Long IslandOutdoor Escape Game & Treasure Hunt

From Lucayan Shores to Loyalist Plantations

Long Island, known as Yuma to the indigenous Lucayan Taíno people, has a history stretching back centuries before European arrival. Archaeological evidence, including ceremonial stools called duhos, suggests Lucayan settlement, possibly within the island's cave systems, around 500 AD or even earlier. By the early 1500s, the Lucayan population had vanished, largely due to enslavement and forced relocation to Hispaniola and Cuba by the Spanish.

Permanent European settlement on Long Island began in the 18th century. The Simms family arrived in 1720, but a significant influx occurred in the late 1700s with the arrival of British Loyalists fleeing the American Revolution. These Loyalists, primarily from New England, New Jersey, and the Carolinas, were granted large tracts of land by the British Crown for their allegiance. They attempted to establish cotton plantations, bringing enslaved African people with them. While these plantations initially operated, most had collapsed and were abandoned by the time slavery was abolished in 1834, due to unsuitable soil conditions. The descendants of these early settlers, both Loyalist and formerly enslaved, form a significant part of the island's population today.

Clarence Town: A Capital Shaped by Faith and Commerce

Clarence Town, the capital of Long Island, was named after Prince William Henry, Duke of Clarence, who later became King William IV of the United Kingdom. It developed around one of the island's natural harbors, making it a center for fishing, boating, and commerce throughout its history. The town is known for its twin churches, St. Paul's Anglican Church and St. Peter & St. Paul's Catholic Church, both designed by the English architect and priest, Father Jerome Hawes, in the early 20th century. These structures, with their twin towers, are symbols of Long Island and show a blend of traditional European architectural influences with local stone and craftsmanship.

• —St. Peter's & St. Paul's Catholic Church — This stone church in Clarence Town, designed by Father Jerome Hawes, features twin towers and medieval-inspired architecture. Visit in the late afternoon to see the golden light on its facade.
• —St. Paul's Anglican Church — Also designed by Father Jerome Hawes, this Anglican church stands on a hilltop in Clarence Town, with views of the surrounding waters and islands.
• —Clarence Town Dock — A working waterfront where local fishermen bring in their daily catch. It is also where the mail boat docks weekly.
• —Hamilton's Cave — Near Deadman's Cay, this is the largest known cave system in The Bahamas. Explore its network of limestone chambers, stalactites, stalagmites, and a freshwater spring. The cave holds archaeological importance, with artifacts indicating Lucayan occupation around 500 CE.
• —Dean's Blue Hole — West of Clarence Town, this is the world's second deepest underwater sinkhole, plunging to a depth of about 202 meters (663 feet). It is a spot for divers and free-divers.
• —Columbus Point — At the northern tip of Long Island, this monument commemorates Christopher Columbus's third landfall in the New World. It offers oceanic views.

The ideal time to visit Long Island is during the Bahamas' dry season, from November to April. During these months, the weather is warm, breezy, and comfortable, with average daytime temperatures ranging from 26°C to 28°C (79°F to 82°F) and lower humidity. Sea temperatures remain pleasant for swimming, around 25°C to 27°C (77°F to 81°F). This period also sees calmer beach conditions, particularly along the western shoreline. The peak tourist season is from December to mid-April, so expect more people and higher prices for accommodations.

Avoid the peak of hurricane season, which runs from August through October, as there is a higher risk of storms and some smaller establishments might have reduced hours. While temperatures are hot and humid in summer (May to August), with average highs around 32°C (90°F), there are fewer people, and rain typically occurs in short, intense tropical showers in the late afternoon.

Long Island is approximately 265 km (165 miles) southeast of Nassau, the capital of The Bahamas. The island has two airports: Deadman's Cay Airport (LGI), which is an official Port of Entry with customs and immigration services and offers daily flights to Nassau, and Stella Maris Airport (SML) in the north. Car rental is recommended for exploring the island's 130 km (80 miles) length, as public transportation is limited. Taxis are available, especially from Stella Maris to Deadman's Cay and Clarence Town.

Cash is preferred for many smaller establishments, though credit and debit cards are accepted in some locations. The Bahamian dollar is pegged 1:1 with the US dollar, and both are accepted. Sundays are generally a day of rest on Long Island, with most stores and restaurants closed or operating on restricted hours. The Long Island Farmers Market in Salt Pond is open every Saturday from 8 AM to noon, offering local produce, baked goods, and crafts.