The bay at the foot of Columbus Monument
Earth View Road Map
DESCRIPTION: The bay that lies between Long Island and Newton Cay and below the Monument is easily accessed from the parking area. Although we’ve not explored the bay itself, it is a popular snorkeling and kayaking spot. As one can see in the photo, there is a nice reef at the entrance (left side of photo). However, this is the main channel from the ocean to the bay and the currents are strong. Past the sand bars (center of photo), the bay opens up and is nicely protected from winds and waves. From the parking area at the base of the monument, the distance to the main part of the bay is about 4700′ if one swims the channel and about 3300′ if one goes across the flats. The main bay measures roughly 1000′ x 2500′. For the intrepid, one could explore the narrower channel that separates Long Island from Newton’s Cay and that empties the bay into Newton’s. However, this becomes mangrove territory and isn’t easy to get through.
This is definitely a must see spot, if only because of the monument, the vistas, and it being the northernmost point on the island.
DIRECTIONS: Go north on the QH. As you go through Seymours, you’ll pass a hard road going to the left (a restaurant now closed is on the south corner) which goes out to Galliot Cay. The QH goes “down hill” into a low area and begins a slow rising bend to the right. There will be a dirt road going to the left currently (2016) with a sign for “Kingdom” development. Take this dirt road and stay ‘straight’ on it. Note: at about 0.6 mile there will a road to the left to the development. The road to the monument is a mixture of sand and hard pan and is very rough in many places. Total mileage from the QH to the monument is 1.75 miles and will take about 10-15 minutes. Between one and 1 1/4 miles the road will approach the bay. If you can safely park here, you can get into the mangrove part of the bay (1 mile) or walk across sand (1 1/4 mile). However, it’s worth the extra drive of about ½ mile to get to the end of the road which is at the base of the monument and where there is plenty of parking. Although the walk up to the monument is steep (see below), it is worth it for the spectacular vistas. On clear days, Rum Cay is easily visible.
The path to the monument is steep. The gradient is about 1 to 3 where there are railings and eases to maybe 1 to 10 after that.
Great care has to be taken on the way down as the path is sand and loose stone and one can easily lose their footing.
At the top!
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The Beaches of Long Island in the Bahamas 