Must Visit Places

Listed from North End to South End of Long Island

Columbus Monument

The Columbus Monument, which was originally constructed by the Long Islanders Association as a tribute to the arrival of Christopher Columbus on October 17, 1492. This spectacular ‘view-site’ perched atop the white cliffs of the Long Island coast offers commanding views of the Atlantic and Caribbean Seas, lush greenery, and the deepest blues and whites of fishing flats below. Driving accessibility to the historic site was greatly improved with a road constructed in 2019, making it also a favorite cycling destination. The stairs to the monument and lookout have also been newly constructed for better accessibility.

The site offers picnic areas, amazing snorkeling, private beaches, a natural lazy river, and excellent shelling opportunities. Wade/Walk/Swim to the South toward the bone-fishing flats and you should see turtles, rays and the most beautiful scenery imaginable (the ocean comes “inland” at the parking lot).

Cape Santa Maria Beach

Looking for one of the best beaches in the world? You will not be disappointed by driving North (up Island) about 45 minutes from Seaclusion to the “Cape”. Voted as one of the top ten beaches on the planet, the breathtaking beauty and powder white sand of Cape Santa Maria will not disappoint.

Grab lunch at the resort, paddle board (you will need to take your own paddle boards) in the back water channel (just North – down the dirt road behind the resort) where rays, turtles, star fish and other marine life abound, and you will experience one of the most beautiful and tranquil places in the Bahamas.

Stella Maris Natural Wave Pool

Also at the North end of island (approximately 30 minutes to the North of Seaclusion) is the community of Stella Maris. Follow road toward the ocean (or ask any of the locals) and you will be directed to their community pool, playground and snack shack – Moonshine Bar & Grill. Follow the wooden walkway from Bar & Grill (or from parking lot next to the pool) through the jagged rock breakers and come to one of the wonders of Long Island. The bigger the waves, the more fun this “natural wave pool” is!

Love Beach and ShipWreck Beach

(Accessed via Stella Maris Resort ocean road)

Once in Stella Maris drive SW along the coastal road, signs will direct you where to turn and you will come to a dead end where stairs lead to the landing at Love Beach. Walk down the stairs and go discover the area! Swim, suntan, beachcomb, you can even climb up to the abandoned resort above. For the adventurous, walk further south (be careful and wear good foot wear as your walk is over coral reef). A ¼ mile (south) you will find another secluded beach and spot the remnants of a large freighter wrecked on the reef several decades ago. A great hike and perfect Instagram shot.

French Harbour Caye (or Millerton School) Beach

This is one of our favorite beaches and trail head location for hikes along the West (Atlantic) Coast. Approximately 10 minutes to the South of Seaclusion is Millers Park (local baseball field). Take the second turn to the West (your left just after the cut – you will see an old Church. Follow the trail (don’t go if it has just rained unless you have a 4X4) as it is not a great road. Turn South at the “T” and you will come to one of the most beautiful mile-long beaches and secluded bays in the area.

Generally, you will see turtles and the maybe a ray swimming in the harbor. Talk to one of the locals and they will tell you the history of this area and directions if you get lost.

The Shrimp Hole

Behind the spectacular ruin of what is considered the oldest church in all the Bahamas (St. Mary the Blessed Virgin est. 1669) is a well-marked trail to one of Long Island’s less-known natural attractions. At the end, a relatively simple 10 min hike through the inland indigenous scrub brush, brings you to a freshwater limestone cave inhabited by what are thought to be critically endangered Sterrar’s cave shrimp. It is a unique sight and a great way to break up the drive between the North and South of the island.

You can get in the water and swim, please do not wear sunscreen in this pool. It is surrounded by coral, so good footwear essential.

Hamilton’s Cave

Hamilton’s Cave is the largest cave system in the Bahamas. The Lucayan Indians were thought to have lived here around 500 A.D., and many Lucayan artifacts were discovered in 1936. The cave is named after the small settlement of Hamilton’s, located south of Salt Pond.

It is owned and operated by Mr. Leonard Cartwright, a Long Island native who offers tours through the cave system, with some passages over 15 meters wide and 3 meters high, where he played hide-and-seek with his family as a child.

To arrange tour call Leonard @ (242) 337-0235 / (242) 472-1796

Dean’s Blue Hole

Located approximately 1 hr. to the South of Seaclusion is the world-famous Dean’s Blue Hole which is the world’s second-deepest blue hole. Plunging 663 feet (202 meters) to the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean, the blue hole is oval at its surface, with a diameter ranging from 80 to 120 feet (25 to 37 meters). A popular destination for free divers and visitors from all over the world, the hole was the location of the recent free diving world record of 400 ft. (122 meters) and home of the Free Diving World Championships.

Swim across the bay following the blue hole ring (swim where you can see the sand line before it drops to the Blue Hole) and you will find a path up the rock. Swim shoes recommended to climb up and over back towards the hole where you will find spots to jump off into the Blue Hole).

Deans Blue Hole sits in a corner of a large protected double bay on the Atlantic side of island. The double bay is HUGE and perfect for walking, swimming, paddle boarding, and just enjoying the day.

Clarence Town and nearby Lochabar Beach

You will pass by a Flamingo Pond driving from Clarence Town to Lochabar beach – great photo opportunity.

Clarence Town is the capital of Long Island with a population of less than 100 people. Quaint and picturesque don’t even come close to describing this unique and beautiful seaside town. Two famous Churches (St. Peter’s and St. Paul’s) frame the town’s footprint against the deep blue of the Caribbean Sea. One of the best restaurants on the island (The Flying Fish) is housed at the Marina.

Lochabar Beach

Just south of Clarencetown is Lochbar Beach, an almost double half moon bay of beautiful golden sand. Off the middle ”tip” of Lochbar is a “Blue Hole” – but nothing like Deans Blue Hole. On the drive there, watch for the flamboyant Flamingos along the West side of the road in the water flats. They are sometimes close to shore and other times further out.

While at Lochbar stop for lunch or supper at Great Harbour Club House – very good. There is also a great Tuck Shop (convenience store) stocked with an amazing selection of Kirkland (Costco) treats and ice cream if you are so inclined.

Gordon’s Beach

Drive almost all the way south on the Queens Highway, and you will come to Gordon’s Beach, the southernmost settlement on the Island. Roughly 2 miles of fine white sand beach. There is a beach bar (be advised it is cash only) with tables and a few chairs. Advisable to take your chairs. It is about a 1.5-hour drive south of Seaclusion.