Clarence Town wraps around a calm pale-blue harbour on Long Island’s southeastern coast, where twin church spires rise above low pastel buildings and frame a working waterfront that has barely changed in generations.
Twin church spires rise roughly 40 feet above the harbour, offering sweeping views of the settlement, turquoise water, and the cays dotting the coastline.
That statistic — the height of the towers at St. Peter and St. Paul’s Catholic Church — is the kind of detail that sticks with you after a visit here. Clarence Town is the administrative capital of Long Island, home to roughly 1,200 residents, and it draws a specific kind of traveller: someone who wants to see something genuinely unusual, not something polished for a postcard. Father Jerome Hawes built two nearly identical churches on the same hill, first as an Anglican priest and later as a Catholic convert, and those two buildings are the reason most people find their way here. But the town itself — the harbour, the conch stands, the easy access to one of the world’s deepest blue holes — is what makes them stay.
Clarence Town rewards travellers who value character over convenience. The twin churches are genuinely unique — you won’t see anything like them anywhere else in the Bahamas. But the town has basic infrastructure: family-run guesthouses, limited dining, no resort amenities. If you’re comfortable with that trade-off, you’ll find a version of island life that’s disappearing elsewhere. The caveat is transportation — you really need a rental car, and booking one requires advance planning through your accommodation.
Architecture enthusiasts
Solo travellers seeking quiet
Families who want space to explore
Here’s what you’ll find in Clarence Town and how to make the most of a visit.
| Attraction | Best time | Duration | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Twin hilltop churches | Late afternoon | 1 hour | Free |
| Dean’s Blue Hole | Late morning to mid-afternoon | Half day | ~$15 |
| Harbour & waterfront | Late afternoon to early evening | 1–2 hours | Free |
| Local food (Max’s, conch stands) | Lunch or early dinner | 1–2 hours | $15–$20 |
| Bonefishing / kayaking / cave tour | Early morning | 2–4 hours | $25–$100+ |
St. Paul’s and St. Peter and St. Paul’s: Father Jerome’s Twin Churches
The two churches sit side by side on a gentle rise, painted in soft pastel colours, their twin towers visible from the harbour below. Father Jerome Hawes built St. Paul’s Anglican Church during his years as an Anglican priest, then constructed St. Peter and St. Paul’s Catholic Church nearby after his conversion to Catholicism. The architectural symmetry between the two — both have twin towers rising roughly 40 feet, both use medieval-inspired stonework with arched doorways — reflects a consistency of vision that跨越 denominations. Together they tell the story of one man’s faith journey, and they draw architecture enthusiasts and pilgrims from around the world.
Visit St. Peter and St. Paul’s in late afternoon when the golden light hits the stone facade — the colour shift makes the medieval-inspired arches stand out. Weekdays see fewer visitors, and the 10-minute walk uphill from the central plaza along Church Street is manageable at a slow pace.
The churches are within a five-minute walk of each other and the town centre. Both are free to enter, and you can comfortably see both in about an hour. If you’re visiting on a Sunday morning, you’ll hear bells ring across the harbour — a sound that hasn’t changed in decades.
Clarence Town Harbour: Where the Working Waterfront Meets Visitors
The harbour is the town’s working heart. Local fishing boats unload their daily catch at the marina — marlin, tuna, wahoo — and on Thursdays, cruise ships anchor offshore while vendors set up stalls selling handmade crafts, fresh produce, and Bahamian specialties. The mailboat MV Sherice M brings supplies from Nassau each week, and residents gather at small local restaurants in the late afternoon for conch salad and cold Kalik beer. It’s not a tourist show; it’s how the town operates.
Late afternoon to early evening is the best window — especially on weekends, when more families are out. The sandy beach near the ferry dock has shallow warm water for wading, and nearby vendors sell fresh local snacks. It’s a comfortable area for solo visitors and families alike.
The Clarence Town Marina offers docking for visiting vessels, and charter fishing trips can be arranged through local guides for deep-sea fishing minutes offshore. If you’re not fishing, just watching the boats come in and the day wind down is its own kind of activity. The town’s market near the central plaza operates Tuesday through Saturday mornings before noon, with local farmers and artisans selling fruits, vegetables, and simple crafts for $2 to $5 per item.
Dean’s Blue Hole: One of the World’s Deepest
A few miles north of Clarence Town, near the Turtle Cove development, Dean’s Blue Hole drops 202 metres into the earth. It’s one of the world’s deepest accessible blue holes — freedivers know it as the proving ground for the annual Vertical Blue competition. For the rest of us, it offers calm, clear water that’s good for swimming and snorkelling, with the best light penetration in late morning to mid-afternoon.
Depth of Dean’s Blue Hole — one of the deepest accessible blue holes on the planet.
The blue hole is about 5 miles northwest of Clarence Town — roughly a 10-minute drive on local roads. The access point is a short walk through the Turtle Cove development. If the water looks rough or the site feels crowded, Clarence Town’s small sandy beach near the ferry dock is a solid backup for a quiet swim.
Entry costs roughly $15 (2026 pricing), and you’ll want to budget a half day for the visit. A short taxi ride or rental car from Clarence Town centre gets you there. The water stays calmest in fall and winter, and the site draws fewer people than you’d expect for something this dramatic. If you’re travelling with someone who’d rather not swim, the shoreline around the blue hole has shaded spots for sitting.
Local Food: Max’s, Conch Stands, and Mutton Fest
Clarence Town’s culinary scene is built around conch, and Max’s restaurant on the road approaching town is widely considered the place for the freshest preparations on the island. Conch salad, cracked conch, conch fritters, conch chowder — roadside stands and small restaurants serve it in every style. The annual Mutton Fest in spring celebrates local lamb preparations, bringing special menus and a festive atmosphere to town.
A lunch of conch salad or grilled fish at a beachside shack runs about $15 to $20. Local favourites change seasonally, but the conch stands near the marina consistently serve expertly prepared seafood. Ask locals for current recommendations — small establishments come and go. If you’re self-catering, the market near the central plaza has fresh produce Tuesday through Saturday mornings.
Beyond Town: Bonefishing, Hamilton’s Cave, and Kayaking
The shallow flats around Clarence Town offer bonefishing that attracts anglers from across the world. Local guides know every sandbar and channel where bonefish feed, and the calm, clear water makes spotting them easier than in many other destinations. Peak season runs October to May, and guides should be booked well in advance.
Grab coffee at a local cafe around 8:00 AM, watch the morning light hit the twin churches, and stroll the quiet streets. Visit the market by 11:00 AM for fresh fruit or simple crafts — $2–$5 per item.
Drive the 10 minutes north to Dean’s Blue Hole for swimming and snorkelling. Entry ~$15. Alternatively, relax on Clarence Town’s small sandy beach. Lunch of conch salad or grilled fish at a beachside shack runs $15–$20.
Hamilton’s Cave, an extensive limestone system near town, features stalactites, stalagmites, and Lucayan shell middens. Bring a flashlight and sturdy shoes. Kayak rental from small local operators costs ~$25 — the water stays shallow and calm close to shore, with mangroves and small coves to explore.
Return to town centre by 5:30 PM for sunset from the hill near the twin churches. Dine at a family-run eatery serving traditional Bahamian dishes like fried snapper with peas and rice. Evenings wind down quietly — occasional soft music, no nightlife.
Hamilton’s Cave is an extensive limestone cave system near Clarence Town with dramatic stalactites and stalagmites alongside Lucayan shell middens left by the island’s original inhabitants. Colonial-era carvings and graffiti add historical layers. Guided tours illuminate both the geology and human history — bring a flashlight and wear sturdy shoes.
For a quieter pace, kayak rental from small local operators allows coastline exploration at your own speed. The water stays shallow and calm close to shore, with mangroves and small coves. Early morning or late afternoon avoids the midday heat, and rentals include basic gear and a safety briefing. Solo paddlers should check weather conditions; rentals include a radio for check-ins.
- Clarence Town’s twin churches are genuinely unique — Father Jerome’s architectural symmetry across denominations is something you won’t see anywhere else.
- A rental car is essential. No major chains operate on Long Island — arrange one through your accommodation before you arrive.
- The town rewards slow travel. Budget at least two full days to see the churches, visit Dean’s Blue Hole, and experience the harbour rhythm.
Getting to Clarence Town and Getting Around
Clarence Town sits at the southern end of Long Island’s Queen’s Highway, about 100 miles southeast of Nassau. Most visitors fly into Nassau (NAS) and connect on Bahamasair or a local carrier to Deadman’s Cay Airport (LGI), then drive roughly 20 minutes south. Stella Maris Airport (SML) in the north serves some flights, with Clarence Town about an hour’s drive. Deadman’s Cay is a Port of Entry with customs and immigration services, which simplifies the arrival process if you’re coming from outside the Bahamas.
| Route | Travel time to Clarence Town | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Nassau → Deadman’s Cay (flight) → drive | ~20 minutes drive from airport | Bahamasair operates scheduled flights. Port of Entry with customs. |
| Nassau → Stella Maris (flight) → drive | ~1 hour drive from airport | Some flights serve Stella Maris; longer drive south. |
| Mailboat MV Sherice M from Nassau | Weekly schedule | Connects Long Island to Nassau. An option for those with flexible timing. |
Rental cars are essential for exploring Long Island’s 80-mile length, but no major rental chains operate on the island. Arrange a car through your accommodation before you arrive — they coordinate with local operators. The Queen’s Highway is paved but narrow in places, and you’ll want a vehicle with decent ground clearance for some of the side roads.
Accommodation in Clarence Town itself is limited to family-run guesthouses starting around $70 per night in 2026. Some offer simple cabins without air conditioning or hot water — check before booking. More variety is available at properties between Clarence Town and Deadman’s Cay, or at resorts in the Stella Maris area to the north. If you’re weighing whether to base yourself here or in a more developed part of Long Island, consider what matters more: waking up steps from the twin churches and harbour, or having a wider range of dining and room options.
Before You Go to Clarence Town
Can I climb the church towers?
Yes, visitors can typically climb the towers at St. Peter and St. Paul’s Catholic Church for panoramic harbour views. Ask locally about access at St. Paul’s Anglican, as service times vary. A small donation is appreciated at both.
How do I get to Dean’s Blue Hole from town?
It’s about 5 miles northwest of Clarence Town — a 10-minute drive on local roads. The blue hole sits in a bay on the western coast of Long Island, accessible via a short walk through the Turtle Cove development.
What’s the best time of year to visit?
April through June and October through early December offer warm, dry weather with calm seas. July through September bring heavier rain and higher hurricane risk. The twin churches are accessible year-round, but views are clearest outside the rainy season.
Is Clarence Town safe for solo travellers?
Yes. Local operators run small-group tours that are welcoming and safe for solo visitors. The waterfront area stays active with families into early evening, and the town’s quiet pace makes it a comfortable place to explore alone.
What should I do if Dean’s Blue Hole is closed or crowded?
Head to Clarence Town’s small sandy beach near the ferry dock for a calm swim, or visit Hamilton’s Cave for a completely different kind of experience. Both are within a short drive or walk from town.
The Harbour at Sunset
Clarence Town doesn’t try to impress you. The twin churches sit on their hill, the fishing boats come and go, and the mailboat arrives on its weekly schedule — the same rhythm that’s played out here for generations. What makes it worth the travel is the way those two towers frame a harbour that hasn’t been redesigned for tourism. If you’re planning a trip that connects a few of the Bahamas’ quieter corners, this guide to building a Bahamas island-hopping itinerary will help you link Clarence Town with other spots that reward the detour.
References
Sail Abacos. “Clarence Town.” Sail Abacos, 2025. ↗
Sail Abacos. “Things to Do in Clarence Town.” Sail Abacos, 2025. ↗
Pack Lightly. “Clarence Town.” Pack Lightly, 2026. ↗
For more on the Bahamas, check out our guides to family-friendly adventures across the islands, the full story on Dean’s Blue Hole and its freediving legacy, and resort options in Nassau if you’re looking for a different kind of base.
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