Long Island is home to some of the most diverse beaches in The Bahamas, with approximately 80 miles (129 km) of coastline stretching between the Atlantic Ocean to the east and the calm waters of the Great Bahama Bank to the west. This contrasting geography creates two distinct coastal experiences. The island's western shoreline features broad white-sand beaches with gentle, shallow waters ideal for swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding, while the eastern coastline is characterized by limestone cliffs, pink-sand beaches, natural pools, and Atlantic surf.
Among the island's best-known beaches is Cape Santa Maria Beach, a long stretch of powdery white sand frequently recognized as one of the finest beaches in The Bahamas for swimming and relaxation. Travelers also visit Gordon's Beach near the southern end of the island for its secluded setting, expansive shoreline, and coastal scenery. Around Stella Maris, visitors discover Atlantic-facing beaches with pink sand, rugged limestone formations, and natural ocean pools that contrast with the calmer beaches found along the island's western coast.
Many of Long Island's beaches remain largely undeveloped, offering quiet surroundings and easy access to snorkeling, fishing, photography, beachcombing, and boating. Several beaches are located close to attractions such as Dean's Blue Hole, Columbus Point, Hamilton's Cave, and the historic settlement of Clarence Town, making it easy to combine beach visits with cultural and outdoor experiences.
Unlike more developed resort destinations, Long Island's beaches emphasize space, natural scenery, and authentic Out Island character. Whether planning a family vacation, photography trip, snorkeling adventure, or relaxing beach holiday, Long Island provides a wide variety of coastal environments that showcase the island's remarkable geography and marine ecosystems.
KEY FACTS
Destination Name: Best Beaches in Long Island
Category: Beach Destination
Destination Type: Coastal & Nature Destination
Location: Long Island, The Bahamas
Island Group: Out Islands
Known For: White-sand beaches, pink-sand beaches, calm swimming beaches, Atlantic coastline, secluded beaches
Best For: Families, couples, photographers, swimmers, snorkelers, boaters, nature lovers, slow travelers
Nearby Attractions:
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Cape Santa Maria Beach
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Dean's Blue Hole
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Gordon's Beach
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Columbus Point
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Hamilton's Cave
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Clarence Town
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Stella Maris
Transportation Access: Domestic flights, rental vehicles, taxis
Ferry Access: Limited; private boats and charters are more common.
Airport Access:
Ideal Length of Stay: 4–7 days
Best Time to Visit: December through April
Family Friendly: Yes
Official Source: Bahamas Ministry of Tourism
DESTINATION HIGHLIGHTS
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Cape Santa Maria Beach features a long stretch of soft white sand with calm, shallow turquoise water.
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Gordon's Beach offers a quiet coastal setting near Long Island's southern tip.
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Atlantic-facing beaches around Stella Maris feature pink sand, natural pools, and dramatic limestone cliffs.
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Numerous uncrowded beaches suitable for swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding.
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Coastal areas support snorkeling near reefs and rocky shoreline habitats.
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Scenic viewpoints along both the Atlantic coast and Great Bahama Bank.
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Beaches are easily combined with visits to Dean's Blue Hole and Hamilton's Cave.
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Opportunities for shell collecting, beachcombing, birdwatching, and coastal photography.
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Many beaches remain undeveloped, preserving Long Island's natural character.
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Ideal conditions for sunset viewing along the island's western shoreline.
VISITOR INFORMATION
Best Time to Visit: December through April provides cooler temperatures and generally drier weather.
Suggested Visit Duration: Three to five days for exploring multiple beaches.
Accessibility: Most beaches are accessible by road, although some remote locations require short walks or high-clearance vehicles.
Transportation Options: Rental cars are recommended due to the island's length.
Ferry Access: Primarily private vessels and charter boats.
Airport Access: Deadman's Cay Airport (LGI) and Stella Maris Airport (SML).
Road Conditions: Queen's Highway provides paved access to most settlements and many beach access roads.
Accommodation Availability: Resorts, boutique hotels, beachfront villas, guesthouses, and vacation rentals.
Dining Availability: Local restaurants, seafood cafés, and resort dining.
Family Suitability: Excellent, particularly along the calmer western shoreline.
Swimming Suitability: Excellent at Cape Santa Maria Beach and other west coast beaches.
Snorkeling Suitability: Good near reefs, rocky headlands, and selected offshore areas.
Diving Opportunities: Nearby Dean's Blue Hole and offshore reef systems.
Boating Opportunities: Excellent for kayaking, sailing, and island exploration.
Fishing Opportunities: Bonefishing, reef fishing, and offshore sportfishing.
Photography Opportunities: White-sand beaches, pink-sand beaches, limestone cliffs, sunsets, and turquoise waters.
Infrastructure Level: Moderate, with services concentrated around Clarence Town, Deadman's Cay, Stella Maris, and Salt Pond.
Weather Considerations: Atlantic beaches may experience stronger surf and currents during periods of rough weather.
FAQ SECTION
What are the best beaches in Long Island, Bahamas?
Cape Santa Maria Beach is the island's best-known beach, while Gordon's Beach and the Atlantic beaches around Stella Maris are also popular for their scenery, quiet surroundings, and distinctive coastal landscapes.
Where are the calmest beaches on Long Island?
The calmest beaches are generally found along the island's western shoreline bordering the Great Bahama Bank. These beaches feature shallow water that is well suited to swimming and paddleboarding.
Can you swim at Long Island's beaches?
Yes. Many beaches, particularly on the western coast, provide excellent swimming conditions. Atlantic-facing beaches may have stronger surf depending on weather and sea conditions.
Are there pink-sand beaches on Long Island?
Yes. Around Stella Maris on the Atlantic coast, several beaches feature pink-hued sand created by the natural mixture of crushed coral and microscopic marine organisms.
Why is Cape Santa Maria Beach so popular?
Cape Santa Maria Beach is known for its wide expanse of white sand, calm turquoise water, and relatively undeveloped surroundings, making it one of Long Island's premier swimming beaches.
How many days should you spend exploring Long Island's beaches?
A stay of four to seven days allows visitors to experience beaches on both the Atlantic and Bahama Bank sides of the island while also visiting attractions such as Dean's Blue Hole, Columbus Point, and Clarence Town.
TRAVELER EXPECTATION SUMMARY
Travelers visit Long Island for beaches that remain largely uncrowded and geographically diverse. The combination of calm western shores, rugged Atlantic coastlines, pink-sand beaches, and nearby natural attractions offers a beach experience focused on exploration, relaxation, and authentic Out Island scenery.
LOCAL AND DESTINATION CONTEXT
Long Island's beaches extend from Cape Santa Maria in the north to Gordon's Beach in the south, connecting coastal communities including Stella Maris, Clarence Town, Deadman's Cay, and Salt Pond. Situated within the Out Islands of The Bahamas, the island combines beaches with blue holes, caves, fishing grounds, and marine ecosystems that define one of the country's most varied coastal destinations.
RELATED DESTINATIONS
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