Stella Maris Shark Reef...Often Copied, Never Matched!
When the divers at Stella Maris began diving with sharks in the mid-70s it raised a few eyebrows. The idea of telling divers that they were about to deliberately enter the water to see sharks seemed to contradict popular dive promotion of the day. But that was then. Now divers come from around the globe to sample shark diving in the Bahamas. 25 years later, divers can still witness, first-hand, the beauty and power of the apex predator of the Bahamian and Caribbean reef: Carcharhimus perezi - the Caribbean reef shark, at Stella Maris.
In 1968, when the sport of scuba diving was in its infancy, divers flocked to Long Island in response to the resort's promotion of scuba diving for vacationers. In the 60s and 70s Jorg Friese served as the main dive guide. In those beginning years Jorg explored every nook and cranny of Long Island underwater life, by foot, by car, by boat, by sinking boat. Those early explorations led to the formation of today's diving centering on the waters on north, northeast and northwest Long Island. Diving today still centers on the adventurous, including the world famous 'Shark Reef'. Stella Maris was the first to explore Rum Cay and Conception Island, a wall unquestionably offering the most beautiful and pristine diving experience. The southern end of Cat Island and Exuma, as well as Long Island's own Green and Blue holes, including the Blue Hole now know to be the world's deepest.
In 2000, the adventure continues Shark Reef, one of Stella Maris' most popular dives is performed about twice a week. In 30' of protected leeside water, divers gather in an underwater amphitheater as guides feed the sharks. It is Jorg's continued respect of the natural beauty of Long Island, it's surrounding seas and her creatures, that inspires his dedication to keeping Shark Reef free of unnatural conditioning and gimmicks. The emphasis remains on showing divers these creatures in their natural setting. For shark lovers, it is a chance to study and admire this creature on a dive that makes every effort to maintain its integrity as an unaffected experience.
In 1965 Jorg, his wife Gabrielle and son Joel came to Long Island. All three are there today, part of the current management/ownership team.
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Mysteries of the Sea
Dive into the mysteries of the sea ... Great variety is the resort's strong suit. From protected west coast leaisure diving, full of reef life, lovely and harmonious ... to Atlantic blue water thrills.
Marvel at pristine "Conception Wall" ... dive down the world's deepest Blue Hole, or step right off the shoreline into magnificent "Coral Gardens".
Dive day and night, from shore or by boat. And the "Queen of the Fleet", the 65' Sol Mar II, can even take you on overnight adventure cruises.
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Snorkeling
Stella Maris snorkeling is superb! Oceanside or leeside, from land or boat, serenely easy or wildly dramatic - they have it all.
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