Answers to Your Most Common Questions
FAQ
Planning your stay at Seaclusion or exploring Long Island for the first time? Our FAQ covers everything from safety and local services to beach tips and practical island advice—so you can feel fully prepared and relaxed before you arrive.
General Travel & Safety
Is Long Island a safe place to visit?
Absolutely! Although you should always take precautions no matter where you visit, Long Island is one of the safest places to visit in all the Caribbean.
There are few (if any) incidents involving crime (of any nature) against tourists. Locals “love” visitors as tourism is one of the mainstays of their economy and by nature Long Islanders are warm, friendly and a loving people. It is not uncommon to leave your doors unlocked, or keys in your car – yes, it is that safe!
Is Long Island an expensive place to visit?
Yes & No.
Imported items are expensive given shipping and import duties/taxes (Bahamas has no income tax so Government revenues are generated through duties and import taxes). Non-imported items and local services are fairly reasonable.
For imported items, expect to pay around double the cost of back home so bring your favorite treats, personal use items with you. However, because there are so many free and cheap things to do on the island, over-all it will be on par with other destinations you have visited.
What side of the road do I drive on?
Left (opposite of US/Canada).
Can Seaclusion be rented during hurricane season or off season?
Generally no. Hurricane Season runs from June 1st – Nov. 30th and summers in Long Island are often hot and humid, raining and not the best time to visit.
If you have visited Long Island before and are experienced with the above realities, the host may grant an exception to this policy.
Health & Essentials
Is there access to grocery stores?
There are a number of grocery stores on the island. From Seaclusion you are 15 minute drive to two.
Hillside Grocery in Salt Pond (15 minutes south on Highway) is the the biggest and best on the island. The boats come in Wednesday afternoon, so it’s best to go Thursday late morning and later to assure they have re-stocked shelves. If you do not see what you are looking for do not hesitate to ask any of the employees or the owners – they are so lovely to help as many items are in the back!!
Island Convenience is 15 minutes north of Seaclusion along the highway and is decent and has most basics.
Are there doctors/dentists on Long Island?
Yes, but not always.
The closest medical facility to Seaclusion is the Simms Community Clinic (242-338-8488) located to the North of Seaclusion about a 10 minute drive. There likely will not be a doctor on site, but the Nurses are very competent and can call a doctor and dispense medications as well as offer routine medical care.
The Deadman’s Cay Community Clinic (242-337-1222) has a physician and nursing staff available but many prefer the faster and better directed service of Dr. Adrian Dean in Hamilton’s who offers (only) private medical services (242-819-3748). Dr. Dean lives in Nassau and commutes to Long Island a few days each week so make sure you bring any medications from home and a small first aid kit.
The visiting Dentist on the Island is Dr. Levine located in Salt Pond (242-472-2788).
What water do I drink while at Seaclusion?
A 5 gallon spring water (bottle with dispenser) will be provided to all guests. Replacement bottles can be exchanged for purchase at Island Convenience Grocery Store (242) 338-8111 (15 minute drive to the North).
Seaclusion (like all houses on Long Island) has a large water cistern which catches pure rain water which is used for household uses (e.g. showers, toilets, washer, dishwasher, etc.). It is double-filtered, but not to be used for drinking as it has not been treated. Seclusion also has City water which is used for watering plants, pool, washing cars, etc. (note: the City water is reverse osmosis sea water and is of poor quality).
Activities & Island Life
Is it safe to swim at Sunset Beach?
Always be cautious when swimming in the ocean but there has never been a shark attack or any similar incident in the waters at Sunset Beach – they are shallow, calm and not frequented by sharks like the deep, rough waters on the Atlantic side of the Island.
For decades locals, home owners and tourists have swam, kayaked, paddle-boarded, kite surfed, etc. without incident. Small rays, nurse sharks (harmless), tropical fish and sea turtles are present and you will see them from time to time.
Is there a good place to fish or snorkel at Sunset Beach?
I have heard the power goes out on Long Island, is this true?
Yes, but not near as much as it used to now that a 3rd massive generator has been installed at the Power Plant.
Like most Caribbean islands, electricity is generated through huge diesel generators that require regular maintenance. Although there are still power outages (usually scheduled for night while you are sleeping), they are not often, and generally only last for a few minutes (although sometimes it can be longer). Flashlights, head lamps, board games, cards, etc. make the time pass quickly.