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 reviews from the noforeignland community:

Anchorages

	Millers Bay ★ 4.7 Access to this anchorage provides calm conditions for anchoring with easterly winds. Several visitors enjoyed activities such as snorkeling and paddleboarding. The nearby Chez Pierre restaurant is highlighted, though planning ahead for dinner is recommended.
	Dollar Cay Harbour ★ 4.6 The anchorage offers beautiful surroundings and good protection from waves. Depth can vary, with visitors reporting shallow areas near the entrance. Entering may require careful timing around high tides to avoid potential hazards.
	Thompson Bay ★ 4.5 Protection is notable, with good holding across the anchorage. Depth varies, so attention to tide conditions is advised. Access to grocery and marine stores enhances convenience.
	Gordon’s Beach ★ 4.4 The anchorage at Gordon's Beach features a sandy bottom with good holding, despite occasional swells. Visitors highlight friendly service at the restaurant and easy access to amenities. The beach offers a beautiful setting for cruising and relaxation.
	Calabash Bay ★ 4.1 Clear water and sandy bottoms characterize Calabash Bay. Many Visitors report experiencing uncomfortable swell conditions, especially with north winds. The resort is notably friendly, enhancing the overall anchoring experience.
	Galliot cay south ★ 3.9 The anchorage features good holding in a sandy bottom with clear water. Visitors experience beauty and tranquility, though swell conditions can be challenging. Local amenities include a resort restaurant, but mosquitoes can be a nuisance at night.
	Clarence Town East ★ 3.9 Strong holding is reported in sand at depths of 8 to 10 feet. While some winds create a rolly experience, the anchorage offers protection from fetch. Visitors mention easy customs check-in and a notable presence of sharks in the area.
	Clarence Town ★ 3.7 The anchorage is calm and well protected from the south to north, with a good sandy bottom that holds well. Visitors report comfort even in strong winds, along with convenient access to customs at the Marina for clearance needs.

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Marinas

	Flying Fish Marina ★ 4.0 The marina offers helpful staff and a small customs office for clearance procedures. Reports indicate issues with dinghy parking and varying experiences with friendliness among employees. Amenities include a restaurant with excellent food and a store for essentials.
	Stella Maris Marina ★ 3.0 The marina has a shallow entrance with inadequate channel markings. While basic utilities like power and water are available, the atmosphere can be uninviting due to insects. Staff interactions have been reported positively, though overall conditions seem lacking.

Boat services

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

Chandlers

Seafarer Marine Supply ★ 5.0 This store offers a vast selection of marine supplies along with snorkeling and fishing equipment, apparel, and hardware. Customers also appreciate helpful staff assistance. Reviewers find many products to be reasonably priced.

Useful yacht clearance links:

Yacht clearance reviews

The following lists summarize noforeignland user reviews for clearing in at ports of entry and when using clearance agents in Bahamas: