Where to Stay on Long Island, Bahamas: North vs South, Best Areas Explained
INTRODUCTION
Long Island stretches for approximately 80 miles (130 km), making your choice of accommodation an important part of planning your trip. Although the island is relatively quiet compared with Nassau or Grand Bahama, each region offers a different experience. Some travelers prefer staying near the famous beaches of the north, while others choose the central settlements for convenience or the south for history, boating, and easy access to natural attractions.
Accommodation ranges from beachfront resorts and boutique hotels to vacation rentals, guesthouses, and self-catering villas. Whether you're planning a romantic escape, a family holiday, a diving adventure, or an island road trip, choosing the right area can help you spend less time driving and more time enjoying Long Island.
This guide compares the island's main accommodation areas. For a complete overview of beaches, attractions, transportation, and itineraries, continue to the Ultimate Long Island Travel Guide.
UNDERSTANDING LONG ISLAND'S LAYOUT
Long Island is generally divided into three accommodation regions:
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Northern Long Island
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Central Long Island
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Southern Long Island
Each offers different scenery, nearby attractions, and styles of accommodation. Because attractions are spread across the island, renting a vehicle is recommended regardless of where you stay.
NORTH LONG ISLAND: BEST FOR BEACHES & RESORT STAYS
The northern end is the island's most established tourism area and is home to two of Long Island's best-known resorts:
This region is ideal for visitors who prioritize beaches, snorkeling, diving, fishing, and organized excursions. It also offers easy access to Cape Santa Maria Beach, Columbus Point, Adderley's Plantation, and the dramatic Atlantic coastline around Stella Maris.
Best For
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First-time visitors
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Couples
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Beach holidays
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Diving trips
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Fishing vacations
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Resort amenities
CENTRAL LONG ISLAND: BEST FOR EXPLORING THE WHOLE ISLAND
The central portion of Long Island includes Salt Pond, Thompson Bay, and Deadman's Cay.
This area provides one of the most convenient bases for travelers who want to explore both the northern beaches and the southern attractions without spending as much time driving.
Accommodation includes:
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Guesthouses
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Boutique hotels
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Vacation rentals
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Self-catering cottages
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Small inns
Salt Pond also serves as one of the island's commercial centers, with grocery stores, restaurants, fuel stations, and marina facilities nearby.
Best For
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Road trips
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Families
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Independent travelers
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Longer stays
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Vacation rentals
SOUTH LONG ISLAND: BEST FOR HISTORY & QUIET ESCAPES
Southern Long Island centers around Clarence Town, one of the island's most historic settlements.
Visitors staying here enjoy convenient access to:
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Twin Churches
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Clarence Town Harbour
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Lighthouse Point
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Dean's Blue Hole
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Hamilton's Cave
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Southern beaches
Accommodation tends to be quieter and includes boutique inns, waterfront hotels, guesthouses, and vacation rentals.
Best For
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History enthusiasts
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Divers
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Couples
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Boaters
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Relaxed island vacations
RESORTS VS VACATION RENTALS
Long Island offers both full-service resorts and private accommodation.
Resorts
Ideal for travelers wanting:
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Restaurants
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Excursion booking
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Swimming pools
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Water sports
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Organized activities
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On-site services
Examples include Stella Maris Resort Club and Cape Santa Maria Beach Resort, both offering a range of rooms, villas, dining, and activity packages.
Vacation Rentals
Vacation homes, cottages, and villas are popular throughout the island and provide:
They are particularly well suited to families, groups, and travelers staying for a week or more.
WHICH AREA IS RIGHT FOR YOU?
Choose the North if you want:
Choose Central Long Island if you want:
Choose the South if you want:
TRAVELER PLANNING INFORMATION
Transportation
A rental car is highly recommended regardless of where you stay, as attractions are spread across the island.
Airports
Visitors typically arrive via:
The closest airport depends on your accommodation. Cape Santa Maria is nearer Stella Maris Airport, while central and southern accommodations may be more convenient from Deadman's Cay.
Length of Stay
Five to seven nights allows enough time to explore multiple regions comfortably.
Family Friendly
Yes. Both resorts and vacation rentals offer family-friendly accommodation, while larger villas are ideal for groups.
FAQ SECTION
What is the best area to stay on Long Island, Bahamas?
It depends on your interests. The north is best for beaches and resorts, the central region for convenience, and the south for history and quieter surroundings.
Is it better to stay in the north or south?
The north offers more resort facilities, while the south provides easier access to Clarence Town, Dean's Blue Hole, and historic attractions.
Where are the main resorts located?
The island's two largest resorts—Stella Maris Resort Club and Cape Santa Maria Beach Resort—are both located in northern Long Island.
Can I stay in a vacation rental?
Yes. Vacation rentals are available throughout Long Island, including Stella Maris, Salt Pond, Clarence Town, and other settlements.
Are there hotels near Dean's Blue Hole?
Yes. Several accommodations in and around Clarence Town provide convenient access to Dean's Blue Hole.
Why should I rent a car?
Long Island is a long, narrow island with attractions spread over many miles, making a rental car the easiest way to explore.
How long should I stay?
A stay of at least five days gives you enough time to experience beaches, blue holes, settlements, boating excursions, and scenic drives.
EXPLORE MORE LONG ISLAND GUIDES
LOCAL & DESTINATION CONTEXT
Choosing the right place to stay helps visitors experience every side of Long Island, from the white sands of Cape Santa Maria, the dramatic Atlantic coastline around Stella Maris, and the convenient communities of Salt Pond and Deadman's Cay, to the historic harbour of Clarence Town and the nearby Dean's Blue Hole. Together, these regions showcase the island's remarkable diversity and reinforce Long Island's reputation as one of The Bahamas' premier Out Island destinations.
CONCLUSION
Where you stay on Long Island depends on how you plan to experience the island. Northern resorts are perfect for beach-focused vacations, the central region offers the greatest convenience for island exploration, and the south provides a quieter base close to historic landmarks and world-famous natural attractions.
Whichever region you choose, Long Island's uncrowded beaches, welcoming communities, and spectacular scenery are never far away. Continue with the Long Island Travel Guide to plan the rest of your itinerary, discover top attractions, and find experiences that match your travel style.
Long Island, Bahamas, Stella Maris, Cape Santa Maria, Clarence Town, Salt Pond, Deadman's Cay, Thompson Bay, Columbus Point, Dean's Blue Hole, Adderley's Plantation, Hamilton's Cave, Lighthouse Point, Queen's Highway, Great Bahama Bank, Atlantic coast, resorts, vacation rentals, boutique hotels, guesthouses, family accommodation, diving, snorkeling, fishing, road trips, rental cars
Updated as of July 2026.