One of the most scenic of the Out Islands, Long Island is approximately 60 miles long and four miles wide at most and is situated just south of Exuma, cutting the Tropic of Cancer. The island features a wide variety of geographical features including rocky headlands and rolling hills in the North to low hills in the south fading into stark white flatlands where salt was once produced. On the dry southern tip of the island, the remains of former cotton plantations can also be found. The island also features many blue holes, caves, beautiful white sand beaches and coves and inlets, along with low lying shallow water areas ideal for bonefishing.

The island has been graced with several names over the centuries. The Indians supposedly called it Yuma, but Columbus renamed it Fernandina, in honor of King Ferdinand, and claimed it for Spain. Long Island was supposedly the third island Columbus sailed to during his first voyage of discovery, and a monument erected to celebrate this is still to be found on the Northern Tip of the island.

The many small communities that live on the island many of them white Bahamians known as 'Conchie Joes' are scattered along its western coastline villages, of which the largest are Deadman's Cay, midway down the island and capital Clarence Town, set on a beautiful harbour further south.

WHAT TO DO:

• Beginning on the northern tip of the island, you can visit the Colombus monument situated on top of high cliffs overlooking to one side the raging ocean, and to the other side a beautiful protected cove.
• Just south of this is Cape Santa Maria and its beautiful beach.
• About a mile off of this beach is shark reef a famous dive site, and nearby barracuda reef with its small underwater grottos.
• Near Burnt Ground stop by for ice cream at Arthur's, and make dinner reservations for a sumptuous seafood feast.
• In Millers go shopping for some straw work.
• Visit Salt Pond the site of Long Island's Annual Sailing Regatta, and visit the extensive cave system nearby.
• Visit the plantation ruins in Grays.
• Visit 'Cartwrights Cave' in Cartwright's a typical Long Island name.
• Near Pettys stop for a chicken snack at a restaurant near the bonefishing flats. Feed the bonefish and tarpon right from your table!
• Follow the "new road" between Petty's and Clarence Town and drive your car almost on to the beach featuring the world's deepest blue hole. 660 feet. A beautiful site for an afternoon swim.
• Continuing south visit the Anglican and Catholic Churches at Clarence Town.
• Further south you will come across Salt Salinas and paths leading to some more beautiful west coast beaches.