Long Island Cruise Port Guide: Snorkeling, Beaches & Tips

Ships anchor offshore; tender boats required to reach Stella Maris Resort pier.

Long Island, Bahamas is one of the archipelago’s most rewarding off-the-beaten-path stops — a slender, 80-mile ribbon of land where dramatic limestone cliffs meet impossibly turquoise shallows. Unlike Nassau’s busy waterfront, this island moves at its own quiet pace, rewarding curious travellers with world-class diving, fresh seafood, and genuine Bahamian hospitality. If your cruise itinerary brings you here, clear your schedule and come prepared to explore.

Arriving by Ship

Most cruise ships calling at Long Island tender passengers ashore rather than docking at a purpose-built pier, so expect a short tender boat ride into Clarence Town or Deadman’s Cay. The process is usually smooth, but keep an eye on weather conditions — the island’s east coast faces the Atlantic and can pick up a chop. Once ashore, taxis and rental cars are available near the tender landing, though you’ll want to sort transport quickly as options are limited. The island has two distinct sides: the calmer western shore facing the Exuma Sound, and the wilder eastern Atlantic coast. Both are worth your time, so consider renting a car to cover ground efficiently during your port day.

Things to Do

Long Island punches well above its weight for activities. Dean’s Blue Hole is the headline act — at roughly 202 metres deep, it’s the world’s second-deepest known blue hole and a stunning natural amphitheatre framed by low cliffs. You can swim, snorkel, or simply float in the eerie blue-green water and feel gloriously small. Nearby Turtle Cove is another snorkelling favourite, where sea turtles drift lazily through seagrass beds. For something more active, the Cape Santa Maria beach on the northern tip is frequently listed among the Caribbean’s finest — a long arc of powdery white sand with virtually no crowds. History fans should visit the ruins of two churches built side by side by Father Jerome, an eccentric architect-turned-hermit-monk who left his mark across the island. If your ship stops at Nassau before or after Long Island, a swimming pigs and turtle snorkel tour makes a brilliant complement to your trip. 🎟 Book: Nassau: Swimming Pigs And Snorkel With Turtles Alternatively, for a broader Nassau experience, the Discover Nassau Sightseeing Tour including Atlantis is excellent value. 🎟 Book: Discover Nassau Sightseeing Tour plus Atlantis Resort Visit

Local Food

Eating on Long Island is a lesson in simplicity done brilliantly. Cracked conch — tenderised, battered, and fried golden — is the island’s signature dish and should be your first order of business. You’ll find it at roadside shacks and small restaurants throughout Clarence Town and Deadman’s Cay. Grilled grouper served with peas and rice and fried plantains is another staple that never disappoints. For something cold and reviving mid-afternoon, look for fresh coconut water sold directly from the vendor’s truck, or ask at a local bar for a Sands Beer, the Bahamas’ much-loved local lager. Max’s Conch Bar and Grill near Deadman’s Cay is a reliable local favourite with a lively atmosphere and outdoor seating facing the water. Don’t expect fine dining — the island’s appeal is honest, flavourful cooking made from whatever came off the boat that morning.

Shopping

Long Island isn’t a shopping destination in the conventional sense, which is part of its charm. What you will find are small craft stalls near the tender area selling handwoven straw goods, including bags, hats, and placemats made in the traditional Bahamian style. Local honey is another worthwhile buy — Long Island is known for its distinctive wild honey, which makes an unusual and genuinely local gift. A few small shops in Clarence Town stock locally made hot sauces and seasoning blends worth tucking into your luggage. If you’re heading to Nassau during your cruise and want a more varied shopping experience paired with great food, the Rum Tasting and Food Walking Tour there covers local flavours and artisan products in depth. 🎟 Book: Rum Tasting and Food Walking Tour in Nassau Bahamas

Practical Tips

Bring cash — Long Island operates largely on a cash economy and ATMs can be unreliable. US dollars are accepted everywhere alongside Bahamian dollars. Sunscreen is non-negotiable: the Bahamian sun is fierce, and there’s little shade at Dean’s Blue Hole or on the open beaches. Insect repellent is equally useful if you’re venturing inland or staying near wetland areas at dusk. Check your ship’s all-aboard time carefully and build in a generous buffer — the island has no traffic, but tender queues can lengthen in the late afternoon. Mobile coverage exists but can be patchy away from the main settlements, so download offline maps before you leave the ship.

Long Island rewards the traveller willing to swap glitzy resort infrastructure for raw natural beauty and genuine local character. A single day here can feel like a week’s worth of discovery — which is really the highest compliment you can pay any cruise port.

🎟️ Things to Book in Advance

These highly-rated experiences fill up fast — book before you arrive to avoid missing out.

Rum Tasting and Food Walking Tour in Nassau Bahamas

★★★★☆ (1,076 reviews)

Venture into town where your trusted local guide will give you the uncensored story of Nassau. From pirates to bootleggers – we leave behind the……

⏱ 3 hours | From USD 98.00

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Nassau: Swimming Pigs And Snorkel With Turtles

★★★★☆ (753 reviews)

Discover the Bahamas’ Best-Kept Secret Have you ever dreamed of swimming with the famous Bahamas pigs in crystal-clear turquoise waters? Your dream becomes reality with……

⏱ 3 hours | From USD 175.00

Book on Viator →