. Christopher Columbus’ voyage can still be remembered by the fantastic Monument which was erected in his honour. This monument stands out amongst the verdant coastal vegetation, and from its vantage point you get a magnificent view of the rugged cliffs that line Columbus Cove. A Bahamas air charter with Bahamas Air Tours is the very best way to discover this picturesque and interesting attraction.

The Cove itself is very well sheltered by the towering cliffs, making it the obvious choice of place to dock for Columbus in 1492. During your Bahamas tour of Columbus Cove you’ll be able to enjoy the exceptional beauty of the calm turquoise waters in the bay, bordered by a glittering strip of white sand. Looking out across this stunning vista you can easily picture Columbus sailing his ship into the sheltered cove to anchor.

On a trip from Florida to Bahamas on Florida air charters you will find that Long Island is the first island you are able to view. The island itself is a distinctive geographical feature in the shimmering Bahamian sea that ranges through every colour of blue. This view while flying to Bahamas from Florida is the perfect start, comparable to Christopher Columbus’ voyage because of the fact that your first sight is Long Island and Columbus Cove. 3 day cruises from Miami and 3 night cruises to Bahamas are entirely worthwhile when you get the chance to visit such an incredible piece of Bahamian history.

Dean’s Blue Hole

Flying to Bahamas from Florida grants you access to some of the world’s most spectacular destinations, and if the exciting world of underwater sports is something that you’re interested in, then Long Island Bahamas is undoubtedly for you. You will have the chance to visit Dean’s Blue Hole, the world’s second deepest blue hole and the site of some enthralling freediving competitions.

Bahamas Island Hopping with Bahamas Air tours will transport you right to Dean’s Blue Hole on Long Island Bahamas. Not only is this blue hole an exciting place to experience freediving, it is also an exceptionally beautiful location. The gentle gradient of blue as it gets steadily darker towards the centre of the blue hole is complimented by the marvellous white sand bar encircling it. The lush green vegetation gives the scene a rich and colourful look, with wildflowers adding vibrant spots to the paradisiac picture.

The hole, however, is not only for freedivers and sight-seers. If you have any interest in the fascinating underwater world then you will have the chance to scuba dive, and even snorkel around this blue hole and discover marine wonders like nowhere else on earth. Since the hole descends to a staggering 202 m (663 ft) in depth, each layer of marine life and choral becomes increasingly interesting the deeper you explore. Due to the enclosed nature of the bay, the calm ocean and waist-deep water around the edges of the hole are suitable for everyone to enjoy.

A Bahamas air charter and Bahamas vacation to Long Island Bahamas would not be complete without a visit to Dean’s Blue Hole. Whether you just want to explore the island’s natural beauty on your Bahamas tour, or you want to have some fun in the sun and water, then Dean’s Blue Hole is the place for you. Even if you’re on 3 day cruises from Miami Florida to Bahamas or 3 night cruises to Bahamas, you should be sure to take some time on your Bahamas Island Hopping tour to experience this fantastic destination.

Long Island Bahamas History

The entire Bahamian archipelago is full of historical buildings, monuments and ruins that tell the tale of a time gone by. Long Island Bahamas is no exception to this rule, and you are sure to discover a number of amazing historical attractions during your Bahamas tour of the island. Unfortunately, not all of the attractions have cheerful stories, there are a few that open a window into the Bahamas’ dark past of slavery.

Adderly’s Plantation Ruins are a prime example of this. While it may be fascinating to explore this run-down former mansion, it will also remind you of the slave trade in the Caribbean and how it forever changed the islands. Though the past may hold suffering, it’s safe to say that the thriving Bahamian culture and wonderful people would not be the same if it weren’t for their West-African lineage. In fact, there is an annual festival known as Junkanoo which takes place in the Bahamas and celebrates the vibrant and diverse Bahamian culture through colour, dance, music and food.

Fortunately, not all the historical attractions on your Bahamas Island Hopping tour have direct correlations to the slave trade. St Mary’s Anglican Church is a marvellous place to visit during your Bahamas tour. While the church itself may be in ruins, the impressive stone walls still stand, displaying the church’s resilience. Constructed by Spaniards in the 17th century, this church has become one of the island’s most popular attractions whilst visitors island hop Bahamas. A visit to St Mary’s Anglican Church also provides you with an excellent viewpoint of the island and the surrounding ocean, and has even been used as a wedding venue.

To Island Hop Bahamas on Florida air charters with Bahamas Air Tours is one of the very best ways to discover such fascinating sites. One of the very best things about exploring the historical attractions of Long Island Bahamas is that each new destination you visit will not only provide you with interesting information and an unforgettable experience, you will also be subject to some of the most beautiful views the Bahamas have to offer.

Cape Santa Maria

Like many of the other islands that you visit during your Bahamas Island Hopping vacation with Bahamas Air Tours, one of the most distinctive and exciting attractions to visit will be the beaches. Long Island Bahamas is no exception to this, particularly when you take Cape Santa Maria into account. Inarguably the most beautiful and pristine beach on Long Island Bahamas, Cape Santa Maria is an absolutely unmissable stop on your Bahamas tour.

Bahamas Island Hopping with Bahamas Air Tours is a sure-fire way to discover Long Island’s most popular destinations. A visit to Cape Santa Maria and the splendid beach that runs along its shore will undoubtedly have you relaxing in one of the Bahamas’ most beautiful locations on your Bahamas tour. The fine, bright white sand that fringes the stunning turquoise water displays an unparalleled Bahamian natural beauty.

A Bahamas Island Hopping tour will also give you a chance to visit some Long Island Bahamas resorts. Cape Santa Maria Resort is among the most beautiful and well-located accommodations on the island. This romantic getaway has beachside bungalows and villas to give ensure a luxurious Bahamas tour. The resort itself is also full of a range of exciting amenities, with everything from a games room to fitness and spa centres. It will also cater to your every need with regards to family, there is something to do for everyone, and if you and your partner are looking for some alone time you can even make use of their babysitting services. Not only will your visit to Cape Santa Maria Resort be a warm and welcoming experience with world-class service, it will also provide you direct access to the exceptionally beautiful beach. Your Bahamas tour would not be complete without spending some time in one of the Long Island Bahamas resorts.

Exploring the South of Long Island Bahamas

While the Bahamian beaches may be the most popular natural attraction in Long Island Bahamas, there are a few other scenes worth a visit. Amongst these is Hamilton’s Cave, with caverns reaching over 15m wide and 3 m high, this is the largest cave system in the Bahamas. If you’re interested in history before the European’s arrival, visiting these caves will be an excellent way to spend your Bahamas tour. The Lucayan Indians are said to have lived in these caves as far back as 500 A.D. and their presence left a trace. Bahamas Island Hopping with Bahamas Air Tours will allow you to visit these caves and learn about the incredible artefacts that were left behind by the ancient residents.

For one of the best and most comprehensive collections of information on Bahamian history, be sure to pay a visit to the Long Island Bahamas Library & Museum. Not only will you find precious artefacts on display here, you will also have the chance to learn more about the thriving Bahamian culture and where it all came from. You’ll even be able to take a look at the example of the average homestead of Long Island Bahamas’ past. This display will transport you into the Bahamas of a time gone by, with thatched roofs, oil lamps and a number of other fascinating artefacts.

While Cape Santa Maria is undoubtedly the island’s most beautiful beach, a Bahamas Island Hopping tour of Long Island with Bahamas Air Tours would not be complete without a visit to Galloway Landing Beach. The reason for this is that you will almost certainly be the only person on the beach, giving you a chance to bask in the ambience and peace of this Bahamian paradise.

The Roman Catholic Priest, Father Jerome Hawes, left his mark on Long Island in the form of St Peter & St Paul’s Catholic Church. Having designed the church in the early 1900’s, Father Jerome ensured that the towers would provide an excellent vantage point from which to view the verdant island.

Clarence Town is another great stop on your Bahamas tour of Long Island. The land on which this town was built once belonged to Archibald William George Taylor, a loyalist who was gifted it to reward his support of England during the American Civil War of Independence. The name of the town was also given by Archibald, naming it after one of his brothers.

Stella Maris

Stella Maris is a beach located on the upper east coast of Long Island Bahamas and is an excellent place to visit on your Bahamas tour. You will have the chance to go Island Hopping Bahamas with Bahamas Air Tours and discover this immensely beautiful destination. What’s more is that you will be able to lie back in the lap of luxury at the Stella Maris Resort.

The Stella Maris Resort boasts exceptional views of the paradisiac landscape as well as the great convenience factor of being just 5 minutes’ drive from the local airport. This means that on your Bahamas Air Tours vacation you can fly from Florida to Bahamas and be settled in at the Stella Maris Resort within a matter of no more than 2 hours. Its opportunities such as this one that make Bahamas Air Tours so worthwhile, you will certainly agree when you’re enjoying the dappled shade of the palm fronds as they sway in the gentle breeze.

A Bahamas tour of Long Island

Sometimes all we need is a getaway, a chance to travel and leave our busy lives behind us. With Bahamas Air Tours, you have access to one of the world’s most beautiful tropical destinations, and for anyone from Florida, it’s right on your doorstep! Bahamas Island Hopping is an experience like no other, to soar over this magnificent landscape and to explore each island and discover its own unique personality as you do. There is no better way to make your getaway than to go Bahamas Island Hopping and experience the Bahamas Out Islands.

Your trip to Long Island will undoubtedly be an exceptionally scenic event, but the beauty of this island, like many others in the archipelago, is that it has rich historical significance. From Columbus’ landfall here in 1492, to plantation ruins and churches, you are sure to learn a great deal about the fascinating history of this country on your Bahamas Island Hopping Tour. Of course, you’ll also have the chance to experience the beauty that is Dean’s Blue Hole, whether you freedive, scuba dive or snorkel. Not to mention the outstanding landscapes and beaches for anyone looking for a Bahamas vacation in which they simply relax.

Select images courtesy of the Bahamas Ministry Of Tourism.

Get our FREE Bahamas Guidebook

Discover the Bahamas Out Islands

With beautifully illustrated maps and informative destination guides.
Download the Guidebook