For years, Long Cay was one of Nassau’s most exclusive beach experiences. Located just offshore from Cable Beach, the island was marketed as Baha Mar’s private island escape, offering resort guests a secluded stretch of white sand away from the crowds.
Today, many travelers still search for information about Long Cay, wondering whether it is open, what experiences were offered there, and if it can still be visited.
Having photographed and coordinated guest experiences in the area over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to see firsthand why Long Cay captured the imagination of so many visitors.
What Is Long Cay?
Long Cay is a small island located just offshore from Nassau and Cable Beach. For many years it served as Baha Mar’s private island experience, offering resort guests access to a quiet beach environment away from the main resort.
Unlike Nassau’s busy public beaches, Long Cay offered guests a sense of exclusivity. Visitors could enjoy private beach setups, events, romantic experiences, and a level of privacy that is difficult to find near the resort district.
Its close proximity to Baha Mar made it an attractive option for guests looking to enjoy the natural beauty of The Bahamas without traveling far from the resort.
Where Is Long Cay?
One of the most surprising things about Long Cay is how close it is to Nassau.
Located just offshore from Cable Beach, the island sits within sight of the resort skyline. From certain points on the beach, guests could enjoy panoramic views back toward Nassau while still feeling completely removed from the activity of the city.
Its location made it ideal for short excursions, private events, proposals, and beach experiences that felt remote despite being only minutes from shore.
What Was the Long Cay Experience Like?
Long Cay wasn’t about large crowds or busy excursions.
The appeal was its simplicity.
Powder-soft sand, shallow turquoise water, ocean views, and privacy.
Many guests visited the island for romantic experiences, private picnics, beach dinners, proposals, and special occasions.
The setting provided something increasingly difficult to find near major resorts: space, quiet, and uninterrupted views of the water.
While many visitors think of Nassau primarily for resorts and casinos, experiences like Long Cay showcased a different side of The Bahamas—one built around the natural beauty of the islands themselves.
A Proposal We Almost Had To Cancel
One of my favorite memories connected to Long Cay is a cruise ship guest contacted our team months before arriving in Nassau because he planned to propose during his visit.
The original plan was simple.
We would take the couple to Rose Island, where we had identified a beautiful stretch of powdery white sand for the proposal.
Then nature had other plans.
The morning the ship arrived, Nassau was experiencing king tides and significant surge conditions. While Rose Island was still accessible, the beach conditions weren’t what we wanted for such an important moment.
Many operators would have cancelled.
Others might have settled for a crowded public beach.
We decided to adapt.
Using our local knowledge of the area, we moved the proposal to a protected sandbar near Long Cay. The location provided exactly what the guest had envisioned: white sand, turquoise water, privacy, and no crowds.
Our team coordinated every detail.
We arranged pickup directly from the Nassau Cruise Port.
We transported the couple to the location.
We staged the proposal setup before they arrived.
Our photography and video team remained hidden nearby.
The beach picnic, flowers, champagne, and proposal décor were all prepared in advance.
When the couple arrived, everything was ready.
The proposal went perfectly.
Looking back, the change of plans actually created a better experience than the original one we had envisioned.
It was a reminder that in The Bahamas, flexibility and local knowledge often matter more than any itinerary.
Is Long Cay Open Today?
As of 2026, Long Cay is listed as temporarily closed through Baha Mar’s official channels.
Because resort operations and guest experiences can change, visitors should always verify the latest status directly with Baha Mar before making plans.
Even though the island is currently unavailable to guests, it remains one of the more interesting and lesser-known chapters of Nassau’s tourism history.
Alternatives to Long Cay
Visitors staying at Baha Mar who are looking for secluded beaches and crystal-clear water still have several excellent options.
Rose Island
Located just a short boat ride from Nassau, Rose Island offers beautiful beaches, snorkeling opportunities, swimming pigs, beach bars, and far fewer crowds than many resort areas.
Green Cay
Known for its resident sea turtles, Green Cay is one of Nassau’s most popular wildlife experiences and an excellent stop for guests looking to explore beyond the resort.
Ocean Atlas
The famous underwater sculpture provides one of Nassau’s most unique snorkeling experiences and remains a favorite among visitors.
Private Beach Experiences
Private boat tours allow guests to explore sandbars, secluded beaches, snorkeling reefs, and hidden locations that most visitors never experience during a typical resort stay.
The Legacy of Long Cay
Although Long Cay is no longer operating as a guest experience, it remains a reminder of what draws travelers to The Bahamas in the first place.
Not casinos.
Not shopping.
Not even the resorts.
The real magic is found on the water, on quiet beaches, and in the hidden corners of Nassau that many visitors never discover.
For those fortunate enough to have experienced Long Cay, the island represented a different side of The Bahamas—one built around privacy, natural beauty, and unforgettable moments.
And for at least one couple, it became the place where a carefully planned proposal turned into a memory that neither of them will ever forget.