Stella Maris Resort

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Details

Saltwater
Season
October - June
For 2022 the rates are - The daily bonefishing rates are $600 for 2 anglers This rate does not include transport to the dock ($30) or tackle. Accommodation rates are Hotel Rooms $230, One bedroom cottage $270 Two bedroom cottage $380. Rates are per night for 2 people and does not include taxes, energy surcharge or gratuity.
Number of guests
They can guide 4 anglers with 2 guides in 2 boats for bonefish. There is reef fishing in a larger boat for up to 4 anglers. The total number of guests at the resort can range from 20-60, with no 2 groups doing the same thing.
Species:
- Bonefish
- Barracuda

Bahamas >> Long Island >> Stella Maris

Fishing and Species

Bonefishing is the major attraction and the schools of fish are quite prolific. There is optional permit and reef fishing as well. The outfitter Bonafide Bonefishing, owned by James "Docky" Smith. He has been guiding for over 15 years and knows the waters intimately. He has 2 pro flats skiffs: 17' Maverick Mirage with a 90 HP Yamaha and a Hells Bay with a 60 HP. There is great wading as well as fishing from the skiff. Long Island has some do it yourself opportunities, using a rental car for transport.

Arrivals and Departures

Stella Maris is totally flexible on length of stay, arrival and departure days. This makes it easy when getting away for a full week is tough and when you have not been on the flats for so long that a couple more days than a week is perfect. There are flights from Florida or via Nassau on their own plane. The Nassau option is usually easy to match up with your incoming and out going flight.

Accomodations

Thirty-two rooms, apartments, cottages, villas, and bungalows. All attractively decorated in island style, some luxurious, and some with private pool. The four options are 1 - Hotel rooms, each with an ocean view 2 - A one bedroom cottage (no kitchen) 3 - Ocean Bungalows that range from 2-4 bedrooms, some with a pool 4 - Love Beach Bungalows

Non Anglers / Activities

Complimentary non-fishing options are: sailing, kayaking, exploring 90 miles of unspoiled island nature by bike (free), scooter, or car (rentals). See quaint towns, historic plantation ruins, real pirate caves.

Airport / Logistics

Stella Maris has their own airport that is serviced by their own flights out of Nassau and Georgetown. It is a per-seat price so you are not chartering the whole airplane. In addition, there are flights on Southern Air.

Climate

The weather is typical of the western Caribbean with temperatures from the low 70's to mid 90's. The coolest months are December - February. There is typically a breeze. Because Long Island is in the Southern Bahamas, the weather is more moderated from the extremes of heat and cold.

Included

Each booking can be different as to what is included. Typically the guests will make a booking for a type of accommodations, activities such as guided bonefishing, flight to Stella Maris from Nassau and meal plan. All of the above are typically reserved and paid for before arrival.

Not Included

Since most bookings are done one part at a time, what is not included will be spelled out so there are no surprises. If you have not purchased a meal plan, meals will obviously not be included. Taxi from the airport to the hotel and guide gratuities.

Currency/Credit Cards

The is no need to exchange currency. The Lodge takes credit cards.

Gratuities

The resort adds a 15% service fee to lodging, restaurant and bar. The guides are tipped separately and $60-100 per day is typical for the boat.

Medical Facilities

The nearest medical facilities are in Nassau. Depending on the emergency, you may elect to fly to Florida. Medevac coverage is recommended.

Documentation

A Passport is required for entry and return by US citizens. There is a $20 departure tax.

Beverages

The lodge has a full service bar with beer, wine and liquor.

Laundry

There is laundry service available for a charge.

Phone, Internet, Power

Phone: paid phone

Internet: free internet

Power: 110 volts

Long Island, Bahamas

This is one of the best places anywhere to have first-class guided bonefishing as well as a fun place for non-fishing friends and family. It is not your typical seven nights with six days fishing bonefish lodge. It is an Out Island Bahamas resort, where no two guest parties are on the same schedule, or doing the same activities. Because they have their own charter flight from Nassau, in addition to scheduled flights, it is an easy place to get to. This also facilitates planning a trip ranging from 3 days to 2 weeks or more.

Accommodations at Stella Maris are attractively scattered throughout a magnificent palm grove, overlooking the Atlantic. You will be very comfortable in their air-conditioned rooms and cottages. All have an ocean view patio or balcony, A/C, fridge, coffee maker, ceiling fan and hair dryer. For longer stays or more room, renting a villa or bungalow is a great option. All are are either on the water or have a water view, and have a kitchen and living area. Some even have a private pool. Three hotel pools dot the manicured grounds of the resort, and close by are seven hidden Atlantic beach coves.

It is your choice whether to go out to the restaurant, do a little home cooking or sample some local cuisine as you explore the island. Long Island is uncrowded, friendly and 80 miles long. It provides the old school "Out Island" experience, hardly touched by modern tourism. About 3,500 inhabitants reside in some 35 quaint villages and farming towns. Points of interest include plantation ruins and Indian caves, historic churches, salt salinas, fish and shrimp farms and pineapple plantations. Bikes can get you to any point of interest around Stella Maris. Activities include a full dive program with a diversity of sites, snorkeling, kayaking straight out of the marina into Adderley's Bay, or exploring the idyllic mangrove mazes of Columbus Harbour and sailing on the lee shore in a “Sun-Fish.”

There are plenty of places to vacation in the Bahamas but I am only interested in them if they have really good bonefishing. Captain James Docky Smith is the guide to fish with on the vast flats of Long Island. There is so much bonefish water you won’t be able to fish it all. Many of the flats offer good wade fishing. A rental car will give you access to the entire island and maybe even a little do-it-yourself fishing.

Details

Season

Number of guests

Stella Maris Resort