Why divers visit Long Island
The Southern Bahamas enjoy the best of subtropical climate zones, crystal clear waters rich with underwater life, these waters are studded with reefs and ringed with beaches. Long Island is unspoiled, friendly and unhurried. Our dive centre is dedicated to the diving and snorkeling vacationer. Dive Long Island's heart pounding Shark Reef, the pristine Conception Wall. We tailor dive excursions to experienced or novice divers. Beginners can complete their PADI Open Water Certifications in gin clear waters alive with shallow water reefs. Experienced divers can witness, first hand, the beauty and power of the apex predator of the Bahamian and Caribbean reef, Carcharhimus perezi, the Caribbean reef shark. There are literally hundreds of sites to explore in pristine waters such as the Conception Island Wall, undeniably one of the most pristine diving experiences in any waters with magnificent coral formation and sea life to explore. Long Island is also home to Dean's Blue Hole, this is the world's deepest known blue hole and second largest underwater chamber.
On Long Island there is something for almost every dive expectation and experience level. Long Island Dive Centre 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 Caribbean side is calm, with little or no current, most sites afford a fixed bottom, making for 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 provides a feeling of raw adventure and yet, the shore isn't too far away.
Wakeboarding
If you want to experience the adrenaline rush of waterborne acrobatics at high speed why not give wakeboarding a try.
We offer wakeboard training through our sister organisation, Long Island Wakeboard Centre.
If you would like to combine the fun and excitement of wakeboarding with your dive vacation please email us for more information.
If you book a Plantation or Driftwood Package you can swap a days diving for a days wakeboarding if you want to give it a try
Long Island Dive Centre, our boats.
65' Sol Mar III
A no nonsense, serious dive cruiser for day and overnight traveling. Twin-diesel, 10 knot, 110/220 electric, hot/cold water, compressor aboard. Large four stepped partially submerged platform. Full galley, shaded lounge/galley area, and upper sun deck.
Plenty of space for gear, A/C, bunk sleeping for up to 18 passengers.
38' Golden Bear
A powerful day cruiser which is able to get our dive groups to more distant dive locations fast and in comfort.
The Golden Bear is also fully equipped for deep sea fishing.
32' Sol Mar II
A fast day cruiser, with plenty of deck area. Single diesel, 16 knot. Sunroof, entry from low boat sides for rolling over or via small platform.
All Bahamas diving vessels are radio equipped and meet all legally required safety equipment standards, all have heads. Most Bahamas diving is done from the boat, some from shore. Boat travel from the Stella Maris Marina takes from 20 to 50 minutes. Boats sometimes meet divers at more dive site oriented beaches/docks for less traveling and more variety. Well planned and safe overnight adventure cruises feature the nearby cays of Rum Cay, Conception Island, Cat Island and many of the many Exuma Cays. Long Island is a diver's and boater's paradise with beautiful scenery, quaint Out Island way of life and superb diving adventures below.
Jon Sims, Operations Director / Diving and Wakeboard Instructor. Mouseover for Jon's BIO
Matt Gottlieb, Diving Instructor. Mouseover for Matt's BIO
Robert Coakley, Diving Instructor / King of the Kit. Mouseover for Robert's BIO
Sean Kenny, Cabin boy. Mouseover for Sean's BIO
Jon has a passion for all physical pursuits and has to juggle his roles as a personal fitness trainer and accomplished wakeboarder alongside his responsibilities for all day to day diving operations. He has travelled the world as a diving instructor and Long Island Dive Centre is fortunate that he has chosen to become a part of our future expansion plan.
Matt has been diving since the age of 12 and has been an accredited instructor with both PADI and NAUI since the early 90's.
He worked for our predecessors at the Stella Maris dive operation from 2002 and we are delighted that he has now joined us to help to establish Long Island as one of the premier dive destinations in the world.
Robert is one of the great characters of Long Island and has been training divers here for more than 20 years.
In his own words "water is his life". In his spare time he is passionate about music and can be seen up and down the island pounding the drums for "The Unstoppables", one of our top bands. If you're lucky you may get to see him in action at one of our BBQ's. Be sure to buy him a beer though!
Sean is a fitness fanatic who enjoys all things physical. He is in the England beach soccer squad and if you are into surfing he may even be able to find a wave or two while you are here. He acts as 'mate' on the boats and is looking forward to achieving his full dive instructor qualification.
Mouseover the buttons, above left, for more vacation details, itinerary, pricing etc.
Daily Diving, 2 tanks tanks per day plus weight belts $110.
Buoyancy Compensators and Regulators can be hired.
Group Discounts, on bookings of six people the sixth person enjoys 50% discount.
On bookings of ten people the tenth person is absolutely free.
'Plantation Package' prices
A comprehensive, fully catered dive vacation package based at Stella Maris Resort, the largest and longest established resort on Long Island, which has specialised in catering for dive vacations for over 40 years. All double rooms have sea views and are just a short stroll away from the resort facilities and the beach.
Transfers from Nassau to Long Island will normally be booked through the Stella Maris Air Charter Service which operates 7 and 9 nine seater aircraft and offers great views of the Bahamas waters and the Exumas island chain during the forty five minute hop to Long Island.
The resort boasts a top quality restaurant, comfortable bar, TV room, three swimming pools, a private beach with Moonshine Beach Bar and a range of other free activities on offer. Rum Punch Parties, theme nights and live music feature regularly in the resort activity schedule
Package includes
5 or 7 nights accommodation at the renowned Stella Maris Resort
2 tanks per day (8 or 12 dives)
Air Transfers, Nassau, Long Island, Nassau
3 meals per day
3 drinks per day (excluding bottled wine and champagne)
House wine with dinner
Weekly Marina Beach Party and BBQ
Taxi Transfers, Airport, Stella Maris, Airport
Island tour included with Dean's Blue Hole dive
Includes all government taxes and service charges
Stella Maris free activity schedule includes bicycles, kayaks, rum punch party, theme nights and more!
Plantation Package 5 Nights, Single Occupancy $1,945.00
Plantation Package 5 Nights, Double Occupancy $3,315.00
Plantation Package 7 Nights, Single Occupancy $2,611.00
Plantation Package 7 Nights, Double Occupancy $4,452.00
'Plantation Freedom Package'
Accommodation at Stella Maris Resort plus air and taxi transfers. The rest of your vacation is up to you. We offer daily rates for scuba diving and wakeboarding so you can plan your activities from day to day according to how you feel. If you want to explore the island's many interesting sights such as Dean's Blue Hole, the deepest blue hole in the world at 663 feet, car hire is available. Or just chill out on one of our beautiful beaches with a cool drink!
Package includes
5 or 7 nights accommodation at Stella Maris Resort
Air Transfers, Nassau, Long Island, Nassau
Taxi Transfers, Airport, Stella Maris, Airport
Includes all government taxes and levies
Weekly Marina Beach Party and BBQ
Stella Maris free activity schedule includes bicycles, kayaks, rum punch party, theme nights and more!
Complete freedom of choice on the rest of your vacation itinerary, daily rates available for diving, wakeboarding, other watersports, and car hire
Take a packed lunch while you explore Columbus Monument or Dean's Blue Hole. Visit the world famous Max Conch Bar or relax at the Moonshine Beach Bar. Dinner available at Stella Maris or other island restaurants
Plantation Freedom Package 5 Nights, Single Occupancy $1,676.00
Plantation Freedom Package 5 Nights, Double Occupancy $2,258.00
Plantation Freedom Package 7 Nights, Single Occupancy $2,147.00
Plantation Freedom Package 7 Nights, Double Occupancy $2,836.00
'Driftwood Package'
Just get yourself to the Executive Flight Centre in Nassau and we take care of the rest of your vacation!
Travel to Long Island in style on our 7 and 9 seater chartered aircraft*, the 45 minute flight affords great views of the turquoise waters of the Bahamas Bank and the Exumas island chain.
5 or 7 nights accommodation in shared rooms of up to 6 guests.
Each room has en suite bathroom. The accommodation is located within staggering distance of the Driftwood Bar at Stella Maris Marina, the home of Long Island Dive Centre and Long Island Wakeboard Centre.
Your vacation will be centred around the Driftwood Bar which is about thirty paces from where our dive and fishing boats are moored in Stella Maris Marina. Beach cabanas next to crystal clear waters, a salt water pool, table tennis and volleyball are all here for your use. Breakfast is served al fresco at the Driftwood before you leave for a days diving, packed lunch provided on the boat. In the evening the Driftwood becomes your restaurant, bar and nightclub. Enjoy a leisurely meal under the stars then have a few drinks, get to know your new friends or a dance if you like to boogie.
Each week the Driftwood hosts a beach party and BBQ with lively music. Certificates will be presented and any videos taken during the vacation will be shown in the Driftwood Bar. A perfect end to your vacation!
Package includes
5 or 7 nights accommodation in our shared guest rooms at Stella Maris Marina
2 tanks per day (8 or 12 dives)
Air Transfers, Nassau, Long Island, Nassau *
3 meals per day, breakfast, packed lunch, home-style evening meal
2 drinks per day (excluding cocktails, bottled wine and champagne)
Weekly Driftwood Beach Party and BBQ
Taxi Transfers, Airport, Stella Maris, Airport
Includes all government taxes and service charges
Island tour included with Dean's Blue Hole Dive
(* We reserve the right to arrange transfers with Bahamas Air, Southern Air or Pineapple Air in the event that charter aircraft are full)
Driftwood Package 5 Nights, $1,195.00
Driftwood Package 7 Nights, $1,595.00
Equipment Hire
Mask / Fins / Snorkel set, per day $5.00
Wet Suit $8.00
Regulator $6.00
Buoyancy Compensator $6.00
Underwater Camera $35.00
Underwater Light $12.00
'Freedom Package'
Accommodation as described in the Driftwood Package with breakfast only included.
By taking advantage of the flexibility of our Freedom Package your vacation schedule is completely in your own hands. Daily rates are available for diving or wakeboarding or you can take a day or two out of your week to explore the island or just soak up the sun. Take each day as it comes and plan your own itinerary
Package includes
5 or 7 nights accommodation in shared rooms of up to 6 guests.
Each room has en-suite bathroom and is located next to the Driftwood Bar at Stella Maris Marina.
Breakfast included. Packed lunches available to order
Driftwood Beach Party and BBQ
Air Transfers, Nassau, Long Island, Nassau*
Taxi Transfers, Airport, Stella Maris Marina, Airport
Includes all government taxes and levies
Complete freedom of choice on the rest of your vacation itinerary, daily rates available for diving, wakeboarding, other watersports and car hire
Take a packed lunch while you explore Columbus Monument or Dean's Blue Hole. Visit the world famous Max Conch Bar or relax at the Moonshine Beach Bar. Dinner available at Driftwood Bar, Moonshine Bar, Stella Maris or other island restaurants
(* We reserve the right to arrange transfers with Bahamas Air, Southern Air or Pineapple Air in the event that charter aircraft are full)
Freedom Package 5 Nights, $550.00
Freedom Package 7 Nights, $650.00
N.B. Even if you have booked the Freedom Package other meals can be supplied to order at the Driftwood bar. A packed lunch is $8.00 and two course evening meal only $12.00 We also have two double rooms with a shared bathroom available at the marina. Please specify at time of booking, supplement of $10 per person per day. Guests on the Freedom Package who do not want to dive can join the boat trip for snorkeling or just for a day out on the water, $15.00 including packed lunch.
Weekly Itinerary
Monday Arrive at resort, settle in, dive briefing after evening meal
Tuesday Cape Santa Maria dives
Wednesday Guana Cay and Dean's Blue Hole. Island tour taking in some of the history and sights of Long Island. Lunch included at the World Famous Max Conch Bar
Thursday Conception Wall and Rum Cay (dependent on weather conditions!)
Friday Shark Reef and Cape Santa Maria Ship's Graveyard. Driftwood Beach Party and BBQ in the evening. Presentation of course certificates
Saturday Dive site flexible, to be decided on the day
Sunday Dive site flexible, to be decided on the day. Complimentary Rum Punch Party at the Driftwood Bar in the evening
NOTE, WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO VARY THE WEEKLY DIVE SCHEDULE WITHOUT NOTICE ACCORDING TO WEATHER, EQUIPMENT BREAKDOWN AND OTHER UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES
2009 Schedule
Please select arrival and departure times from the schedule below when making reservations. Remember to specify 5 nights or 7 nights at time of booking
Arrive 5 October, Depart 12 October
Arrive 12 October, Depart 19 October
Arrive 19 October, Depart 26 October
Arrive 26 October, Depart 2 November
Arrive 2 November, Depart 9 November
Arrive 9 November, Depart 16 November
Arrive 16 November, Depart 23 November
Arrive 23 November, Depart 30 November
Arrive 30 November, Depart 7 December
Arrive 7 December, Depart 14 December
Arrive 14 December, Depart 21 December
Christmas Dive Special. Arrive 21 December, Depart 28 December
New Year Dive Special. Arrive December 28, Depart 4 January 2010
Package arrivals are always on a Monday. For 2010 season reservations and enquiries please email us.
Long Island Dive Centre Courses
Resort Course
A basic course designed to get you into the water and doing some proper diving with the main group as quickly as possible. Most people will receive training from one of our instructors in the pool on the first day where basic techniques will be practised. If all goes well you will be out on the boat on day two receiving further training and refining your skills. From then on you should be able to participate in all dives with the main group.
PADI Open Water Course
For beginners who want to achieve certification to enable them to dive anywhere in the world we offer formal PADI courses. The first day of the Open Water Course is conducted in our 20 feet deep training pool, or off our shallow beach if tides and weather permit. Theory classes and private study will be required to get you through your knowledge test. As soon as our instructor feels you are ready you will join the main dive group for your first deep water dive and further training.
When you have completed all basic dive skills and the required number of dives along with the knowledge test you will be awarded PADI Open Water Certification. At this point you can progress straight to the Advanced Course or just enjoy the rest of your first dive experience
Charges for Courses
For Driftwood or Plantation package guests the following extra charges apply. For divers not resident with us the following charges apply.
Resort Course. $50 Resort Course. $150
Padi Open Water Course. $250 Padi Open Water Course. $450
Padi Advanced Course. $250 Padi Advanced Course. $500
Picturesque is the perfect word to describe Long Island.
Home to one of the oldest dive operations in the islands, Long Island has numerous shallow and deep dive sites. The western shoreline of the 80 miles long island has soft sandy beaches capped with rich green mangroves. With the Atlantic Ocean on the east Long Island is a haven for fishing, sailing and yachting.
A towering spine of ancient reef gives 80 mile Long Island two faces, the dramatic cliffs and caves of the east coast that front the crashing Atlantic waves and the soft, sandy edged lee side which slides calmly into the Bahamas Bank. Vast schools of fish are found around towering coral bommies and the spectacular wall of nearby Conception Island, perfect for scuba diving enthusiasts, and the bonefishing and sport fishing is world class. Stunning beaches and views everywhere
Cape Santa Maria Beach has been recognized by beach lovers and travel writers alike as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Long Island is also home to Columbus Point, this memorial to the peaceful Arawak indians and the arrival of Christopher Columbus is perched high on a hill at the island's northernmost tip where visitors can experience outstanding oceanic views.
You'll find sloping hills in the northeast, while low hillsides make up the southern portion of the island. It's the drastically contrasting landscape that makes Long Island one of the most picturesque islands in the Bahamas.
The island beckons visitors for world class encounters with sea life, where divers and snorkelers explore gardens, caves and old plantation ruins. But Long Island is also a quiet island dotted with quaint, friendly villages and miles of uninterrupted beaches that offer soft pink and white sand.
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