โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Stella Maris Airport serves as northern Long Island's primary aviation hub positioned 3 miles from downtown Stella Maris at 10 feet elevation, featuring single asphalt runway 13/31 measuring 3,999 feet by 75 feet designed and built by Jack Henry Cordery in 1967 for Stella Maris Estate Company. Designated as an Airport of Entry with customs available 8:30-5:30 winter and 8:30-6:30 summer, the facility handles both retail and operational usage with 100LL fuel available, NDB navigation (526 ZLS), and CTAF frequency 122.8.
Terminal facilities provide basic terminal with shaded waiting area, full-service FBO facilities including customs and immigration clearing for international private flights, and landing fees of $7 for singles/$9 for heavy twins with 25% discount for Stella Maris Resort guests. Ground transportation includes expensive taxis for longer distances, with car rentals from Island Sunshine, Lee's Taxi & Tours, and Unique Wheels delivering directly to airport, while the resort operates frequent shuttle service between Stella Maris, Nassau, and Georgetown, Exuma.
Operational characteristics focus on supporting the Stella Maris Resort and surrounding private villas through scheduled domestic services via Bahamasair, Airstars, Southern Air Charter, and Pineapple Air, alongside international private aircraft operations as a popular point of entry. The pristine turquoise waters approach over the northern Exuma Bank provides one of the Caribbean's most beautiful landing experiences, with windsocks located southeast near ramp and northeast of runway.
Strategic importance encompasses serving as the gateway for Long Island's northern tourism sector including access to Dean's Blue Hole and stunning caves, facilitating private aviation entry to the Bahamas with full customs capabilities, and maintaining essential connectivity for this Out Island community while supporting the resort-centered economy with efficient 60-minute domestic processing times and strategic positioning between Nassau and Exuma.
๐ Connection Tips
Stella Maris Airport (SML) is the primary aviation hub for the northern region of Long Island in the Bahamas, specifically catering to the guests of the Stella Maris Resort and surrounding private villas. Taxis are available at the terminal but can be quite expensive for the long distances required to reach the southern parts of the island; it is often more cost-effective to arrange a pickup through your resort or hotel in advance. Arriving just 60 minutes before your domestic flight to Nassau is generally plenty of time. The landing approach over the pristine turquoise waters and scattered cays of the northern Exuma Bank is one of the most beautiful in the Caribbean.
Connecting from the airport to your final destination requires understanding the island's unique logistics. A critical tip for first-time visitors is that driving is on the left side of the road in the Bahamas. Facilities at the terminal are basic but include a shaded waiting area. Always build some flexibility into your island travel plans, as the smaller regional aircraft used on these routes can be sensitive to localized weather conditions.
Car rentals are the most practical way to explore Long Island's stunning caves and Deanโs Blue Hole; local companies like Island Sunshine, Leeโs Taxi & Tours, and Unique Wheels offer rentals and will frequently deliver the vehicle directly to the airport for your arrival. The airport itself is a small, efficient facility where passenger processing is exceptionally fast. For those flying in on private aircraft, Stella Maris offers full-service FBO facilities including customs and immigration clearing, making it a popular point of entry for international private flights.
โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
60
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Andros Town Airport (ASD), frequently referred to locally as Fresh Creek Airport, serves as the primary aviation gateway for the central region of Andros Island in the Bahamas. This small but functional facility is particularly significant for travelers heading to the world-renowned bonefishing lodges and the spectacular Andros Barrier Reef. While it primarily handles domestic flights to Nassau and private charters from Florida, its role as an official Airport of Entry makes it a vital point for international private aviation looking to bypass the busier hubs.
The terminal consists of a compact, single-story building designed for quick and straightforward transit. Its open-plan layout ensures that passengers can move from the check-in area to the modest waiting lounge in just a few steps. As an international Airport of Entry, the terminal features dedicated desks for Bahamian Customs and Immigration, allowing private international arrivals to be processed on-site. The facility is typically open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM local time, though services outside these hours generally require prior coordination with local authorities.
Amenities within the terminal are minimalist, reflecting the rustic and tranquil nature of Andros Island. There are no restaurants, gift shops, or ATMs located inside the airport building. Travelers are strongly advised to bring their own snacks and water, especially if waiting for a connection or charter. Basic public restroom facilities are available, and the terminal is equipped with a small seating area. For a smoother experience, passengers are encouraged to arrive 60 to 90 minutes before domestic flights, as the simple infrastructure is not geared for large crowds.
Ground transportation is primarily serviced by local taxis that typically meet scheduled flight arrivals. The airport is located about 3 miles (5 km) from the settlement of Fresh Creek and Andros Town, with a short drive time to major local accommodations like Small Hope Bay Lodge. Car rentals are also an option, though these are often arranged through local providers who deliver vehicles directly to the airport. For those arriving by private vehicle, a small parking area is situated immediately adjacent to the terminal. Visitors should note that while US Dollars are widely accepted, having some Bahamian currency on hand is useful for smaller transport fares.
๐ Connection Tips
Andros Town Airport (ASD), locally known as Fresh Creek Airport, serves as the primary aviation gateway for Central Andros. Connecting here is a unique experience that emphasizes pre-trip planning, as Andros Island is divided by sea channels into three regions that are not connected by bridges. If you are staying in Central Andros at lodges like Small Hope Bay, ASD is your correct destination. For those arriving from Florida hubs and connecting to Nassau, the process is remarkably fast due to the single-terminal layout. However, allow at least 90 minutes if you need to clear customs and re-check bags for an inter-island hopper.
Ground transportation at ASD is localized. While taxis meet scheduled flights, they are not on permanent standby. It is strongly recommended to coordinate your arrival with your resort in advance, as many lodges arrange dedicated drivers. Independent travelers can summon local taxis for a short 10-minute drive to the Fresh Creek area. Be aware that the terminal lacks dedicated rest zones, and during the rainy season, the tarmac can experience minor flooding, so practical footwear is advised for the short walk from the plane.
The facility is minimalist; you will find a basic waiting room and restrooms but no duty-free shops, restaurants, or ATMs. Please ensure that all your onward travel arrangements, including ground transport to your final destination, are confirmed well in advance. Our research indicates that regional transit in this area is highly weather-dependent and requires travelers to remain flexible with their schedules. Always confirm your flight status 24 hours prior to departure, carry your essential medications and critical documents in your hand baggage, and maintain open lines of communication with your local hosts or transport providers. By treating this airport segment as the foundation of your regional travel plan rather than the conclusion of your flight, you will find that it is a highly reliable gateway, provided you account for the unique pace of local transport and the seasonal variability of the local environment, which can often be unpredictable due to sudden meteorological shifts or technical logistics.
Arrive fully self-sufficient with your own snacks and water. For finances, carry Bahamian Dollars (BSD) or U.S. Dollars (USD) in cash for taxi fares, as credit card acceptance is non-existent at the terminal. For a smooth departure, aim to arrive 90 minutes early, as staff often manage multiple roles which can lead to slower processing during peak charter arrivals.
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