Landscape: Long Island is one of the if not 'the prettiest islands' of the Bahamas. It is perfect for families. The island is a divers paradise. On the west side of the island are calm beautiful endless beaches of the Caribbean Sea (you will find our villa here on the west side). On the east side, you will find rocky shorelines on high cliff's and windy breezes from the Atlantic Ocean where waves crash against sharp cliffs.

Crime: Long Island is virtually "crime free". There is a police station on the island, however, the locals will tell you that police are not needed. This is the only Bahamian island that we know of that will not accept Haitians visiting or living on the island - because they do not want any crime coming with them to the island.

Population: Approximately 2,992 Bahamians (2000 Consensus). Which is said to be up to 4,000 now.

Language: English

Geography: Long Island lies about 250 miles southeast of Nassau. It is approximately 90 miles long and 4 miles wide. The Atlantic Ocean is on the eastern shoreline and is normally windier than the calmer Great Bahamas Bank side is on the west. The Tropic of Cancer runs right through Long Island. It is 300 miles away from Florida.

Time Zone: Eastern Standard Time

Currency: The legal tender is the Bahamian dollar (B$1), which is equivalent in value to the US dollar. Both US and Bahamian dollars are accepted interchangeably throughout the islands. Travelers Checks and Credit Cards (credit cards not accepted at gas stations) are also accepted. There are ATM's available at the banks on Long Island.

Economy: After the American Revolution, Long Island was divided into Loyalist Estates. Most of the towns are named after farming loyalists who left by 1803 due to exhausting the thin soil. For the last 200 years Long Islanders have managed to live off of farming, fishing, salt production and sponge farming. The height of sponge farming was approximately 1921. After which synthetic sponges took over the market in the 1930's.

Sailboaters: Long Island seems to be a sailboaters dream as plenty of Sailboats rest in Salt Pond on a nightly basis. It is not uncommon to view 10 to 50 sailboats in the harbor resting overnight. There are plenty of marina's for those wishing to dock their boat (see 'about Long Island' above).

Nationality: Bahamian

Entry Requirements: Passports required.

Driving: Bahamian's drive on the left side of the road (remember: right is left). It is hard to get lost on Long Island as one road named Queen's Highway runs the entire length of the island.

Crime: Crime is nonexistent in Long Island. Although there is a police station.

Internet: DSL is on the island. Click here for more information about Long Island Bahamas Internet Services.

Electricity: 120/240 volts, suitable for all US appliances.

Medical: There is a medical clinic on the island and helicopter ambulance services. No tropical diseases exist on the island. There is a little poison oak (but not as much as on the other Bahamian islands). This is the first island (other than New Providence) that the owner of Dreamscape has not received poison oak. Hence her reason for buying on this island.

Drinking Water: The water in our villa is fresh outdoor rainwater. It is collected in our 17,000 gallon cistern. It is drinkable, however, many people still purchase drinking water. Please conserve the use of water if possible as it can run out if it does not rain for awhile. In the case of water running out, it can be purchased for $100. per 2,000 gallons.

Highest Point Long Island: 178 feet

Area (Sq Miles)of Island: 173 sq. miles (80 miles long x 4 miles wide at the widest point)

Marinas: Click here to view Long Island Marinas

Accomodations: There are no brand name hotels on the island. There is only one choice of where to stay in our opinion. Our highest recommendation is our own rental vacation villa. Click here for more information.

History: The earliest inhabitants called teh Arawaks, named Long Island "Yuma", then Christopher Columbus in 1492 renamed it Fernandina Island, however, the name that stuck was Long Island because it is indeed long. Lucayan Taino were also known to inhabit the island. These Lucayans were eventually taken on to Cuba and Hispaniola. Then island remained virtually empty until the arrival of teh Loyalist who started cotton plantations. When slavery was abolished in 1834, the Loyalist's left.

Farming: Farmers of Long Island raise corn, bananas, peas, pineapples, stock herd (goats, roosters) among other things. However, they are not huge businesses.

Self Supporting: If something happened to the rest of the world or the other Bahamian islands, it would probably not effect Long Island in the least. Long Islanders have developed their own sence of a country and are fully capable to support themselves if need be.

Largest Body of Water: Called 'The Lake' and is located at the south end.

AKA = Yuma (by it's Arawak inhabitants) , and Fernandina by Columbus.

Crops: Pineapple, sisal, corn, peas, bananas, avocado, limes, pears and other fruit.

Economy: Known for its mutton production, Long Island is still the principal producer of sheep for The Bahamas.

Celebrations:

Names: Long Island was originally named Yuma by the Arawaks. Rechristened Fernandina in 1492 by Christopher Columbas, the island's current name came from a seafarer who felt it took too long to pass by Long Island.

DeBora Rachelle Inc. @ 2007