how to get to long island, the bahamas
| TRAVEL + COMMUTE 🛩 |
We are based in Houston, Texas so we flew from Bush Airport (IAH) to FT Lauderdale (FLL).
On your way to the Bahamas you will most likely have a stop in FT Lauderdale or Miami
Miami/Ft Lauderdale to Nassau (capital of the Bahamas)
Many airlines fly here such as American Airlines, Jet Blue, Silver Airways, and Bahamas Air
Arrive at Lynden Pindling Airport (NAS)
If you’re interested in the resort experience - Atlantis & Paradise Island are 25 min away from the airport, they designated shuttles straight from there if you plan to spend some time here in New Providence
We spent the night in Nassau to rest
Nassau is mainly a cruise ship island, not much culture around downtown. There are many souvenir shops & the famous straw market (not open right now in 2021 due to COVID)
We stayed in the most affordable B&B we could find ($76 including all extra taxes & fees) since this city is very pricey & we were flying out in the morning anyway.
The following morning we went back to NAS & took a 50 min BahamasAir flight to Long Island (LGI), costing about $120 for a one-way.
We arrived at Deadman’s Cay Airport (LGI) in the center of the island
There is also the Stella Maris Airport (SML) on the North end of island, but that is mainly used for private charters. No major airlines fly there.
LOGISTICS
A Rental car is a necessity! It is a very small airport - its literally a building the size of a waiting room - so don’t expect to see taxis lined up waiting for you when you arrive! Make sure to reach out to a car rental company prior to your trip & they will wait for you at the airport upon arrival
The entire island is just one big road - Queen’s Highway 🛣 which you will take once leaving the airport
It will take you to both extremes of the island - up North towards Stella Maris or down South all the way to Gordon’s
It would be pretty hard to get lost around here! But, from one side of the island to the other takes over 2 hours - hence the name Long Island!
Some car rental companies available:
Ophelia’s Car Rental (the one we used)
242-337-1042
opheliasrentacar@yahoo.com
Unique Car Rental
242-337-3088
uniquewheelsrental@gmail.com
Aaron’s Car Rental Company
242-473-3851
ajbahama@hotmail.com
WHERE TO STAY
Cape Santa Maria, Long Island, Bahamas
Keep in mind Long Island is one of the more remote and secluded of the out islands! Before traveling here, we visited the island of Eleuthera 2 years prior and we loved how private and untouched it was - Long Island takes it to the next level. We really just wanted to experience some privacy and seclusion, so we sought out for an airbnb close to the BEST beach on the island ☝🏼
Our AirBnB was about 2 miles south of Cape Santa Maria Beach Resort
Beachfront property on Santa Maria beach
Fully equipped kitchen so you can cook with ease
Beachfront deck with shade, beach chairs, dining area, outdoor grill, & outdoor showers
GREAT wifi (unexpected right?)
Our next AirBnB was located very central, in Mangrove Bush/Petty’s settlement. This place was all you really needed - kitchen with all the appliances (oven too), living room, bedroom & bathroom. It is definitely not luxurious but the AC worked great, we were able to cook, and had running hot water in the bathroom. The only downside was the wifi was pretty bad & it is a bit dark but it was close to everything and we would spend the entire day out exploring so neither of those things mattered. For $60 x night, it was well worth it for the comfort, convenience, and being budget-friendly.
Constantakis Bay View Apartments
Very affordable - ($75 a night)
8 minutes from Dean’s Blue Hole - the island’s main attraction.
Close to 1 of the only ATMs on the island - Scotia Bank
Walking distance to Liquor store & grocery store (BIG DEAL)
It’s a small apartment complex right next to a liquor store, grocery store, and close to a bank/ATM and a laundry service.
Resorts:
We didn’t stay at any of these but if you are looking for more of a hotel vibe rather than Airbnb - here are some options
Cape Santa Maria Beach Resort
Stella Maris Resort Club
Chez Pierre Bahamas
Tiny’s Hurricane Hole (Beachfront Boutique Hotel style rooms)
