Planning a Trip

Getting There

There are two airstrips on Long Island. The Stella Maris Airport is in the north, and the other, called Deadman's Cay Airport, is in the south, north of Clarence Town. It's highly unlikely that you'll land at Deadman's Cay, and besides, it's a very expensive cab ride from most of the island's accommodations. Bahamasair (tel. 800/222-4262 in the U.S.; www.bahamasair.com) flies direct once daily from Fort Lauderdale to Stella Maris, which is near most of the hotels. It's a 45-minute flight.

The mail boat MV Mia Dean sails every Tuesday from Nassau to Clarence Town, a grueling 10-hour journey. For information on mail-boat trips, contact the dock master at Nassau's Potter's Cay Dock (tel. 242/393-1064).

Getting Around

The Stella Maris Resort Club (tel. 242/338-2051; www.stellamarisresort.com) can arrange to have you picked up at the airport upon arrival or get you a rental car.

Fast Facts

The Bank of Nova Scotia (tel. 242/338-2000) has an ATM and operates a small currency-exchange facility at Stella Maris Resort Club. Hours are Monday through Thursday from 9am to 1pm, Friday from 9:30am to 3pm.

The police can be reached by calling tel. 242/337-0999 or 242/337-0444.

Special Events

In May or June, Long Island sailors participate in the big event of the year, the 4-day Long Island Regatta, held annually at Salt Pond since 1967. In addition to the highly competitive sailboat races, Long Island takes on a festive air with calypso music, reggae, and lots of drinking and partying. Many expatriate Long Islanders come home at this time, usually from Nassau, New York, or Miami, to enjoy not only the regatta, but also the rake 'n' scrape music. Call your local Bahamas Tourist Office for more information.