Getting to Paradise
Your Guide to Reaching Cape Santa Maria Beach Resort
(Yes, It’s a Journey. And Yes, It’s Worth It.)
Let’s be honest. Cape Santa Maria Beach Resort is not a hop-off-the-plane-and-you’re-there kind of place. And thank goodness for that. The remoteness is exactly what makes it feel like your own private slice of paradise. Still, getting here takes a little coordination. This post will walk you through it step by step, with a few helpful tips to make things easier.
The most important thing to remember: make sure your flight to Long Island is confirmed before you book your international flights or resort stay.
The Resort is located at the northern tip of Long Island in the Bahamas. There are two airports on the island: Deadman’s Cay (LGI) and Stella Maris (SML). The most common ways to get to Long Island is one of two ways:
This is the most common route for most guests.
You’ll fly into Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS) in Nassau, then transfer to a domestic flight to Long Island.
Two recommended carriers operate this route: Bahamasair and Stella Maris Resort Air Service (SMRAS).
Flights from Nassau arrive at either Deadman’s Cay Airport or Stella Maris Airport .
Plan ahead. Search for your flight to Nassau and check availability at the resort but book your flight to Long Island first. These flights are limited and often sell out. If flights are full or do not line up with your flight to Nassau, you may need to overnight in Nassau. If you do not want to stay in Nassau, Stella Maris Air Service is your best option.
Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS) has three terminals: U.S. Departures, International & U.S. Arrivals, and International & Domestic Departures. If you are flying with Bahamasair, please allow at least 2 to 3 hours between your arrival and domestic flight, which will depart from the International & Domestic Departures terminal.
Flying with Stella Maris Resort Air Service (SMRAS) is a great way to connect, but please note that SMRAS departs from The Jet Nassau FBO, a private terminal separate from the main airport. A taxi transfer will be required between terminals. SMRAS departure times fluctuate depending on when each passenger arrives in Nassau; if you arrive early, you can wait in the comfortable FBO; if you arrive later in the day, SMRAS may depart as soon as you arrive.
Nassau is accessible via nonstop flights from cities like Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Atlanta, Charlotte, Toronto, Montreal, New York, and many others depending on the season. There are also direct flights from major European hubs such as London, Frankfurt, and seasonal service from Zurich and Madrid.
Learn more about Nassau Airport
Email Stella Maris Resort Air Service to request a quote or flight schedule
Flying from the U.S.? Makers Air offers direct flights from Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport to Stella Maris Airport on Long Island. This option is fast and convenient, especially if you're connecting from the U.S. East Coast. Currently there are two flights per week on Sunday and Thursday, starting November 2025 they are adding an additional flight on Tuesday’s.
Important note: If you’re arriving at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL), you will need to transfer by taxi or Uber to the Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport, where Makers Air departs. Be sure to allow enough time between flights for this transfer.
Fort Lauderdale is served by a wide range of airlines with direct service from U.S. hubs such as New York, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, and others. For our Canadian guests, there are also consistent flight options from Toronto, Montreal, and Ottawa, as well as seasonal service from Halifax and Calgary. European travelers can connect through Fort Lauderdale from cities like London, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, and Paris with one-stop flights through major U.S. or Canadian hubs.
There is high demand during the winter and spring travel season, so again, secure your Long Island flight before you do anything else.
Step Two: Resort Transfers Made Easy
Once you're on Long Island, getting to the resort is straightforward. The resort will confirm your flight arrival time and arrange taxi transportation for you from either airport.
Deadman’s Cay to Cape Santa Maria: about 60 minutes by car
Stella Maris to Cape Santa Maria: just 20 minutes (more like 13 minutes if you ask locals)
While we don’t book flights on your behalf, we’re happy to help guide you in choosing the best travel route for your situation.
Step Three: Book Your Stay (And Consider a Villa Upgrade)
Once your flights are squared away, head to our website to book your stay online. You’ll find real-time availability and current offers right at your fingertips.
Want more space and flexibility? Consider upgrading to a villa. Villas include:
- Full kitchens
- Extra living space
- The option to request a grocery delivery before arrival, so your fridge is stocked, and you can settle in without needing to shop.
Plan Ahead for a Relaxing Stay
Once you're here, you won’t want to spend time figuring out logistics. Please email us at resort@capesantamaria.com about any of the following:
- Pre-book your activities like fishing, tours, snorkel gear, or massage treatments, so we can ensure your stay is how you imagined.
- Request your villa grocery delivery in advance, especially if you plan to prepare your own meals.
- Tell us about any special celebrations like birthdays, anniversaries, or honeymoons. We love helping make those extra special.
- Pack with Paradise in Mind - as you prepare for your island escape, we recommend packing thoughtfully. Be sure to bring any personal essentials, including reef-safe sunscreen and any medications you may need. While our charming boutique resort features a thoughtfully curated gift shop for forgotten items, local island shops also offer a selection of sundry goods. For our guests sensitive to island bugs, we've placed a complimentary can of Off in your room - just one of the many small touches to ensure your stay is as comfortable as it is unforgettable.
The Takeaway: It’s Not Easy, and That’s the Point!
Cape Santa Maria isn’t a place you stumble upon. You choose it. And once you do, it rewards you with a beach that feels like yours alone, sunsets that stop time, and a level of calm that’s increasingly hard to find.
Book your flight to Long Island first. Confirm your ground transfer with us. Then book your villa or beachfront bungalow. From there, all that’s left to do is count down the days.
We’ll see you on the sand.
What To Expect When Your Here
