Month: April 2024

After leaving Clarence Town, we set a course for Pittstown, the northernmost point of Crooked Island. Despite what the names suggest, these places are actually small villages, each home to only about 50-100 people. Thankfully, these are still communities—far from the completely lifeless ghost towns that awaited us further along our journey.

After six hours of sailing, we arrived at our anchorage off Pittstown only to discover that half the houses were empty, abandoned in the aftermath of the 2015 hurricane. Among the buildings, only the new marina and a distant lighthouse caught our eyes.

The Bird Rock Lighthouse was both an architectural marvel and a poignant emblem of isolation. Built in 1876, the lighthouse featured a beautifully designed structure with a wide veranda supported by columns encircling its base. The tower itself rose from a mass of desolate rock that jutted abruptly from the Caribbean Sea, a crucial beacon for vessels navigating to and from the Bahama Islands.

There is a tragedy that happened on this lighthouse, you can read the full story here:
https://www.lighthousedigest.com/Digest/StoryPage.cfm?StoryKey=4101

 Clarence Town is the capital of Long Island and has a population of 86 people. Nestled along the shimmering shores of Long Island in the Bahamas, Clarence Town emerges as a hidden gem awaiting discovery. Far removed from the hustle and bustle of more touristy hotspots, this quaint settlement exudes an irresistible charm that captivates visitors with its tranquil ambiance and captivating beauty.

Step back in time as you wander through the streets of Clarence Town, where echoes of Bahamian history resonate in every corner. Named after King William IV of England, the town boasts a rich heritage shaped by centuries of maritime traditions and colonial influences. From its humble beginnings as a Loyalist settlement to its pivotal role in the salt trade industry, Clarence Town has witnessed the ebb and flow of history, leaving behind a tapestry of cultural landmarks and architectural marvels.

No visit to Clarence Town is complete without experiencing the awe-inspiring beauty of Dean’s Blue Hole, a natural wonder that beckons adventurers from around the world. Plummeting to depths of over 200 meters, this mesmerizing underwater sinkhole is one of the deepest of its kind in the world, offering divers and snorkelers an unparalleled opportunity to explore its mystical depths.