There’s a quiet buzz in the Out Islands, and it’s about to get a whole lot louder. Between a brand-new international airport for Long Island and a wave of development projects in Exuma, these two Bahamian gems are turning into serious magnets for investment. If you’ve been waiting for the right time to get in on the action, here’s a few reasons why these islands are clear for takeoff:
Long Island: Ready for Takeoff
For years, Long Island has been one of the Bahamas’ best-kept secrets, pristine beaches, historic sites, and endless room for adventure. But access has always been its hurdle. That’s about to change in a big way.
The Upgrade: Deadman’s Cay Airport is getting a $20 million expansion, including a 6,000 foot runway and a 10,000 sq ft international terminal with Customs and Immigration. Translation: direct international flights and easier access for visitors, investors, and returning Bahamians.
- What This Means for Investors:
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- Tourism services: boutique resorts, vacation rentals, eco-lodges.
- Transportation: taxis, rental car services, air and sea tours.
- Local business growth: restaurants, craft shops, and marinas poised for more traffic.
Think of Long Island as a “blank canvas” that’s about to become prime real estate. Getting in early here means you’re ahead of the curve.
Exuma: The Rising Powerhouse
Exuma has been making headlines for years, its sapphire waters and celebrity appeal sell themselves. But now, the island is positioning itself as much more than a tourist playground.
The Mega Airport Project: A $33 million international airport is under construction with a 7,000 foot runway, modern terminal, fire station, and a cargo hub on the horizon. Private jets, regional airlines, and international carriers will all have an easy landing.
- The Big Picture:
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- Luxury resorts and communities (like Torch Cay and Beaches Exuma) are pumping hundreds of millions into development.
- Real estate is delivering 8% rental yields and steady annual appreciation.
- Government initiatives, like “E-Vision 2030,” are making sure local businesses share in the growth, with incentives for SMEs, tourism entrepreneurs, and vacation rental operators.
For investors, Exuma offers a mix of safe luxury plays (villas, marinas, golf courses) and grassroots opportunities (guesthouses, transport services, adventure tours) with government support on your side.
Why Both Islands Deserve Your Attention
What makes this moment special is the dual momentum:
- Long Island: still under the radar, ideal for first-movers who see the value in undeveloped beauty and future connectivity.
- Exuma: already booming, with proven ROI and high demand, but still growing with new projects that can anchor long-term investments.
Together, they represent two sides of the Bahamian opportunity coin:
- Long Island is the early-stage bet.
- Exuma is the high-growth market with immediate returns.
Final Take
Airports don’t just bring planes, they bring possibilities. Long Island and Exuma are on the verge of transformation, and investors who move now will be part of shaping what comes next. Whether you’re dreaming of boutique hotels, luxury real estate, or supporting services that thrive in booming destinations, the Out Islands are calling.
The only question left is: will you answer before everyone else does?
Publish Date: May 6th, 2026
