FXE to Stella Maris: Makers Air Direct Flights to Long Island, Bahamas

Flying from Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport (FXE) to Stella Maris on Long Island, Bahamas, feels less like a trip and more like a threshold crossed. Makers Air runs direct scheduled charters between FXE and Stella Maris Long Island (SML), turning what can be a full-day logistics chore into a straightforward hour-plus hop. The meeting point is FXE, a compact general aviation field in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where Makers Air’s valet parking and ticketed baggage allowance (up to 40 lbs per passenger) make arriving by car as simple as stepping onto the next leg of your journey. Why this flight matters to outdoor travelers: Stella Maris sits on the eastern shore of Long Island, a place best known for bonefishing flats, wide white-sand beaches, and Dean’s Blue Hole—the world’s second deepest ocean sinkhole nearby—that drops into cobalt water visible from aerial approaches. The route links South Florida’s easy access to the Bahamas with small-airport convenience; on return to FXE, the aircraft taxis directly to U.S. Customs, shortening re-entry to mainland travel time and minimizing airport friction for hurried anglers, divers, or families. Practical details are clear and strict: check in 60 minutes before departure and be at the gate no later than 20 minutes prior, with a valid passport required. Makers Air allows up to 40 pounds checked per ticket and offers complimentary valet parking; excess baggage is charged and not guaranteed to travel. Pets travel for a minimum fee or by pound, and agricultural items are forbidden unless you hold a Bahamas Agriculture Permit. For residents and visitors, Bahamas Customs now requires certain digital forms via the Exempt app—plan ahead. What makes Makers Air a standout here is the focus on speed without sacrificing the island experience: small aircraft mean views of coral shoals, rumpled marshes, and the long coastline of Long Island before you touch down close to local lodges. This service is especially useful for anglers chasing bonefish flats, divers bound for Blue Hole excursions, or anyone wanting to maximize island time without multiple connections. Plan to bring a passport, receipts for any unaccompanied items, any required agriculture permits, and a small soft-sided bag that fits weight limits. Be mindful that missed check-in windows are nonrefundable; Makers Air disclaims liability for weather or mechanical delays affecting onward plans. For independent travelers who prize time on the water over time in terminals, this direct FXE–SML link is a practical, fast route to the Bahamas’ quieter southern islands. Expect small-airport informality, helpful local operators on arrival, and nearby lodgings such as Stella Maris Resort and local guesthouses; plan fishing charters or a diving day around tidal charts and local guides to make the most of a short island stay possible.