Clarence Town: Twin Churches and a Protected Harbour on Long Island

Clarence Town is the quiet capital of Long Island and one of the most distinctive yacht charter stops in the Southern Out Islands. Set around a natural harbour on the island's Atlantic coast, the settlement combines marina facilities, turquoise water and historic architecture with the uncrowded atmosphere that defines this remote part of The Bahamas. It is also one of the few practical harbours on Long Island's rugged eastern shoreline, making it an important stop for yachts cruising north or south through the Southern Bahamas.

The town is instantly recognizable from the water thanks to its historic churches. Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church stands high above the harbour with twin 40-foot towers that have long served as landmarks for arriving mariners. Nearby St. Paul's Anglican Church is another Father Jerome Hawes design, giving Clarence Town an unusually strong architectural identity for such a small Bahamian settlement.

Clarence Town also places yacht charter guests within easy reach of some of southern Long Island's greatest natural attractions. Dean's Blue Hole lies a short distance to the north, while offshore reefs, deep Atlantic water and nearby cays provide excellent diving, snorkeling and fishing. Conception Island, Rum Cay and the more remote Southern Out Islands are natural onward destinations for yachts continuing beyond Long Island.

Clarence Town is located on Long Island's Atlantic coast, where protected harbours are relatively uncommon. The entrance opens into a broad harbour sheltered by offshore cays and reefs, but captains should still use current charts and maintain careful awareness of depth and reef structure during the approach. Clarence Town is regarded as one of the principal safe stopping points on Long Island's eastern side and is regularly used by yachts traveling between the central Bahamas and islands farther south.

Flying Fish Marina provides the main yacht facilities inside Clarence Town Harbour. Current marina listings report an approach depth of approximately 12 feet, dockside depth of around 7 feet and capacity for vessels up to about 130 feet. Fuel, water, shore power and other services are available. Deadman's Cay Airport, which serves Clarence Town, is an official Bahamas Port of Entry with Customs and Immigration for guests arriving by air.

Yachts can anchor inside Clarence Town Harbour opposite Flying Fish Marina in approximately 7 to 10 feet of water. The bottom offers good holding in sand, but only a limited number of vessels can comfortably use the main anchoring area and yachts must remain clear of the freighter channel. The harbour can also experience surge from the north, so the precise position should be selected according to wind and sea conditions.

Strachan Cay provides another attractive anchoring option within the wider harbour. The cay offers approximately 7 to 10 feet of water with good sandy holding when grassy patches are avoided, and its bulk can provide additional shelter during some weather conditions. From the anchorage, the government dock and Clarence Town waterfront are only a short tender ride away.

Clarence Town is Long Island's capital, but it remains a small and relaxed settlement rather than a conventional town center. Basic groceries, restaurants and other services are scattered around the area, while Flying Fish Marina serves as the main focal point for visiting yachts. The town was founded by Loyalist Major Archibald Taylor, whose former plantation is another historic site in the area.

The churches remain Clarence Town's signature landmarks. Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church overlooks the harbour from one of the highest points in the settlement, and visitors can climb its towers for panoramic views across the harbour and offshore cays. Together with nearby beaches, Dean's Blue Hole and Long Island's excellent diving and fishing, Clarence Town makes a rewarding base for exploring the southern half of the island.