Long Island
Long Island, around 350 miles from the Miami coast, this 80 mile long and four mile wide Island is the most picturesque place in Bahamas. The island thrives on contrast, the white sand beaches and towering cliffs, the tropical landscape south of the Tropic of Cancer and the rolling hills in the north. The beach at Cape Santa Maria is one of the top ten in the world.
History
The Loyalists from US state of Carolina settled here in 1790s with their slaves and started large plantations. The cotton from these plantations was a big business till the abolition of slavery. The ruined mansions of the era can still be seen in many places. The locals still engage in agricultural pursuits and grow variety of crops. The Long Island is best known for its fresh sea food especially the lobster and at highly reasonable prices.
Attractions
Columbus Point, which overlooks the protected Columbus Harbor, has a monument and a plaque marking his landing in the 1490s. Stella Maris, the Star of the Sea, is the spot for scuba divers and game-fishermen. Clarence Town is a well laid out harbor town with its twin churches, St. Paul’s Anglican Church and a Catholic Church of St. Peter. The planet’s deepest blue hole at Dean’s Blue Hole plunges 600 feet inches after the shore. The Lucayan caves with their craft and artifacts, is a wonder of nature. The Long Island has plenty of marvelous beaches for an emotional experience.
How to Reach
Long Island has two airports, Stella Maris Airport in the North and Deadman’s Cay Airport in the South of the island. Just plan your trip to land in the hills of north and leave after the tropical sun bathing in the south.