Long Island

Long Island lies in the center of the lower half of the Bahamas Islands. Almost 80mi/129km long and no more than 4mi/6.5km wide, Long Island has contrasting environments of sandy beaches on the west coast and rocky cliffs on the east coast. The inlands are comprised of swamps, green hills and lagoons.

The Long Island Sailing Regatta is largest annual event taking place at Salt Pond in either May or June. The Regatta features boats made only by Bahamians. The coast and surrounding cays offer reefs and caves for bonefishing, diving, snorkeling and exploring by glass-bottom boat cruises. There are some historic churches and plantation ruins to tour as well, and hiking, tennis and biking are also popular activities. The first known inhabitants of Long Island were Arawak Indians who called the island Yuma. Columbus landed on Long Island in 1492, and salt was extracted on the island long before the arrival of North American Loyalists in the 18th C, when cotton plantations were then established. After the 19th C when cotton-growing declined, Long Island began stock farming and cultivating vegetables, which remain important industries today.

Long Island has two small airports: SML (Cape Santa Maria, Stella Maris) and LGI (Deadman's Cay, Mortimers).