Best Beaches on Long Island, Bahamas (Cape Santa Maria & Beyond)
The beaches on Long Island are among the most beautiful and least crowded in all of The Bahamas. This long, narrow island is blessed with miles of untouched coastline where soft white sand meets vivid turquoise water, often with no one else in sight. Unlike more developed islands, Long Island’s beaches feel raw, spacious, and deeply peaceful.
From world-renowned Cape Santa Maria to hidden stretches of shoreline discovered down sandy side roads, Long Island rewards travelers who value solitude, natural beauty, and simplicity. This guide explores the island’s best beaches, what makes each unique, and how to enjoy them safely and respectfully.
What Makes Long Island Beaches So Special
Long Island’s beaches stand out for a few defining reasons:
-
Extremely low visitor density
-
Minimal development along the coast
-
Natural, unmanicured shorelines
-
Clear water with excellent visibility
Many beaches here have no facilities, no vendors, and no signage. What you get instead is silence, space, and an intimate connection with the sea.
Cape Santa Maria Beach
The Most Famous Beach on Long Island
Cape Santa Maria is the island’s most iconic beach and one of the most celebrated beaches in The Bahamas. Located on the northern end of Long Island, it consistently ranks among the top beaches in the region.
Why Cape Santa Maria Is So Special
-
Powder-soft white sand
-
Shallow, calm water ideal for swimming
-
Gentle waves and minimal current
-
Excellent snorkeling just offshore
The beach stretches for miles, curving gracefully along the coast. Even when guests are staying nearby, it rarely feels crowded.
Quick Tip: Early morning and late afternoon offer the calmest water and the most dramatic light.
North Long Island Beaches Beyond Cape Santa Maria
Columbus Point Area Beaches
Near the northern tip of the island, beaches around Columbus Point offer:
These beaches feel expansive and are ideal for long walks and quiet swims.
Stella Maris Area Beaches
Beaches near Stella Maris Airport are:
They are a good choice for travelers staying in the north who want variety without long drives.
Central Long Island Beaches
Beaches Near Salt Pond
Central Long Island beaches are more rugged but striking. Expect:
-
Mixed sand and rock shorelines
-
Stronger colors in the water
-
Fewer swimmers and more solitude
These beaches often appeal to photographers and travelers who enjoy dramatic scenery.
Dean’s Blue Hole Beach
Adjacent to Dean’s Blue Hole, this small beach area is unique.
Why it’s special:
Swimming is best done cautiously, staying close to the shallows.
South Long Island Beaches
Clarence Town Area Beaches
Southern beaches near Clarence Town tend to be:
-
Less sandy and more rugged
-
Backed by limestone cliffs
-
Exposed to open ocean conditions
They are beautiful to look at and photograph, though swimming conditions vary with wind and swell.
Hidden South Coast Beaches
Some of the most secluded beaches on Long Island are found along the south coast.
What to expect:
-
No signage or facilities
-
Rocky access points
-
Total privacy
Local Hack: Ask locals which beaches are calm on a given day; conditions change quickly in the south.
Swimming Conditions and Safety
Not all beaches on Long Island are ideal for swimming every day.
Best Swimming Areas
-
North-facing beaches
-
Protected coves
-
Calm-weather days
Beaches Requiring Caution
There are no lifeguards anywhere on the island.
Quick Tip: If the water looks rough or locals are not swimming, choose another beach.
Snorkeling and Marine Life
Snorkeling is best:
Bring your own snorkel gear, as rentals are limited.
What to Bring to Long Island Beaches
Most beaches are undeveloped, so come prepared:
Always pack out what you bring in.
Best Time of Day for Beach Visits
-
Morning: Calm water, fewer winds
-
Midday: Bright colors but intense sun
-
Late Afternoon: Softer light, cooler temperatures
Sunrise and sunset are especially peaceful.
Respecting the Environment
Long Island’s beaches remain pristine because of shared care.
Visitors should:
Preservation ensures these beaches remain untouched for future travelers.
Who Will Love Long Island Beaches Most
These beaches are ideal for travelers who:
-
Value solitude over amenities
-
Enjoy natural, undeveloped settings
-
Are comfortable being self-sufficient
-
Prefer quiet over crowds
They may not suit travelers seeking beach bars, chair service, or water sports centers.
Final Thoughts
The best beaches on Long Island, Bahamas are not defined by facilities or popularity, but by space, silence, and natural beauty. Cape Santa Maria may be the most famous, but the island’s true magic lies in its countless unnamed stretches of sand where the only sounds are wind and waves.
From the iconic perfection of Cape Santa Maria to the hidden shores scattered along the island’s coast, Long Island offers some of the most authentic beach experiences in The Bahamas. These are beaches meant to be felt slowly, explored thoughtfully, and remembered long after the sand has washed from your feet.