Two
contrasting coastlines make Long Island one of the most scenic Out
Island destinations while the western coast has soft sandy
beaches, the eastern side falls down to the ocean in dramatic
rocky cliffs and private coves with hidden shell beaches.
Never more than 4 miles wide, Long
Island, one of Columbus' stopping places, lives up to its name;
its Queen Highway runs for close to 80 miles, through some 35
settlements and farming towns where you'll find a small place to
stop and eat delicious local dishes made from fresh fish and
conch. The scenery on the road changes from old buildings
surrounded by stone walls and shallow bays on the west coast to
rugged headlands that drop off suddenly to the sea on the east
coast.
The
northern end of the island has sea cliffs unique to The Bahamas.
Columbus named the island's northern tip Cape Santa Maria, in
honor of one of his ships.
The area has truly stunning beaches
in fact cape Santa Maria has one of the worlds top ten beaches.
Columbus Point, located 1/2 mile
north of the primary beach resort in Cape Santa Maria, offers a
tremendous view of the protected harbor Columbus sailed into, as
well as a monument and plaque commemorating his landing.
Long
Island's biggest event is the annual Long Island Sailing Regatta,
featuring Bahamian made boats. It is held in Salt Pond in May or
June and attracts contestants from all over The Islands Of The
Bahamas.
This is quite an event to attend. Bahamian
folk music and dancing is available and fresh island dishes are
served. The feeling on this island is one of a time gone by, the
way the northern Bahamas was some 25 years ago. Long island has
enjoyed electricity and a good main road only for a short time and
this may have prevented this island from developing. But it
appears to be a blessing in disguise, perhaps this has allowed the
area to retain it's old world charm.
Long
Island Bahamas - 160 miles southeast of Nassau
ATTRACTIONS beaches, The Long
Island Regatta, Cartwright's Cave, Shark Reef to watch a scuba
master feed sharks, glass bottom boat cruises, Columbus Point,
Dean's Blue Hole, Historic Churches, Plantation ruins.
ACTIVITIES Surfing, Swimming,
diving/snorkeling, fishing, boating, windsurfing, sailing,
water-skiing, hiking, biking, tennis, sightseeing by airplane,
kayaking , Exploring caves.
SHOPPING Straw markets, a few shops
and a pottery studio in Deadman's Cay
N.B., The photos and much of the
information on Long Island has been supplied by Sunshine
Real Estate
