Long Island

Long Island is relatively well populated, with a string of settlements spread along its length and a noticeable difference in character between the east and west coasts. The western anchorages are easily reached from George Town and often used as stopping points by boats continuing south toward the Raggeds, while Clarence Town on the Atlantic side serves as the main harbor and service hub for passages linking Long Island with Acklins, the Far Out Islands, and routes farther afield.

Dean’s Blue Hole, in the bay west of Clarence Town, is among the world’s deepest known blue holes and a major freediving venue. It is regularly used for training and freedive events such as Vertical Blue.

Hamilton’s Cave is currently the largest known cave system in The Bahamas and is visited on guided tours arranged with the landowner near the settlement of Hamilton. The caverns feature extensive stalactite and stalagmite formations and support several bat species.

Red Shrimp Cave is a small, underground pool reached by a short path behind the derelict St Mary The Virgin church, where swimmers share the water with tiny red shrimp and bats

Harbors with fuel and basic supplies are limited (see the map for details), so most crews arrive well stocked and treat the few service points as top‑ups rather than full‑service stops. Routes to and from nearby island groups encounter exposed deep‑water legs, shallow bank passages and cuts where sea state, and tide height are critical.

Places to stay

Below are the most popular and highly rated places to stay, based on feedback from the noforeignland community:

Anchorages

	Dollar Cay Harbour	4.8 ★	Review summary: Navigating Dollar Cay Harbour requires careful timing, as highlighted by its favorable depth conditions observed shortly after high tide. The anchorage offers good holding in sand, with beautiful scenery and plenty of room to swing. Visitors should monitor tide and chart discrepancies closely.
	Thompson Bay	4.2 ★	Review summary: Anchoring at Thompson Bay offers reliable holding with calm conditions. The area is spacious, accommodating many vessels comfortably. However, the water is shallow and cloudy, which may discourage water-making activities.
	Gordon’s Beach	4.1 ★	Review summary: Anchoring at Gordon's Beach offers a sandy bottom with good holding, but conditions can be rolly in certain wind patterns. The beach and local restaurant, noted for friendly service, are appealing draws. Shelter from northeast-east winds is generally effective unless swells prevail.
	Calabash Bay	3.9 ★	Review summary: Accessing Calabash Bay is straightforward, with entry from both north and south via magenta lines on Navionics. The anchorage is vulnerable to swells, making conditions uncomfortable with unfavorable wind directions. Visitors appreciate the beautiful beach and convenient amenities nearby.
	Clarence Town East	3.9 ★	Review summary: Anchoring at Clarence Town East provides ample room for several boats with strong holding conditions. Check-in procedures are effectively managed, ensuring a smooth arrival process.
	Clarence Town	3.7 ★	Review summary: Anchorage at Clarence Town is frequently used due to its calm atmosphere even with strong winds. Reviews mention easy dinghy access to land and a secure anchoring experience during windy conditions. The anchorage provides solid holding with a sandy bottom.

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Marinas

Flying Fish Marina

4.0 ★

Review summary: Staying at Flying Fish Marina can include helpful staff and access to a small customs office for convenient clearance. The marina offers clean facilities and an engaging shark viewing experience when sports fishermen clean their catch, although there are no hot showers available.

Boat services

Below are the most popular and highly rated boat services, based on feedback from the noforeignland community:

Chandlers

Seafarer Marine Supply

5.0 ★

Review summary: Seafarer Marine Supply on Long Island is known for being a well-stocked chandlery offering a wide array of marine supplies. The shop also includes snorkeling and fishing gear, sun shirts, and general hardware, with reports of helpful staff. It features a friendly atmosphere with a store dog named Rusty.

This table summarizes first-hand reviews from sailors who have checked in to this part of Bahamas.

Useful yacht clearance links