Cape Santa Maria Beach Resort Long Island Bahamas Insight
- 01. Cape Santa Maria Beach Resort Long Island Bahamas: What You Need to Know
- 02. Key Facts at a Glance
- 03. Accommodation Details
- 04. Beach and Water Activities
- 05. Dining and Amenities
- 06. Location and Accessibility
- 07. Guest Reviews and Ratings Summary
- 08. Pricing and Booking Information
- 09. Comparison with Other Long Island Resorts
Cape Santa Maria Beach Resort Long Island Bahamas: What You Need to Know
Cape Santa Maria Beach Resort is a beachfront all-suite resort located on Long Island, Bahamas, offering 32 two-bedroom suites with full kitchens, direct access to a 3.5-mile private white-sand beach, and complimentary snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding . The resort opened in 2004, operates year-round with no curfew, and maintains an adult-oriented (16+) atmosphere focused on tranquility and natural beauty .
Key Facts at a Glance
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Cape Santa Maria Beach, Long Island, Bahamas (35 miles from Clarence Town) |
| Number of Suites | 32 two-bedroom suites (880 sq ft each) |
| Beach Length | 3.5 miles of private white-sand beach |
| Check-in / Check-out | 3:00 PM / 11:00 AM |
| Age Restriction | 16+ (adult-oriented) |
| Year Opened | 2004 |
Accommodation Details
Each two-bedroom suite features a full kitchen with refrigerator, stove, microwave, and dishwasher, plus a washer/dryer, private balcony or patio, and separate living and dining areas . The master bedroom has a king bed and en-suite bathroom, while the second bedroom offers two queen beds, making the suites ideal for families or small groups seeking self-catering flexibility .
Reviews consistently highlight the spacious accommodations with an average suite rating of 4.6/5 based on 342 verified guest reviews as of May 2026 . Guests appreciate the full kitchen amenities that allow for cost-effective dining and the privacy of having only 32 suites on the entireproperty .
Beach and Water Activities
The resort's defining feature is its 3.5-mile private beach with calm, crystal-clear turquoise waters perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and paddleboarding . Complimentary equipment includes snorkel gear, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards, with no additional fees for basic water sports .
- Snorkeling at the reef 200 yards offshore (equipment provided free)
- Kayaking along the calm coastline (double kayaks available)
- Stand-up paddleboarding during morning hours (6 AM-6 PM)
- Walking or jogging on the 3.5-mile beach path
- Sunset viewing from the west-facing beach at 7:45 PM (May 2026)
Unlike crowded tourist beaches, this exclusive beach access ensures solitude with typically fewer than 50 people on the entire beach at any time . The shallow carbonate sand bottom creates calm swimming conditions even during moderate trade winds .
Dining and Amenities
On-site dining is limited to The Beach Cafe, which serves breakfast, lunch, and light dinner featuring fresh local seafood, grilled meats, and vegetarian options . The cafe operates 7:00 AM-8:00 PM daily, with hours extending to 9:00 PM during peak season (December-April) .
- Full kitchen in every suite for self-catering
- Complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi throughout the property
- Outdoor infinity pool overlooking the ocean (opened 2019)
- Free parking and airport shuttle from Clarence Town Airport (25 miles)
- Concierge services for booking excursions to Dean's Blue Hole
Guests frequently mention the fresh local seafood at Beach Cafe as a highlight, with lobster available seasonally (May-October) at $32-$45 per plate . The self-catering option remains the most popular choice, with 78% of guests preparing at least one meal in-suite based on 2025 occupancy data .
Location and Accessibility
Cape Santa Maria Beach Resort sits on the northeast coast of Long Island, approximately 35 miles northeast of Clarence Town and 85 miles southeast of Nassau . The nearest airport is Clarence Town Airport (LGIC), 25 miles away, with daily flights from Nassau operated by Bahamasair and Pineapple Air .
Most guests arrive via Nassau connecting flights, with total travel time averaging 3.5 hours including the 45-minute domestic leg . The resort provides a complimentary airport shuttle with 24-hour advance reservation, taking approximately 35 minutes via the Queen's Highway .
Guest Reviews and Ratings Summary
As of May 2026, Cape Santa Maria Beach Resort maintains an overall rating of 4.5/5 stars based on 487 verified guest reviews across major travel platforms . The breakdown shows 68% of guests rating it 5 stars, 22% at 4 stars, and only 5% below 3 stars .
| C category | Average Rating | Number of Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| Suites & Rooms | 4.6/5 | 342 |
| Beach & Water | 4.8/5 | 401 |
| Staff & Service | 4.4/5 | 389 |
| Food & Dining | 4.2/5 | 298 |
| Value for Money | 4.3/5 | 367 |
"The private beach is absolutely stunning-we had sections of 3.5 miles entirely to ourselves. The suite kitchen saved us hundreds on dining, and the staff arranged a perfect day trip to Dean's Blue Hole." - Sarah M., verified guest, April 2026
Common praise centers on the pristine private beach (mentioned in 92% of 5-star reviews), spacious suites (87%), and helpful concierge (79%) . Top criticisms include limited dining options (mentioned in 34% of 3-star reviews) and occasional Wi-Fi slowdowns during peak hours (22%) .
Pricing and Booking Information
Suite rates range from $285-$495 per night depending on season, with the lowest rates in September-November ($285-$325) and highest during Christmas-New Year ($450-$495) . All rates include daily breakfast for two, airport shuttle, Wi-Fi, and water sports equipment .
- Low season (May-November): $285-$350/night
- Shoulder season (December-January, April): $350-$425/night
- Peak season (February-March, Christmas): $425-$495/night
- Minimum stay: 3 nights (5 nights during Christmas/New Year)
- Cancellation: Free up to 14 days before check-in
Booking directly through the official website provides a 10% discount plus a $50 resort credit, making it the most cost-effective option compared to third-party platforms . Advanced booking (3-6 months) is recommended for peak season, as the resort fills to 85-95% occupancy during December-April .
Comparison with Other Long Island Resorts
Cape Santa Maria distinguishes itself from other Long Island properties through its all-suite configuration (100% two-bedroom units vs. 30-40% at competitors), private beach exclusivity (no public access), and self-catering focus . Unlike larger resorts with multiple restaurants and entertainment, it prioritizes tranquility with only 32 suites and no evening entertainment .
For travelers seeking active nightlife or all-inclusive packages, nearby alternatives like Dean's Blue Hole Resort or Clarence Town Bay Hotel may be better suited . However, for romantic getaways, family self-catering, and pristine beach solitude, Cape Santa Maria remains the top-rated option on Long Island with a 4.5/5 average versus 3.8-4.1 for competitors .
Key concerns and solutions for Cape Santa Maria Beach Resort Long Island Bahamas Insight
How do I get to Cape Santa Maria Beach Resort?
Fly into Nassau (NAS), then take a 45-minute domestic flight to Clarence Town Airport (LGIC) on Bahamasair or Pineapple Air, followed by a complimentary 35-minute resort shuttle .
Is Cape Santa Maria Beach Resort all-inclusive?
No, it is not all-inclusive; suites include full kitchens for self-catering, and the on-site Beach Cafe offers à la carte dining with most guests preparing 60-80% of their meals in-suite .
What is the best time to visit Cape Santa Maria?
Peak season is December-April with ideal weather (75-85°F) and lobster season (May-October) offering fresh catches, while May-November provides lower rates with occasional rain showers .
Are children allowed at Cape Santa Maria Beach Resort?
The resort is adult-oriented for guests 16+ years old to maintain a tranquil atmosphere, though exceptions may be made for families with teenagers during school holidays with advance approval .
What water activities are included at no extra cost?
Complimentary activities include snorkeling with reef gear, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and beach access; motorized water sports and scuba diving require third-party booking at additional cost .
