Planning a Trip

Getting There

There are two airstrips here, connected by a road. The Stella Maris strip is in the north, and the other, called Deadman's Cay, is in the south, north of Clarence Town (it's highly unlikely that you'll land here, and this one is 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 a day (a 45-min. trip) from Fort Lauderdale, landing at the Stella Maris airport, which is near most of the hotels.

From Nassau, the MV Mia Dean sails weekly to Clarence Town, leaving on Tuesday. Mail boat trips take a grueling 10 hours. For information contact the dock master at Potter's Cay Dock, Nassau (tel. 242/393-1064).

Getting Around

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

Fast Facts

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

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

Special Events

In June, Long Island sailors participate in the big event of the year, the 4-day Long Island Regatta, an annual event held at Salt Pond since 1967. In addition to the highly competitive sailboat races, Long Island takes on a festive air with calypso music and 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 rake 'n' scrape music. Call your local Bahamas Tourist Office for more information.