Plizio Visual Lab

Cape Santa Maria Beach

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Landmark

Weather…

Cape Santa Maria Beach, located at the northern tip of Long Island, is frequently ranked among the most beautiful beaches in the world. It was named after the 'Santa Maria', one of Christopher Columbus's ships, as the explorer landed on this island during his first voyage in 1492. The beach stretches for about four miles (six km) and is renowned for its incredibly fine white sand and crystal-clear waters that shimmer in various shades of blue and turquoise. The bay faces west, making it a good location for witnessing spectacular Caribbean sunsets. The shallow, calm waters provide excellent conditions for swimming, kayaking, and snorkeling. Despite its world-class beauty, much of the beach remains undeveloped, preserving a serene and exclusive atmosphere. Historically, this site is significant as it marks one of the earliest meeting points between European explorers and the New World.

Location: Bahamas
Nearby: Dunmore (8 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan–Mar.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	24	24	24	25	26	28	29	29	29	28	26	25
Rain mm	23	18	17	31	74	77	60	65	81	87	49	25

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

Cape Santa Maria Beach is a freely accessible beach, inviting swimming, sunbathing, and walking. There is no entrance fee and no buildings - just pure nature.

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Typical hours

The beach is accessible 24/7, but the best time to visit is during daylight hours. Early morning and late afternoon are the quietest.

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Photography

Photography is always allowed here, of course. The most beautiful shots are taken at sunrise or sunset when the light turns golden.

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Time needed

Most visitors spend two to three hours at the beach. For a relaxed day with a picnic and swimming, plan for half a day.

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Combine with

Combine the beach visit with Dean's Blue Hole and Columbus Point. Both are on Long Island and within a short drive.

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Getting there

Cape Santa Maria Beach is at the northern tip of Long Island, about 30 minutes drive from Clarence Town. Access is via a well-maintained road with parking by the beach.

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Insider tip

Bring plenty of water and sunscreen as there are no beach bars. An umbrella is also recommended, as natural shade is scarce.