Ed Blank's Adventures Main Page

Activities

Bahamas Diving at Stella Maris

Stella Maris offers an incredible variety of diving, from hundreds of coral head and reef sites on the northwest lee side of Long Island to some 15 miles of explored northeast Atlantic locations. The lee is mostly calm, with little or no current; most sites afford a 'fixed' bottom, making for easy and safe dive planning and orientation. The Atlantic shelves and reefs are dramatic, with vast areas of incredible antler and other large-growth coral fields. The water here seems bluer, the fish bigger, and underwater scenery wilder. Every dive here provides a feeling of raw adventure and yet, the shore isn't far away.

For more dive details , close this overlay window and look for the link at the top right of the main page, just below the activities link you used to get to this page.

Dive Equipment
It is recommended that divers bring their own snorkel equipment, plus BC, regulator, and dive skin or wet suit if needed. Skins or wet suits are nice for the winter months when average air temperatures are in the mid-seventies to eighties and water temperatures are typically in the mid-seventies to low eighties.

We do have rental snorkel equipment at reduced rates for hotel guests as well are rental BC/s, regulators, wet suits, dive lights and cameras.

Snorkeling

Poseidon's Point: easy entry over rock or from beach, from 2-10' to about 30’ out at the edge, an exciting array of large brain coral and elkhorn formations. One of the few places you can see big tarpon swim through the reef. A good spot for night snorkeling. A very safe area, perfect for beginners, too!

Coral Gardens: 1/2 mile from Stella Maris, right at the shoreline, lies this lovely reef in depths of up to 30' with top breaking surface everywhere. Valleys, caves and overhangs, all display a breathtaking array of all types of coral, dominated by elkhorn and staghorn coral fields. Angelfish, trumpets and small barracuda are plentiful, crawfish, big individual Nassau grouper, and hawksbill sea turtles appear in fair numbers. Although dived from a boat, too, this is usually a from-shore dive.

Beginner's Snorkeling in the Rock Pools: and it's for experienced, too -- try it!

Flamingo Tongue Reef: accessible by boat only, is an excellent spot for hard corals, gorgonians, and flamingo tongue shells. Explore the garden eel colony. Barracuda and reef school fish, squirrel, grunts, yellow tails are abundant. Excellent crab life, especially at night. A protected area in typically prevailing breezes, set against the beautiful scenery of the Cape Santa Maria Beach.

Rainbow Reef: 3 easy entries from the beach or over rocks, or from the next small beach bay. Completely protected in most weather situations. Good coral formations, sponges and small schools of grunts, snappers. An excellent chance of seeing passing eagle rays!

Columbus Harbour: the spot off which Columbus anchored and came ashore by long boat October 16th, 1492. Walk 300 yards to shallow, protected 1-mile beach bay. Depths from 3-25'. See blue giant parrot fish, Spanish lobster and all types of hard coral.

Columbus Monument and The Caves: just north of Columbus Harbour, on cliffs from 100' high, sits the monument commemorating Columbus' Landing and his brief trading with the natives of "Yuma", Long Island. Below, a few steps from the road, a small beach, completely protected. Ride the tidal 'drifts' or snorkel from the mouth of the narrow bay. See fish similar to those at Columbus Harbour, plus The Caves, about a dozen or so, permitting easy snorkel, exploring, and perhaps, finding a hidden pirate's treasure!

Long Bar: boat only - located on the northwest lee side. Absolutely superb! View a wonderful variety of coral and fish. Snorkel among hard corals, a beautiful stand of pillar coral, big basket sponges, and large seafans.

More to do?

Yes, you can…

… go kayaking! Straight out of our marina, into “Adderley’s Bay”, or we take you and the kayak to explore the idyllic mangrove mazes of Columbus Harbour! This is a must!

We charge you nothing!

…sail our benign lee-beach shore, on “Sun-Fishes”. It’s safe, it’s fun, it’s soothing. Pay nothing!

… explore 90 miles of unspoiled Island nature by bike (free), scooter, or car (rentals). See quaint towns, historic plantation ruins, real pirate caves. Mingle with the local islanders. Or join an enjoyable Island Taxi Island Fun Tour.

…take to the air! Our flight excursions can whisk you to the flamingoes of Inagua, to the Hermitage of Cat Island, or to the golf and casino of Great Exuma! In fact, to any of the God-given and man-made attractions of the Bahama Islands!

All Nightly Accommodations and Package rates include a number of FREE activities:

*Daily a.m. and p.m. land excursions - scenic - beaches - snorkeling 2 times weekly Full Day Boat Cruise
* Use of Small Sailboats
* Bicycles
* Use of Kayaks
* 3 Pools, 8 Beaches, Beach Towels, Ping Pong, Recreation/Video Room
* Eco Excursions
* Weekly Rum Punch Party

 
Ed Blank's Adventures Main Page

PO BOX 180446  BOSTON  MA 02118
Phone: 888-857-6700  
Fax: 617-427-7890
ed@flyfishingheaven.com