Stella Maris: Atlantic Cliffs and Secluded Yacht Cruising on Long Island

Stella Maris occupies the northern reaches of Long Island, where dramatic Atlantic coastline, secluded beaches and natural rock pools contrast with the calm turquoise waters found on the island's western shore. It is one of northern Long Island's most established yacht charter stops, combining the peaceful atmosphere of the Southern Out Islands with a resort, marina and airport that make arriving and exploring considerably easier.

The coastline around Stella Maris is noticeably different from nearby Cape Santa Maria. On the Atlantic side, pink-tinged sand, limestone formations and waves create a wilder landscape, while protected coves and natural pools offer opportunities for swimming and snorkeling. Love Beaches, directly below Stella Maris Resort, is partially sheltered by offshore rocks and is one of the area's most distinctive coastal spots.

For yacht charter guests, Stella Maris also provides an excellent base for exploring northern Long Island. Cape Santa Maria and Columbus Point lie to the northwest, while nearby Columbus Harbour, Adderley's Bay and Glenton's Bay offer opportunities for kayaking, paddleboarding and bonefishing. Yachts can continue south toward Thompson Bay and Clarence Town or use Stella Maris as a comfortable stop before cruising toward Conception Island.

Stella Maris Marina is located on the protected western side of northern Long Island, away from the exposed Atlantic coastline where the resort itself overlooks the ocean. The marina's published approach depths are approximately five feet at low tide and seven feet at high tide, with the basin itself offering around six and a half feet at low tide and nine feet at high tide. This makes tidal planning particularly important for yachts with deeper drafts.

The approach channel is shallow and should be entered using current charts, careful depth monitoring and good visibility. Stella Maris Marina provides dockage, fuel, water and electricity, with berthing arrangements that can accommodate vessels exceeding 100 feet along its dock positions. Larger charter yachts should confirm current channel depths and berth availability directly before arrival, especially because shoaling can affect the approach.

A small anchorage lies just north of the entrance to Stella Maris Marina. Waterway Guide reports depths of approximately five to seven feet, with decent holding in sand and useful protection from easterly winds. The anchoring area is limited and generally has room for only one or two vessels, making it more suitable for smaller yachts than for a busy charter fleet.

The main limitation is access. Shoaling in the channel leading toward the marina can restrict deeper-draft vessels, and the anchorage becomes uncomfortable when winds arrive from directions other than the east. For suitable yachts, a berth inside Stella Maris Marina offers greater convenience and access to resort facilities, while larger vessels may prefer deeper water elsewhere along Long Island's western coast.

Stella Maris is one of the main communities of northern Long Island and is served by Stella Maris Airport, which connects the area with Nassau and is equipped to receive international visitors with Customs and Immigration services. The nearby Stella Maris Resort Club provides restaurants, swimming pools, water sports and excursions, giving charter guests a convenient place to spend time ashore without the atmosphere of a large commercial resort.

The area's history can also be explored at the Adderley's Plantation Ruins. The original plantation dates to land granted to Abraham Adderley in 1790 and once covered much of what is now Stella Maris. Today, the ruins provide a reminder of the region's colonial past, while the surrounding bays, caves, beaches and Atlantic shoreline remain the main attractions for visiting yacht guests.