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
Arthur's Town Airport (ATC) serves as a primary aviation gateway for the northern region of Cat Island in the Bahamas. The airport features a small, functional terminal building that embodies the relaxed charm of the Out Islands, managing domestic scheduled flights and private charters. Recently, the facility has undergone significant improvements, including a repaved 7,034-foot runway, which is one of the longest in the southern Bahamas, allowing it to accommodate larger turboprop aircraft and private jets.
Inside the terminal, facilities are modest but provide essential comfort for arriving and departing travelers. There is a simple sheltered waiting area with seating and basic restroom facilities. While the airport does not offer extensive retail shops or duty-free options, a small cafe or snack kiosk is typically available, offering light refreshments and cold drinks. The environment is straightforward, and the absence of jet bridges means that passengers walk directly across the tarmac to their aircraft, often enjoying panoramic views of the island's lush landscape.
Security and operational procedures at Arthur's Town are managed by the Bahamas Department of Civil Aviation, with manual baggage handling and standard passenger identification checks. The airfield serves as a vital link for the local community and the island's boutique resorts, providing a much faster alternative to the mail boat services from Nassau. The terminal provides a centralized and secure meeting point for guests transitioning to the island's pristine beaches and historic sites, including the childhood home of Sidney Poitier located nearby.
๐ Connection Tips
Arthur's Town Airport (ATC) is the essential arrival point for northern Cat Island. For travelers, 'connecting' at ATC involves a domestic flight from Nassau (NAS) followed by a transition to local ground transportation. Most commercial traffic is operated by Western Air or Southern Air. If arriving from an international hub, you must clear Bahamian customs in Nassau before proceeding to the domestic terminal for your 45-minute flight to Cat Island.
Ground transportation to the resorts is primarily managed by local taxis. 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.
Taxis typically meet scheduled flights, but it is highly recommended to pre-arrange your transfer with your hotel, as on-demand availability can be limited. The drive to central Arthur's Town is short, while coastal resort transfers take 15 to 30 minutes. For explorers, a few local agencies offer car rentals, though these should be booked well in advance to ensure a vehicle is waiting upon landing. Travelers should be aware that the terminal provides only basic amenities and lacks Wi-Fi or ATMs.
It is essential to carry sufficient Bahamian Dollars (BSD) in cash for taxi fares and small purchases, as credit card acceptance is non-existent at the airfield. For departures, aim to arrive 60 to 90 minutes early for manual baggage processing. Always maintain contact with your carrier for real-time updates, as flights in the Out Islands can occasionally be subject to weather adjustments. For missed connections, the airline counters in the main lobby are the primary contact point for assistance.
โ Back to Stella Maris Airport