As Long Island is 80-miles long and just four miles wide, there are many worthy candidates to be named among the best beaches in Long Island.
Long Island has two distinct and dramatically different coastlines. The West features soft, sandy beaches, while the east is made up of rugged cliffs and caves. Through it, all runs the Tropic of Cancer, like an invisible dividing line.
Here is a list of contenders for the best beaches in Long Island, drawn up by luxury real estate Advisor, Cheryl de Goicoechea, of Engel & Völkers Bahamas, who lives on Long Island, and knows the island, its beaches, and property inside-out! Is your choice among our list of the best beaches in Long Island?
The best beaches in Long Island
- Cape Santa Maria Beach
As Cape Santa Maria Beach regularly appears in lists of the best beaches in the world, it has to make it first among the candidates for the best beaches in Long Island. It is famous for its warm, turquoise waters, four miles of soft, white powder sand, and stunning sunsets. Cape Santa Maria Beach lies at the west side of the island in the settlement of Seymours.
- Dean’s Blue Hole
Not just a beach, Dean’s Blue Hole is the second deepest blue hole in the world. Dean’s Blue Hole also features a white, powder sand beach and tempting turquoise waters of the Atlantic but is well protected. The Bahamas is the world’s number one destination for Blue Holes, which are underwater caves or sinkholes with steep walls and an entrance underneath the surface. Dean’s Blue Hole, in a bay west of the capital Clarence Town, is 202 meters deep.
- Turtle Cove Beach
Just a short walk from Dean’s Blue Hole is Turtle Cove Beach, which is named after the many green turtles that feed on the grass in the area. You can also snorkel out and sea turtles in the water.
- Bonacorde Beach
Also in the area is Bonacorde Beach. South of Dean’s Blue Hole and before Clarence Town off Queen’s Highway. This sheltered beach in a cove is on the East side of the island on the Atlantic Ocean side, where wading or swimming in the rock pools is popular.
- Deal’s Beach
The beach and the beautiful sunsets are a big deal here! The beach, on the west side of the island of the Queen’s Highway, is two-miles long. As the bay is shallow, it is ideal for wading, swimming, and snorkeling – and admiring the gorgeous sunsets.
- Salt Pond Beach
This area has many great beaches. Try Salt Pond Beach on the East side of the island, close to the Farmers’ Market on the western side of the road. Follow the paved road, and you will see the sandy beach and the Atlantic Ocean coast. The white ring around Salt Pond is a layer of sea salt.
- Carlton Hill Beach
You can view dramatic Carlton Hill Beach from the cliff or walk through the pure, white, pink-sand dunes. In stormy weather, the Atlantic waves break against the shoreline. Whatever the weather, photographers will get some great shots here.
- Lochabar Beach
The secret is out! Secluded Lochabar beach, on the south-east coast, is hidden from view, but it is worth tracking down. Its soft white and pink sand and turquoise waters in the protected bay are impressive – along with a stunning submarine sinkhole to admire. That is why the beach is also known as Blue Hole Beach.
Check out this exclusive listing on Lochabar Beach > Here.
- Galloway Beach
Galloway Beach is located just south of Clarence Town, on the west coast. The beaches here feature powder, white sand, and turquoise seas – and have a reputation for being among the best on Long Island. The shaded beach fringes are popular with locals.
Check this exclusive listing on Galloway Beach > Here.
- Gordon’s Beach
At the southern end of Long Island lies Gordon’s Beach, which features Incredible shimmering aqua water and almost two miles of soft white-sand beach. You can also find shady palm trees to shelter under.
Check out this exclusive listing on Gordon’s Beach > Here.
For those who fall in love with Long Island and want to buy property to take in the beauty of the beaches every day, talk to the knowledgable Cheryl, our Long Island specialist at Engel & Völkers Bahamas.
