8 Best Sights in Long Island, The Southern Out Islands

Known as the second deepest blue hole in the world, with a depth of 663 feet, Dean's Blue Hole is the most amazing sight on the island and one of the most popular photo sites in the land. "Blue hole" is a term for a water-filled sinkhole with an entrance below the water level. Free divers from around the world gather here annually to take the plunge. In 2016 William Trubridge broke the world record for free immersion diving: to 407 feet without fins. Dean's Blue Hole is surrounded by a pretty cliff and a superb beach. The shallows at the edge of the hole are perfect for snorkeling and swimming, and the more adventurous visitors can jump into the water from the cliffs above. To find the blue hole, watch for the well-marked sign on your left (going east on Queen's Highway).

Just north of Stella Maris Airport, west of the main road, are the ruins of 19th-century Adderley's Plantation, a cotton plantation that once occupied all of Stella Maris. Clearly marked, the road is marginally passable by car. It's about a mile drive and then a fairly long walk. The walking path is marked by conch shells and leads to the plantation ruins. Seven buildings are practically intact up to roof level, but it is overgrown with vegetation. For history buffs, it is well worth the time.

Known as one of The Bahamas' top beaches and located on the leeward side of the island at Cape Santa Maria Beach Resort, the water colors here range from pale blue to aqua to shades of turquoise. The 4-mile stretch of soft white sand beckons you to stroll, build sand castles, sun worship, or wade into the calm shallow waters. In the early morning, you're likely to see a ray swimming along the shore. The resort has a beachside restaurant and lounge chairs for guests, in addition to kayak and paddleboard rentals, but there's also plenty of sand to find a secluded stretch all your own. Amenities: food and drink; water sports. Best for: solitude; snorkeling; sunset; swimming; walking.

Two miles north of Cape Santa Maria is the Columbus Monument, commemorating Columbus's landing on Long Island. The road to the monument is off Queen's Highway, and while the sign is often not visible, any Long Islander will gladly give you directions. The 3-mile treacherous road is too rough for vehicles without four-wheel drive, and most rental car companies won't let you drive it without an SUV, yet it is an extremely long hike. At the end of the road is a steep hill, called Columbus Point, and a climb to the summit affords a spectacular vista. This is the highest point on Long Island and the second highest in The Bahamas. Farther north on Queen's Highway is Columbus Harbour, on Newton's Cay. Columbus made landfall in this cove, protected by limestone outcroppings. The more adventurous can follow the beach to the left, where a rough walking path leads to three other coves, each one a delight. Two coves up, you will find sea glass scattered on the beach like sparkling jewels, and by climbing through limestone formations, you will discover another cove perfect for snorkeling.

This remarkable beach on the southeast coast of the island, south of Clarence Town, is relatively unknown and visited mostly by the locals. Swim and sun at the first beach, or walk a short distance south to an even more wonderful and secluded stretch of sand. Here, canals carved into the limestone hills by the now-defunct Diamond Salt Mine are filled with the palest blue ocean water and are home to small marine life. It's a wonderful area to kayak, snorkel and swim, and collect sea glass. A bit farther south, a narrow bridge leads to beyond-stunning lagoons and ocean flats. Amenities: none. Best for: solitude; snorkeling; swimming; walking.

The largest cave system in The Bahamas, Hamilton's Cave features stalactites and stalagmites, with passages over 45 feet wide and 9 feet high. The Lucayans were thought to have lived here about AD 500, and many Lucayan artifacts were discovered in 1936. For added excitement, plan to go closer to dusk when the resident bats are most active!

The Long Island Public Library and Museum is housed in a beautiful little pink cottage with island trees in front. Learn the history of Long Island and see artifacts collected by local Long Islanders in hopes of preserving their cultural heritage. It's a fascinating collection and exhibit, professionally designed by The Bahamas Antiquities, Monuments & Museums Corporation. Island wares, homemade jellies, and other island goods are for sale, in addition to books on Long Island and a popular Bahamian calendar painted in watercolors by local artist Nick Maillis.

The twin, towered Moorish churches of St. Paul's (Anglican) and St. Peter's (Catholic) are two of the island's most celebrated landmarks. Father Jerome, often referred to as the hermit of Cat Island, built St. Paul's when he was Anglican; later, after converting to Catholicism, he built St. Peter's. The architecture of the two churches is similar to the Spanish missions in California. The churches are open sporadically, but tours are available through the Ministry of Tourism.