Why Honeymoon on Long Island
Long Island gives you the classic Out Island experience without needing a boat for everything. You can drive yourself from beach to beach, stopping at a roadside stand for conch or a small church on a hill. Most days you will see more goats than tourists.
The beaches are the main reason to come. Cape Santa Maria has powder-soft sand and shallow water in shades of blue that look retouched in photographs. On the Atlantic side, coves and headlands make for dramatic walks.
The island also has real character. Settlements still have small farms and family stores. Father Jerome, an architect who became a priest, built two churches in Clarence Town in the early 1900s that now stand as local landmarks. Local legend and some historians link Long Island to Columbus's voyage of 1492. A monument marks the spot at the northern tip.
When to Go
March through June is the best time for a Long Island honeymoon. The weather is warm and mostly dry, the water is calm and inviting. Resorts are open.
December through February is still pleasant, but cold fronts can bring cool, windy days. The water is a little colder. The Atlantic side can be rough. This is still a good time for couples who like walking and exploring.
Hurricane season runs from June through November, with the highest risk from August through October. Some resorts close for part of the fall. Summer is hot and humid, with the warmest water of the year.
The Long Island Regatta in Salt Pond, usually held in late spring or early summer, brings traditional Bahamian sloop racing and a festive atmosphere. Dean's Blue Hole hosts freediving competitions in some years, which can be fascinating to watch.
Where to Stay
Long Island has a small number of resorts and guesthouses, most of them in the north.
- Cape Santa Maria Beach Resort sits on the beach of the same name, with bungalows and villas facing the water. It is the island's best-known resort and the top choice for honeymooners. It has a restaurant, bar and water sports.
- Stella Maris Resort Club, near the northern airport, has rooms, cottages and pools on a ridge above the coast, with access to nearby beaches.
- Small guesthouses and vacation rentals are spread along the island, from the north to Clarence Town and beyond. Many come with kitchens and some with private beaches.
Because the island is long, choose a base near what you want to do. The north has the best beaches and more amenities. The south is quieter, with Dean's Blue Hole and Clarence Town.
Romantic Things to Do
- Spend a lazy day at Cape Santa Maria Beach, one of the most photographed beaches in the Bahamas. Stay for sunset.
- Swim or snorkel at Dean's Blue Hole. The shallow edge is good for swimming. Only experienced divers should explore the deep center.
- Visit St Paul's Anglican Church and St Peter's Catholic Church in Clarence Town, both built by Father Jerome. Climb the towers for views.
- Explore Hamilton's Cave, part of a cave system near the settlement of Hamilton's, on a guided tour.
- Hike to the Columbus monument at the northern tip for views over the coast. The climb is short but steep.
- Snorkel the reefs off the west coast or join a dive trip. Stella Maris has long been known for shark dives.
- Watch the salt ponds turn pink and white in the sun near the settlement of Salt Pond.
Getting There and Around
Long Island has two main airports. Stella Maris Airport (SML) in the north is closest to the main resorts. Makers Air has flown nonstop from Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport (FXE) several times a week. Deadman's Cay Airport (LGI), in the center of the island, has daily flights from Nassau.
Most couples either fly nonstop from Florida on a small carrier or fly to Nassau on a major airline and connect on a domestic flight. Schedules change by season, so check current options and allow time for connections.
Once there, a rental car is essential. The Queen's Highway runs the length of the island. Most sights are spread out along it. Driving is on the left. Roads are generally quiet, but watch for potholes, goats and cyclists. Some resorts can arrange car rentals and airport pickups.
Food and Drink
Food on Long Island is simple, local and often homemade. Look for conch salad, cracked conch, fried snapper, peas and rice and lobster in season. Many settlements have small restaurants and takeaways run by local families.
Cape Santa Maria and Stella Maris have their own restaurants, with fresh seafood and Bahamian dishes. Some couples like to mix resort dinners with lunches at roadside spots.
The island is known for farming, so look for fresh fruit and vegetables at roadside stands. Bananas, pineapples and other produce are grown in small plots. Grocery stores are small. Supplies come in by mail boat, so prices are higher than in the US.
For drinks, try a Kalik or Sands beer, a rum punch or a Bahama Mama. Bring any specialty wine or spirits you want from Nassau or Florida.
Honeymoon Tips
- Rent a car. The island is long. Many of the best spots are far apart.
- Plan for long drives. It can take a couple of hours to drive from one end of the island to the other.
- Bring cash. ATMs are limited. Some small businesses don't take cards.
- Pack insect repellent. Mosquitoes and sandflies can be active, especially after rain and in summer. If you're pregnant or hoping to be soon, check CDC travel health notices.
- Be careful at Dean's Blue Hole. The drop-off is sudden. The deep water is only for trained divers.
- The US State Department rates the Bahamas at Level 2, exercise increased caution, mainly because of crime in Nassau and Freeport. Long Island is quiet. Normal precautions apply.
- Book well ahead for the spring season. The resorts are small and fill quickly.
