Long Island Cruise Port Guide: Beaches, Snorkeling & Getting Around, Bahamas

Quick Take

Port Type

Beach & Resort Anchorage

Best For

Beach days, snorkeling, casual water activities, families seeking low-key relaxation.

Avoid If

You want walkable town exploration, restaurants, or nightlife; Long Island is small and dispersed.

Walkability

Poor. Port is anchorage; town is ~1 mile inland or offshore. Taxis essential.

Budget Fit

Mid-range. Beach access is free; water activities and taxis add cost fast.

Good For Short Calls?

Good. Beach time and snorkeling fit 4–6 hours easily.

Port Overview

Long Island is a low-key Bahamas destination where cruise ships anchor offshore and tender passengers to Stella Maris (the only real settlement) or directly to beaches. There's no port terminal or town walk—you arrive by tender and immediately need a taxi or pre-booked excursion. The appeal is simplicity: calm, clear waters and nearby reefs make it a snorkeling-first port with minimal crowds compared to Nassau or Freeport.

Ships typically anchor for 6–8 hours. Most cruisers either book a resort day pass, take a snorkel boat tour, or grab a taxi to a public beach. There's almost no infrastructure for independent town exploration; expect small local shops, one or two restaurants, and limited services. This is a "come for the water, not the town" destination.

Is It Safe?

Long Island is generally safe for cruise passengers in the main settlement and resort areas. Petty theft exists but is uncommon in high-traffic tourist zones. Avoid walking alone at night or wandering inland from the dock. Stick to known beaches and resorts; ask your taxi driver or resort staff if unsure about an area. No serious crime risk for day visitors staying near the water.

Accessibility & Walkability

Stella Maris is flat and mostly walkable once you arrive by taxi, but the main challenge is the tender. Tender steps and platform transfers can be difficult for mobility-limited guests; speak with the cruise line in advance for assistance options. Resort day passes typically have accessible facilities (beach wheelchairs sometimes available). Rough terrain or narrow paths beyond the resort are uncommon. Public beaches vary in accessibility; ask locally.

Outside the Terminal

You'll step off the tender onto a simple dock at Stella Maris with a small local building nearby. A few taxi drivers and excursion guides will be waiting. The immediate area is quiet and low-key—no crowds, no vendor hassle. Within a few minutes you'll either be in a taxi heading to a beach or gathered with a tour group. It's a relaxed, casual arrival with minimal pressure to buy or do anything immediately.

Beaches Near the Port

Local Food & Drink

Stella Maris has a handful of casual restaurants and cafés serving conch salad, seafood, and Bahamian staples. Expect simple, fresh food at local prices ($10–25 per meal). The Stella Maris Resort also offers a buffet lunch as part of day passes. If you're on a private beach or touring, food options are limited; pack snacks or commit to a lunch plan early. Tap water is generally safe; drink bottled water if unsure.

Shopping

Shopping on Long Island is minimal. Stella Maris has one or two small shops selling basic souvenirs, island crafts, and snacks. No duty-free or larger retail. If shopping is important, the port is not a priority; spend time on beaches or snorkeling instead. Most cruisers don't bother with retail here.

Money & Currency

Currency

Bahamian Dollar (BSD) / US Dollar (USD)

USD Accepted?

Yes

Card Payments

Cards accepted at resorts and some restaurants; not everywhere. ATM at Stella Maris is available but unreliable. Bring cash.

ATMs

One ATM in Stella Maris town; may be out of service. Plan ahead.

Tipping

Taxi drivers: not required but 10% appreciated. Restaurant staff: 15% if service charge not included. Resort staff: $1–2 per service.

Notes

USD is widely accepted and preferred. Bring cash for taxis and small vendors. Credit cards work at resorts but not always at local shops or restaurants.

Weather & Best Time

Best months

November–April (calm seas, dry, 75–85°F)

Avoid

August–October (hurricane season, hot, humid)

Temperature

77–82°F, calm water, low rain risk

Notes

Most cruise calls occur in winter months. Water is warm year-round (~75–82°F). Afternoon thunderstorms are brief in summer; don't cancel plans.

Airport Information

Airport

Deadman's Cay Airport (LIJ)

Distance

~30 miles from Stella Maris

Getting there

Limited. No shuttle service. Taxi or rental car from airport to dock is expensive (~$60–100+). Most cruisers don't use this airport.

Notes

Long Island is not a popular embarkation point. Nassau (NAS) is far more common for pre-cruise hotels and transfers.