Cruise ships anchor offshore and tender passengers to the dock in Clarence Town — give yourself time for the return tender queue.
💡 Pro move: Calypso Cove, a planned mega-pier resort near Gordon's in the south, is under development but not yet open as of 2026.
Long Island has no permanent cruise pier — all ships tender ashore to Clarence Town's public dock.
| Cruise Line | Typical Berth / Arrival | Dock or Tender |
|---|---|---|
| Luxury & expedition lines (SeaDream, Windstar, Ponant, Seabourn) | Clarence Town public dock📍 | Tendered |
| All other cruise ships | Clarence Town public dock📍 | Tendered |
Long Island rewards explorers — rent a car and discover world-class free-diving, historic churches, and beaches that routinely top global best-of lists.
One of the deepest known saltwater blue holes on Earth plunges 663 feet (202 m) — long held the depth record and still a freediving mecca. Swim, snorkel, or watch elite free-divers train. The surrounding cove of white sand and clear shallow water makes it stunning even for non-divers.
Find Dean's Blue Hole tours →Eccentric Anglican-turned-Catholic architect Father Jerome built two Mediterranean-style churches on rival hilltops in Clarence Town. Climb the tower of Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church for panoramic views over the harbour.
Find Clarence Town walking tours →Consistently ranked among the world's top 10 beaches, this mile-long arc of powdery white sand on the north end of the island features calm, gin-clear turquoise water perfect for swimming. Remote and rarely crowded.
Find Cape Santa Maria excursions →One of the largest cave systems in the Bahamas, inhabited by Lucayan Indians around 500 AD. Stalactites, stalagmites, and resident bats fill the chambers. Must be visited with a local guide from the Cartwright family.
Find Hamilton's Cave tours →Long Island's shallow western flats are world-renowned for bonefish. Half-day guided charters with knowledgeable local guides offer some of the best light-tackle fishing in the Bahamas.
Find Long Island fishing charters →At the island's dramatic northern tip, a monument marks Christopher Columbus's 1492 landing. The point offers spectacular cliff-top views where the Atlantic crashes against the Caribbean side — one of Long Island's most scenic spots.
Find northern Long Island tours →The tender dock drops you in Clarence Town village where the famous twin churches are an easy uphill walk — beyond that you need wheels.
From the tender dock, walk uphill into Clarence Town to visit Father Jerome's two hilltop churches. St. Paul's Anglican and Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church sit on opposing hills with great harbour views. A few local shops and eateries are nearby.
Climate normals for Long Island, Bahamas (2014–2023 averages). Pack for the month you sail — highs, lows, and how many rainy days to expect.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainy Days | Sunrise | Sunset |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 77°F / 25°C | 74°F / 23°C | 10 | 6:43 AM | 5:35 PM |
| Feb | 77°F / 25°C | 74°F / 23°C | 7 | 6:32 AM | 5:56 PM |
| Mar | 77°F / 25°C | 74°F / 23°C | 6 | 7:08 AM | 7:09 PM |
| Apr | 78°F / 26°C | 76°F / 24°C | 7 | 6:39 AM | 7:20 PM |
| May | 80°F / 27°C | 77°F / 25°C | 14 | 6:18 AM | 7:33 PM |
| Jun | 82°F / 28°C | 80°F / 27°C | 10 | 6:14 AM | 7:46 PM |
| Jul | 83°F / 28°C | 81°F / 27°C | 11 | 6:23 AM | 7:48 PM |
| Aug | 84°F / 29°C | 81°F / 27°C | 11 | 6:36 AM | 7:31 PM |
| Sep | 84°F / 29°C | 81°F / 27°C | 15 | 6:46 AM | 7:02 PM |
| Oct | 83°F / 28°C | 80°F / 27°C | 18 | 6:57 AM | 6:33 PM |
| Nov | 81°F / 27°C | 78°F / 26°C | 14 | 6:13 AM | 5:15 PM |
| Dec | 79°F / 26°C | 76°F / 24°C | 11 | 6:33 AM | 5:16 PM |
Source: Open-Meteo ERA5 (10-yr daily averages)
Transport options from the pier — taxis, shuttles, transit passes, and whether ride-share apps work here.
Local taxis (Lee's Taxi & Tour Services, Devitt's Taxi) serve the new Calypso Cove port. Pre-booking is strongly recommended — taxis are not routinely stationed at the dock.
The most flexible way to explore Long Island's spread-out attractions. Rental agencies operate near Deadman's Cay Airport, Clarence Town, and Salt Pond; an SUV is advised for rougher back roads.
Scooters are available for shorter distances and offer a fun way to explore the island's beaches and settlements. Best for settled, paved routes.
Local taxi operators like Lee's Taxi offer customized guided island tours covering Dean's Blue Hole, Dunmore Plantation ruins, and scenic beaches — a good option if you prefer not to drive.
Upcoming cruises that call at Long Island, Bahamas. Dates, prices, and ports of call change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking.
Itineraries and prices change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking. Some links are affiliate links that may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.