Good to know
Good to Know
- The Bahamian dollar (BSD) is pegged 1:1 to the USD, making currency conversion straightforward for visitors.
- Hamilton's Cave tours must be arranged in advance by contacting the Cartwright family directly—this is not a walk-up venue.
- Long Island features the oldest church ruins in the Bahamas; many historic structures showcase distinctive white and bright blue gothic architecture found throughout the island.
- The island is 80 miles long and only 4 miles wide with approximately 4,000 inhabitants, making it very quiet and undeveloped compared to Nassau.
- Queen's Highway runs the entire length of the island, making self-guided exploration by rental car straightforward; multiple car rental services available.
- Many historical sites are distributed across the island's length; plan excursions accordingly if visiting multiple locations in one day.
- Dean's Blue Hole is a popular destination for advanced divers and cliff jumpers; swimming/snorkeling is possible in designated areas.
- The island is home to multiple centuries-old churches—these are active places of worship as well as historic sites.
- Lucayan Indian prehistory is a significant cultural thread; Hamilton's Cave and Columbus Point both relate to pre-Columbian and early-colonial history.
Museums
Long Island Library & Museum
- Location
- Stella Maris area
- Description
- Museum featuring exhibits on the history, culture, and customs of Long Island. Displays include a reconstructed historic homestead with thatched roofs, oil lamps, period tools, and a 500-year-old canoe. Exhibits document the island's modernization and notable events.
Guided Tours
Long Island Land Tours
- Tour Type
- Full-day island sightseeing
- Description
- Air-conditioned van tours with certified professional tour guides covering multiple island attractions including Columbus Point, Galliot Cay, Stella Maris Nature Pool & Cave, The Shrimp Hole, oldest church ruins in the Bahamas, Dean's Blue Hole, flamingo colony, churches, and beaches.
Historical Sites
Hamilton's Cave
- Contact
- Phone: (242) 337-0235 or (242) 472-1796
- Tour Info
- Operated by Cartwright family. Individual and group tours available.
- Description
- The largest cave system in the Bahamas, with caverns reaching over 15 meters wide and 3 meters high. Previously inhabited by Lucayan Indians dating back to around 500 A.D. Contains prehistoric drawings and artifacts. Features fresh underwater spring, stalactites, stalagmites, and diverse wildlife including bats, lizards, frogs, and crabs.
Admission
- Adults
- BSD 15
- Children
- BSD 8.00
Dunmore Plantation Ruins
- Location
- Dunmore Town
- Description
- Historic ruins and relics of a former estate and slave plantation constructed of limestone, located in Dunmore Town. Features vivid drawings on walls depicting sailboats from the plantation era. Limestone pillars, believed to be former gateposts, are visible approximately one mile from the estate.
Columbus Point
- Location
- Southern area of island
- Description
- Historic landmark featuring dramatic cliffs guarding the landing site of Christopher Columbus on Long Island. Includes a monument dedicated to the Lucayans (original inhabitants) and Columbus, situated on a breathtakingly beautiful cliff with ocean and blue sound harbor views.
Dunmore Town Historic Area
- Location
- Dunmore Town
- Description
- Peaceful settlement exuding nostalgia with historic crafts, artwork, and centuries-old gothic churches featuring white and bright blue architecture.
Other Attractions
Historic Churches
- Note
- Multiple locations across island
- Description
- Multiple centuries-old gothic churches throughout the island featuring white and bright blue architecture. Located throughout both northern and southern areas.
Plantation Ruins
- Location
- Island-wide
- Description
- Entire island dotted with historic plantation ruins and cottages.
Farmers Market
- Location
- Long Island settlement areas
- Description
- Authentic Bahamas market featuring locally crafted straw work and crafts, fresh produce, honey, and baked goods.
Salt Pond
- Location
- Southern area, 20 miles south of Stella Maris
- Description
- Historic commercial district approximately 20 miles south of Stella Maris. Home to Long Island's salt production, lobster and fish processing plants.
Beaches And Coastal Features
Love Beaches
- Location
- Northern area of island
- Description
- Beaches covered in pink sand, with a shallow bay nearby perfect for children.
Watermelon Beach
- Location
- Island-wide access
- Description
- Popular beach known for crystal clear water and white sand. Hosts cultural events and festivals showcasing local Bahamian culture.
Galliot Cay Beach
- Location
- Accessible via main Queen's Highway
- Description
- Small but stunning beach.
Turtle Cove Beach
- Location
- East coast
- Description
- Large and dramatic beach formation.
Natural Geological Sightseeing
Dean's Blue Hole
- Location
- Southern area, near Clarence Town and Winter Haven
- Note
- Approximately 20 minutes drive from Stella Maris
- Description
- The world's second-deepest blue hole at 663 feet deep, located near Clarence Town. Circular formation surrounded by coral reef. Open to the public for swimmers, scuba divers, snorkelers, and cliff jumpers. Hosts the annual Vertical Blue freediving competition.
Turtle Cove
- Location
- Along east coast
- Description
- Features turquoise shallows leading to one of the world's deepest blue holes.
East Coast Dramatic Cliffs
- Location
- East coast of island
- Description
- Pristine scuba diving locations and coral reefs along dramatic coastal cliffs.
AI-generated estimateData refreshed July 2026
Sources cited for this category
These are the sources cited in this history, museums & sightseeing research for this city. Individual figures may not each trace to one of them.
More About Long Island Bahamas
- Cost of Living in Long Island Bahamas
- Visas in Long Island Bahamas
- Safety in Long Island Bahamas
- Connectivity & Internet in Long Island Bahamas
- Best Neighborhoods in Long Island Bahamas
- Emergencies in Long Island Bahamas
- Walkability & Transport in Long Island Bahamas
- Climate & Weather in Long Island Bahamas
Data last updated July 2026 · Verify anything important.