Salt Pond

Thompson Bay and Maritime Heritage

The protected waters of Thompson Bay define Salt Pond's character and history. The anchorage offers excellent holding in sand with gradual depth changes, making it a favourite stop for cruising sailors navigating the Bahamas. Local fishing boats work these waters daily, returning with grouper, snapper, and the ubiquitous conch that appears on every Bahamian table.

The bay's significance extends beyond daily commerce. Each Labour Day weekend in June, Thompson Bay hosts the Long Island Regatta, the second-largest sailing regatta in the Bahamas after the National Family Island Regatta in the Exumas. Traditional wooden sloops, some built in nearby Mangrove Bush, compete in A, B, and C class races while spectators watch from anchored boats and the shoreline.

Settlement Life

Salt Pond exemplifies the quiet persistence of Out Island communities. There are no resorts here, no dive operations, no organized tours. Instead, visitors find a handful of local shops, a church, homes painted in the pastels favoured throughout the Bahamas, and residents who greet strangers with genuine warmth.

The settlement takes its name from the salt ponds that once provided an economic base before tourism and fishing became primary industries. While commercial salt production has ceased, the landscape still bears evidence of this heritage in the form of shallow ponds that attract wading birds and curious explorers.

Visiting Salt Pond

Cruising sailors find Salt Pond an excellent provisioning stop along Long Island's western shore, with the anchorage accessible in most weather conditions. Land-based visitors typically pass through Salt Pond while driving between Stella Maris and Clarence Town on Queen's Highway.

The real value of Salt Pond lies in the pause it offers from scheduled activities. Stopping here for a cold drink at a local establishment, chatting with fishermen about the day's catch, or simply watching pelicans dive in Thompson Bay provides the kind of unscripted experience that defines Out Island travel.

Getting there

Salt Pond lies along Queen's Highway roughly midway between Stella Maris and Clarence Town. By car, it is approximately 25 minutes south of Stella Maris Airport (SML) or 30 minutes north of Clarence Town. Cruising sailors approach Thompson Bay from the west, entering between Sandy Cay and the Long Island shore. The anchorage provides protection from west through south-southeast winds. No ferry service connects Salt Pond directly; visitors arrive by private vehicle, rental car, or boat.

Frequently asked questions

When is the Long Island Regatta?

The Long Island Regatta takes place annually during the Labour Day weekend in June. Traditional Bahamian sailing sloops race in Thompson Bay, with competitors travelling from throughout the Bahamas to participate in this major cultural event.

Are there accommodations in Salt Pond?

Salt Pond has limited formal accommodations. Visitors typically stay at resorts in Stella Maris or guesthouses near Clarence Town and visit Salt Pond as a day trip. Vacation rentals may be available through online platforms.

Is Thompson Bay good for overnight anchoring?

Yes, Thompson Bay offers a large anchorage with excellent holding in sand and gradual depth changes. It provides good protection from west through south-southeast winds and is a popular stop for cruisers navigating Long Island.