BootsnAll Travel Community

This is one of my favorite of the Family Islands in the Bahamas. The island is narrow (2 miles), 60 miles from the north to south, and has it all: incredible flats for bonefish, stunning ocean side vistas and beaches, few tourists (who mainly stay at Stella Maris on the north end), and for my money, one of the most interesting people and businesses in the Caribbean: Lauren Knowles, master wooden sailing boat builder.

Cape Santa Maria on the north has miles of white sand beaches, with flats that extend forever. The island highway (the Queen's Highway, as is the case in most of the rest of the country) extends from one end to the other and is a great venue for driving the island to see it's sights. The east side of Long Island used to be used for salt collection, so you have extensive flats filled with fish and water birds. There are Lucayan indian caves, great diving, and excellent snorkeling.

The Long Island Regatta in May is famous in the sailing racing world, where people bring their best boats to race. The best of modern technology, composites and all cannot stand up to the wooden sailing boats built by Lauren Knowles in the settlement of Mangrove Bush. They generally whack the competition in boats that have not greatly changed in design in 150 years. Lauren and his sons (and nephews) build the boats right next to the highway, and are very friendly folks.

By the way, if you go to Deadman's Key, you MUST stop at the Conch Shack right on the highway. Their conch fritters and conch salad are among the best I have ever had. And the Kalik is always cold.

Columbus anchored on the north end in 1492 where an obelisk stands today. The views from this rock head are sublime. Near Salt Pond at Simms is a really interesting collection of official government buildings from the 1700's-still in use. This includes the now unused "Her Majesty's Prison" next to the Anglican Church. Much of the island is filled with the ruins of old plantations from the slave days, and rock walls line the road from one end of the island to the other.

I like to stay in the perfect, classic and worn open air cabanas on the beach at Chez Pierre near Salt Pond, which also has an incredible restaurant. There are 12 units on the beach-I have seen some else there twice in ten years. They cost about $60 US/night and are absolutely perfect. There are numerous choices in the Deadman's Key area as well, and some classic old houses (like Lochabar Beach House) on the bight at the south end of the island.

The best way to get there is by mail boat (Nassau-Clarencetown,17 hours one way, $55 US). The Bahamian mail boats go to all the islands, and it is a superlative way to see a lot. The rides can be long, with overnights. There are small berths on some of the boats. There is also twice daily air service to Stella Maris and Deadman's Key.

I could go on for hours, but if you have additional questions, just ask. Because Eleuthera and Andros come next.

quote:

Originally posted by salmo99:
The Bahamian mail boats go to all the islands, and it is a superlative way to see a lot. The rides can be long, with overnights. There are small berths on some of the boats.

I could go on for hours, but if you have additional questions, just ask. Because Eleuthera and Andros come next.

Could you expound on these mail boat options? How frequently are they, how do you make a rez? What are you allowed to bring aboard, etc?

Thanks.

Here is the link that will tell you all about it. It stuns me that more people do not go that way...www.mailboatbahamas.com or contact them:
mailboat@coralwave.com