Long Island is one of the most varied islands in the Bahamas, stretching 80 miles from Cape Santa Maria in the north to Clarence Town in the south. The Atlantic coast rises in limestone cliffs while the western shore faces the calm Bahama Banks with anchorages in turquoise shallows. A motor yacht allows a crew to work the full length of the island, anchoring in sequence from the wide beach at Cape Santa Maria through Thompson Bay to Clarence Town.
The charter motor fleet in the Bahamas numbers more than 160 published yachts from yards including Benetti, Feadship, Heesen, Amels and Trinity, ranging from 24 to over 80 metres. Long Island suits yachts of 30 to 60 metres well, with calm western anchorages and adequate depth off the main settlements. The island is around 150 miles south of Nassau, accessible on a comfortable day passage.
Weekly rates for Bahamas motor charters begin at around 50,000 euros for a smaller vessel and reach 600,000 euros or more for a flagship over 70 metres. An advance provisioning allowance of approximately 30 percent covers fuel, food, berthing and drinks. Provisioning is best completed in Nassau before departure as local options on the island are limited.
Cape Santa Maria at the north provides a sheltered anchorage with one of the finest beaches in the Bahamas. Thompson Bay near Salt Pond is the most popular stop for larger yachts. Clarence Town at the south offers a small marina and the hilltop churches of Father Jerome, both visible from the anchorage on the water.
