Long Cay
Ghost town island where The Bahamas' first jail still stands amid flamingo-haunted shores
Long Cay, once known as Fortune Island, carries the melancholy weight of a place that has seen better days. Christopher Columbus reportedly found a conch pearl here on his 1492 voyage, inspiring the island's earlier name. In its heyday, this small cay served as the first port of entry in the southern Bahamas and administrative headquarters for the three-island atoll, with a population reaching 4,000 souls.
Today, fewer than 30 residents remain, mostly in the ghost town of Albert Town where colonial-era ruins stand as monuments to vanished prosperity. The island holds the dubious distinction of hosting The Bahamas' first jail, much of which still stands. Flamingos now flock to the southern shores where merchant ships once anchored.
Rise and Fall
Long Cay's strategic position made it the administrative center for Crooked Island, Acklins Island, and Long Cay district. Merchants, sailors, and colonial officials passed through its port, and Albert Town developed as a prosperous trading post. The decline came gradually as shipping patterns changed and residents sought opportunities elsewhere. By the 2010 census, population had dwindled to just 29 people clinging to a way of life that largely vanished generations ago.
Albert Town
The main settlement of Albert Town now stands largely abandoned, its empty buildings and overgrown streets evoking the atmosphere of a Caribbean ghost town. The historic St. David and St. Augustine Church remains, along with other colonial-era structures slowly surrendering to tropical vegetation. Walking the quiet lanes offers a haunting window into Bahamian history that most tourists never witness.
Historic Jail
Long Cay claims the distinction of hosting the first jail built in The Bahamas, and much of the original structure still stands. This grim landmark reflects the island's former importance as a center of colonial administration and justice. The surviving walls offer an unusual historical attraction for visitors interested in the archipelago's legal and social history.
Natural Attractions
Despite its diminished population, Long Cay retains natural beauty. The northern cays feature secluded beaches with crystal-clear water and pristine white sand, perfect for beachcombing and swimming. Flamingos congregate on the banks of the southern shore, adding unexpected splashes of pink to the landscape. The surrounding waters offer fishing and snorkeling opportunities for those with proper equipment.
Getting there
Long Cay lies on the southwestern side of the Crooked Island-Acklins atoll. Access is primarily by private boat from Crooked Island or Acklins. The island has no airport or ferry service. Cruisers transiting from Long Island or the Exumas can anchor in settled conditions, but facilities are essentially nonexistent. Bring all provisions and be prepared for complete self-sufficiency.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Albert Town completely abandoned?
- Not entirely. A handful of residents still live on Long Cay, though Albert Town functions largely as a ghost town with most buildings abandoned. The church and some homes remain occupied, but services and amenities are minimal to nonexistent.
- Can I visit the historic jail?
- The ruins of The Bahamas' first jail are accessible on foot in Albert Town. There is no formal tour or interpretation, so visitors simply explore the remaining structure at their own discretion. Exercise caution around aging masonry.
- Why is Long Cay called Fortune Island?
- Columbus reportedly found a valuable conch pearl when he first arrived at the island in 1492, leading to the name Fortune Island. The official name later changed to Long Cay, though both names appear in historical references.