Long Island

Long Island is a sixty-mile (nearly 100km) long island in the Bahamas that is split by the Tropic of Cancer. The island is only about four miles (6km) wide, but a road spans most of the length. Long Island is about 150 miles or 240 kilometres southeast of Nassau. Some of the main settlements are Clarence Town, Deadman's Cay, and Scrub Hill. Long Island is one of the Districts of the Bahamas.

The island originally was called by the Arawak name "Yuma". The island was rechristened "Fernandina" by Christopher Columbus on his first voyage in 1492. Archaeological evidence shows that the Lucayan Taíno tribe settled on Long Island, as they did throughout the Bahamain chain of islands. After the demise of the Lucayans, who were carried as slaves to Hispaniola and Cuba, there was no large settlement until the arrival of the Loyalists.

One of the most scenic hideaways in The Bahamas, it is divided by the Tropic of Cancer and bordered by two very different coasts, one with soft-white, broad beaches and the other rocky headlands that descend suddenly into the roiling sea. The terrain varies from sloping hills in the northeast to low hillsides in the south fading into stark white flatlands where salt is produced; from swampland to beautiful beaches. Long Island is considered to be one of Columbus' early stops, probably his third, after San Salvador and Rum Cay. Indians supposedly called it "Yuma" and Columbus named it "Fernandina" after his mentor in Spain. While soft beaches greet the water on the west coast, rocky cliffs rise from the shore on the east. That said, words are inadequate.

Its interesting caves, gorgeous bays, towering cliffs and rolling hills are in direct contrast with the more tropical landscape and coast lines found elsewhere in The Bahamas.

The area has truly stunning beaches and, in fact, Cape Santa Maria has one of the worlds top ten beaches. Columbus Point, located 1/2 mile north of the primary beach resort in Cape Santa Maria, offers a tremendous view of the protected harbor Columbus sailed into as well as a monument and plaque commemorating his landing. Stella Maris, which means Star of the Sea, is another primary resort area on Long Island. Stella Maris is a famous meeting place for sports fishermen and scuba divers.

It is located 12 miles south of Cape Santa Maria. Visitors headed to either Cape Santa Maria or Stella Maris should fly into the Stella Maris International Airport.

Long Island's biggest event is the annual Long Island Sailing Regatta, featuring Bahamian made boats. It is held in Salt Pond in May or June and attracts contestants from all over the Islands of the Bahamas.

Part of the economy is based on tourism and fishing, but subsistence farming dominates the economy. The inhabitants grow peas, corn, bananas, and pineapple, and they raise small livestock such as pigs, chickens, goats, and sheep. Some cattle are raised for export. Tourists enjoy sailing, fishing, scuba diving, snorkeling and relaxing on fine beaches and exploring its distinctive landscapes comprised of rugged hills and crashing waves along the Atlantic east coast and more tranquil waters on the west coast.