The Best Beaches to Visit on Long Island, Bahamas
INTRODUCTION
Long Island is home to some of the most varied beaches in The Bahamas, offering everything from calm turquoise bays and long stretches of white sand to rugged Atlantic coastlines backed by limestone cliffs. While Cape Santa Maria Beach is the island's best-known shoreline, visitors willing to explore beyond the resort areas will discover numerous beaches that differ in scenery, water conditions, accessibility, and activities.
Travelers often search for the best beaches on Long Island, Bahamas when planning a relaxing holiday, snorkeling trip, photography excursion, or scenic road trip. Some beaches are ideal for families and swimming, while others are better suited for solitude, beachcombing, surfing conditions, or dramatic coastal views.
This guide focuses specifically on Long Island's beaches and complements the Ultimate Long Island Travel Guide, where you'll find broader information about attractions, accommodations, dining, transportation, and outdoor adventures.
WHY LONG ISLAND'S BEACHES STAND OUT
Long Island stretches for approximately 80 miles (129 km), giving it an exceptionally diverse coastline. The island's geography creates two distinctly different beach experiences.
The western shoreline, bordering the Bahama Bank, is characterized by:
Meanwhile, the eastern Atlantic coast offers:
This combination allows visitors to choose beaches that best suit their interests, whether they are looking for calm water, snorkeling, walking, or secluded coastal landscapes.
CAPE SANTA MARIA BEACH
Cape Santa Maria Beach is widely regarded as Long Island's signature beach and is frequently listed among the finest beaches in The Bahamas.
Located near the island's northern tip, the beach features:
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Powder-soft white sand
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Clear turquoise water
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Gradual sandy entry
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Excellent swimming
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Paddleboarding
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Kayaking
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Sunset views
Because it sits on the protected western side of the island, the sea is usually calm, making it suitable for families and less confident swimmers. The beach also provides access to nearby accommodations and watersports.
Best for
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Swimming
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Families
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Couples
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Paddleboarding
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Photography
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Sunset walks
GORDON'S BEACH
Located near the southern end of Long Island, Gordon's Beach is known for its remote setting and expansive views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Unlike Cape Santa Maria, this beach offers a more rugged and undeveloped environment. Visitors reach it via Queen's Highway followed by a short walk through historic salt pans, remnants of the island's former salt industry.
Highlights include:
Facilities are limited, so visitors should bring drinking water, snacks, and sun protection.
Best for
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Solitude
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Scenic drives
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Photography
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Couples
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Beach walks
LOVE BEACHES
Long Island's Love Beaches comprise several quiet coves and sandy stretches that remain largely undeveloped.
Visitors often come here for:
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Swimming
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Beachcombing
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Picnics
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Relaxation
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Shell collecting
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Coastal photography
The calm conditions found along parts of the western shoreline make these beaches appealing to visitors looking for a quieter alternative to Cape Santa Maria.
LOWE'S BEACH
Lowe's Beach is one of Long Island's lesser-known Atlantic beaches and is favored by repeat visitors seeking a more secluded coastal experience.
Accessible via an unpaved road near Clarence Town, the beach offers:
Road access can be rough, so a high-clearance vehicle is helpful, particularly after rain. Community recommendations frequently highlight Lowe's Beach as one of the island's most rewarding secluded beaches.
Best for
HARDING BEACH
Harding Beach is another attractive stretch of shoreline known for its peaceful atmosphere and clear water.
Depending on weather conditions, visitors can enjoy:
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Swimming
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Walking
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Beachcombing
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Relaxation
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Wildlife observation
Its relatively quiet setting makes it suitable for travelers who prefer less-developed beaches over resort environments.
POSEIDON BEACH
Poseidon Beach combines clear turquoise water with broad stretches of sand and a quiet setting.
Although facilities are limited, visitors appreciate:
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Scenic views
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Calm surroundings
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Open shoreline
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Swimming opportunities
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Beach photography
It is best visited with a rental car, allowing flexibility to explore nearby beaches on the same day.
BONNECOURT BEACH
Bonnecourt Beach, sometimes locally associated with Lowe's Beach or Compass Rose Beach, is another Atlantic-facing shoreline known for its dramatic scenery and relatively untouched character.
Visitors may find:
Because the beach is lightly developed, visitors should come prepared with water and other essentials.
WHICH BEACH IS BEST FOR YOU?
Cape Santa Maria Beach is the island's premier beach for swimming, families, paddleboarding, kayaking, and relaxing on powder-soft white sand with calm turquoise waters.
Gordon's Beach is ideal for travelers seeking solitude, scenic coastal drives, photography, and long walks along a remote Atlantic shoreline backed by natural landscapes.
Love Beaches are best suited for peaceful beach walks, relaxation, shell collecting, and enjoying quiet stretches of coastline away from busier visitor areas.
Lowe's Beach appeals to adventurous travelers looking for secluded beaches, rugged scenery, snorkeling opportunities, and a more off-the-beaten-path experience.
Harding Beach is a good choice for quiet swimming, beachcombing, and visitors who enjoy uncrowded coastal settings.
Poseidon Beach is recommended for snorkeling, scenic relaxation, and exploring protected reef areas along the northern coastline.
Bonnecourt Beach is well suited to photographers, beach explorers, and travelers seeking dramatic Atlantic scenery, wide white-sand beaches, and a peaceful atmosphere.
BEST TIME TO ENJOY LONG ISLAND'S BEACHES
Beach conditions vary slightly throughout the year.
Generally:
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December to April offers pleasant temperatures and lower humidity.
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May to August provides warm water ideal for swimming and snorkeling.
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Atlantic-facing beaches may experience rougher surf during periods of stronger easterly winds or tropical weather.
Always check local marine forecasts before swimming on exposed Atlantic beaches.
TRAVELER PLANNING INFORMATION
Transportation
Most beaches require a rental car, as public transportation is limited and attractions are spread along Queen's Highway.
Facilities
Cape Santa Maria Beach has the greatest concentration of visitor services, while beaches such as Gordon's, Lowe's, Harding, and Bonnecourt remain largely undeveloped.
Family suitability
The calmer western beaches are generally more suitable for young children than exposed Atlantic-facing beaches.
What to bring
FAQ SECTION
What is the best beach on Long Island, Bahamas?
Cape Santa Maria Beach is widely regarded as Long Island's premier beach because of its calm water, powder-soft sand, and excellent swimming conditions.
Where is Cape Santa Maria Beach?
It is located near the northern tip of Long Island on the island's protected western coast.
Is Gordon's Beach worth visiting?
Yes. Gordon's Beach is one of Long Island's most scenic and secluded beaches, making it ideal for travelers seeking quiet surroundings and dramatic coastal views.
Can you swim at Atlantic beaches on Long Island?
Swimming is possible at many Atlantic beaches, but conditions can vary. Visitors should always assess surf and currents before entering the water.
Are Long Island's beaches crowded?
No. Even the island's most popular beaches are generally far less crowded than beaches on Nassau or Paradise Island.
How many beach days should I plan on Long Island?
Two to four days allows enough time to experience both the calm western beaches and the more rugged Atlantic coastline.
EXPLORE MORE LONG ISLAND GUIDES
Pillar Article
LOCAL & DESTINATION CONTEXT
Long Island's beaches reflect the island's unique geography, where the calm waters of the Bahama Bank meet the open Atlantic Ocean. From Cape Santa Maria in the north to Gordon's Beach in the south, the coastline connects naturally with nearby attractions such as Dean's Blue Hole, Clarence Town, Stella Maris, and Conception Island National Park, reinforcing Long Island's reputation as one of The Bahamas' most diverse coastal destinations.
CONCLUSION
Long Island's coastline offers far more than a single famous beach. Whether you're looking for the calm, family-friendly waters of Cape Santa Maria Beach, the dramatic scenery of Gordon's Beach, or the secluded beauty of Lowe's and Bonnecourt beaches, the island provides a wide range of coastal experiences suited to different travel styles.
For a complete overview of attractions, accommodations, outdoor adventures, and planning information, continue exploring the Ultimate Long Island Travel Guide, then use this beach guide to choose the shorelines that best match your itinerary.
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Updated as of July 2026.