Overview of the Far North Beaches on Long Island, Bahamas
Far North
If you’re looking for the quintessential Caribbean beach, the one on all the travel posters, well, yes, there’s Deals, but its not quite there. However, if you’re looking for the quintessential Long Island Atlantic side beach, that is, one that has everything and where you can do everything, I think you’d be hard pressed to find a better beach than O’Neils. A bit out of the way, it is one of the easier Atlantic side beaches to get to as there’s no hard pan grades to negotiate, just paved road and/or hard sand. And once you get there, well, read about it and then go discover it for yourself.
A few quick comments on the Far North Beaches:
Newtons Cay- Northen terminus of the QH. Great little park. Have to cross a dilapidated bridge to get to the beach. Nice walking beach, but bottom bit mucky. If you've gone to Columbus Monument, then it's only a few more minutes drive to say "I've gone all the way on the Queen's Highway."
Columbus Monument/Cape Santa Maria- On a clear day, fantastic views from the monument. Good snorkeling at the base of the monument, but beware of strong currents. Easier snorkeling in the protected bay. Good kayaking spot.
Stella Maris at Galliot Cay- Not a lot of beach, but the sand is perfect and the water is always gorgeous. And you can pick out your house just in case you win the megamillions lottery.
Poseidon- If you like snorkeling and you don't have a boat, then Poseidon is a must visit. Except on very windy or stormy days, the extensive off shore reef provides excellent protection.
Stella Maris-The "resort" community on the island. There are four sites to choose, from north to south: the Coral Gardens for snorkeling, the small Tidal Pool which has been cut out of rock too provide "protected" swimming, the Rock Pools and the Love Beaches. Other than the Tidal Pool, all very open and tend to be rough. A stop at the Moonshine Bar & Grill is highly recommended. Great food and drinks and spectacular ocean view.
Deals- Classic Caribbean crescent beach only 100' from the QH. Very family friendly. Great for the kids. Plus restaurant/bar from which to enjoy the setting sun.
O'Neils- Little visited and not very well known.. It shouldn't be as it packs all the wide variety of Long Island Atlantic side beaches into a compact length that is easily accessible by road.