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Slipstream - Frequently Asked Questions
House & General Rental FAQ's
What is included in the rental?
Is the house on the beach?
Where is Slipstream? Where is Long Island?
What is the guest services person and who do we contact on the island if we have a question?
Is the house stocked for our arrival?
Can you stock the house with some supplies (groceries or alcohol) for us?
How is the kitchen equipped?
Is there a bbq at the house? can you buy charcoal for it locally?
Is there a phone? Can we call long distance?
Is there a tv? Is there a dvd player?
Does the house have a stereo, any cds?, any books? any games?
Is there internet access? How do we hook up? What does it cost?
What vehicle is included with the rental? How many people does it fit? Can we rent other vehicles on the island?
House Layout - It looks like 3 buildings, how is the house laid out?
What size are the beds? How are the bedrooms laid out? Is there room for others to sleep?
Do you have any baby cribs?
Are there any mosquitoes/bugs?
Does the house have air-conditioning?Island General FAQ's
Are their grocery, liquor stores, or shopping on the island, how far away are they?
What, if anything food/beverage wise should we bring with us?
Are their any banks or ATM's on the island, how far away are they?
Can you buy locally caught fresh fish?
Is there places to go eat & drink?
Is there any other resorts on the island?
Is the general area & house safe?Activities FAQ's
Can we fish, snorkel, dive, sightsee?
Do you have some snorkel & fishing gear at the house?
Are there some places to go close by?
Can we book diving, fishing or snorkeling trips?
Does the house come with "watersport gear"?
Can you rent "gear" (fishing rods, snorkel equipment, kayaks, hobie-cat sailboats, dive gear, & dive tanks)?
What kind of boat is it?
Where do we moor it?Travel FAQ's
Getting there - How do we get there?
Where do we land on the island?
Do they accept US$, are there banks on the island?
What should we bring with us?
House & General Rental FAQ's
What is included in the rental?
Unless some other prior arrangements have been made, the house rental includes; local airport pickup & dropoff, mid-stay house tidy-up service, internet access, vehicle, boat, and a caretaker/liason who is available on island/onsite. Back to TopIs the house on the beach?
Yes, right on a 5mile long, near deserted beach that faces west for terrific sunsets. Back to TopWhere is Slipstream? Where is Long Island?
Long Island is the home to Slipstream, which is located in south central Bahamas, about 150 miles from the nations capital of Nassau, and is situated about 300 miles southeast of Miami.
The house is located, in the north-central region of Long Island, within a few miles of the Tropic of Cancer, in the settlement called Wemsyss. Back to TopWhat is the guest services person and who do we contact on the island if we have a question?
The guest services contact is there to help with all those, who's, what's, where's, why's, of the island that you may have. They are there to assist you with local “knowledge” and advice, as well as, they also are your contact should you require any assistance with matters regarding the house. Back to Top
Is the house stocked for our arrival?
The house generally always has some leftover items like dry goods, canned goods, seasonings, etc. on hand to get you started. There is a good supply of towels and linens in house. We provide you with a starter supply of necessities like; toilet paper, paper towels, (5 gal.) jug of drinking water, dishwash soap, and even a phone card to call home and let them know you arrived safe. Back to TopCan you stock the house with some supplies (groceries or alcohol) for us?
Yes send us a list of what you are after, and we can make those arrangements (local supply & selection may be limited). They will be awaiting you when you arrive! No charge for the service, just repay Sean for the cost of the goods. Back to TopHow is the kitchen equipped?
The kitchen is very spacious and quite well equipped. There is a large fridge, stove & oven, dishwasher, coffee maker, blender, cutting boards, knives, and a good selection of pots & pans. Back to TopIs there a bbq at the house? can you buy charcoal for it locally?
Yes there is a nice charcoal BBQ at the house. You can buy the briquettes and starter fuel on the island. Back to TopIs there a phone? Can we call long distance?
Yes the house has a phone. We provide you with a phone card to get you a long distance call or two, you can purchase additional phone cards on the island. Back to TopIs there a tv? Is there a dvd player?
Yes the house has a satellite tv. Please note we sometimes experience satellite communications problems but these are generally sorted out either shortly, or within a day or so. There is also a dvd player. Back to TopDoes the house have a stereo, any cds?, any books? any games?
The house has 3 cd players, there is one in each of the outiside unit/wings front sitting rooms, and a full surround sound system is in the main building. There is an assortment of cd's, books, & games at the house, but we do suggest that you bring your favorites and then you won't be disappointed, and will have yourself plenty of selection and variety. Back to TopIs there internet access? How do we hook up? What does it cost?
The house has a dial-up service available. Be patient as it's not that fast and doesnt always work that well, but it is the best that we can get there! We will provide you with the access details & passwords. No cost for this service, it is included with your rental. Back to TopWhat vehicle is included with the rental? How many people does it fit? Can we rent other vehicles on the island?
A rental vehicle is often included in your quoted rates. Please confirm your arrangement. As a rule this will be a plymouth voyager van that seats up to 8. This is owned and operated by the local property mgr. You will just be responsible for the condition of the vehical and returning it with the same amount of fuel. Car rentals are available on the island and require little to no paperwork to get ya going and will run you about $65/day for the rental. See the guest services contact for more info. Back to TopHouse Layout - It looks like 3 buildings, how is the house laid out?
Click here to view layout. The main unit/wing is in the center, with two other unit/wings, one being on either side of the main building. The side units/wings are only a few steps away from the main building. The house rental includes all three buildings. The main wing, houses the kitchen, large living area, dining area (seating for 8), kitchen island (seating for 6), utility room with washing machine, bathroom, and an upstairs loft that acts as the tv room/library and/or the 5th bedroom with a pull-out futon couch. The (two) end wings are essentially mirror images of each other, with a lower bedroom and bathroom, an upper bedroom with bathroom, and a front sitting room with daybeds, fridge, and cd player. Back to TopWhat size are the beds? How are the bedrooms laid out? Is there room for others to sleep?
The beds are queen size. There are 4 independant bedrooms, and a 5th bedroom (pull out futon couch-bed) which also acts as the tv room/library, is in the upstairs loft of the main building. There are 4 good sized comfy daybeds throughout the entire complex that can be utilized as beds. Back to TopDo you have any baby cribs?
We have one crib/playpen at the house, if you require one, please notify us so we can have it set up for you. If you require additional, please contact us. Back to TopAre there any mosquitoes/bugs?
We have operated a mosquito magnet on the property which helps to cut down the popuation, but do understand that there are mosquitoes & sand-flies (or no-see-ums) throughout this part of the world and they can be a problem on the island. Back to TopDoes the house have air-conditioning?
Please be aware we have decided not to have air conditioning, we think it
suits slipstream (and the environment) to not use it - but we are aware some
people prefer it - if that's you, maybe slipstream's not place for you? We
have plenty of fans and the houses are design to catch any breeze, but in
summer it can be hot, so be warned. Back to Top
Island General FAQ's
Are their grocery, liquor stores, or shopping on the island, how far away are they?
The grocery store is about 15mins away. There are a few main grocery stores, as well as a number of island style convenience stores up and down the main road. The stores are not quite the large supermarkets and convenience stores most are accustomed to, as they are somewhat "basic" in their supplies and selection, but you should be able to find most everything that you need. You can pick up a bottle of rum and beers from most of the local food vendors, which are all along the main road. The closest (Jeraldines Jerk Pit) being under 10mins away. There are liquor stores with a larger selection, one is in the Stella Maris area, several are south near Deadmans Cay, again on the main road. These are anywhere from 20mins to 45mins away. Sean can help you with details & directions. There is limited "tourist shopping" as there simply is not alot of tourists in this region. The island produces fantastic straw works, as well as the two resorts have gift shops. Back to TopWhat, if anything food/beverage wise should we bring with us?
You will find the basic staples on the island, but if you like to cook and appreciate finer wines etc., then you may wish to consider bringing along some of those more specialty type items with you. Things like specialty sauces, seasonings, and things of ethnic variety will be hard to come across so if you got room you may want to pack along some of those types of items to help enhance your dining pleasures. Back to TopAre their any banks or ATM's on the island, how far away are they?
There are 3 banks on the island. The closest being a Scotia Bank in Stella Maris (on the main highway by the marina) which is about 15mins away and has an ATM machine. There are 2 other banks in the southern part of the island about 40mins away.
Note - you can draw money from your credit card, or cash your travellers cheques, make sure to bring along your i.d. (passport is preferred) to obtain cash from your credit card. Back to TopCan you buy locally caught fresh fish?
You can often meet the local fisherman in the bays and buy some of their catch (common ones are; grouper, snappers, & lobster - note, the locals call it "crawfish"). Guest Services can perhaps help arrange this for you as well. There is also a fish-packing plant just the next bay over and they sell fresh caught fish, lobster, as well as other meats from the freezers including nice t-bone steaks and the like! Back to TopIs there places to go eat & drink?
The island has quite a few "native restaurants" as they are referred to. These are very rustic & basic for the most part, and can be found up and down the main road. The locals stick to mostly fish and chicken with peas & rice, but there are other things as well, and we do hope you experience the local cooking & restaurants. If you are looking for something more familiar you can try either of the resorts, or about 15mins away is a more European style meal at reasonable prices from a little place called Chez Pierre. Most of these local restaurants serve liquor and you will often see a crowd around one of the outdoor restaurant "shacks". This is a great place to sit back enjoy a beverage and observe the locals as they discuss politics, local rumours, and the sailing regatta. Every weekend there is at least one dance somewhere, which is a big social event, and there is quite a good local band that will often play. Check with Sean, and he can set you up. A few of our recommendations - closeby is Jeraldines Jerk Pit for her chicken, Maxs Conch Bar for the conch salad, conch fritters, conch burger, and a great place to have a beverage and chat with locals and perhaps other tourists, its a great hang out. Chez Pierre for a nice continental dinner, Cape Santa Maria for an afteroon on the beach and a late lunch and cocktails on the patio. Back to TopIs there any other resorts on the island?
Yes there are two, one being Stella Maris which is where the one airport is located. This is a hilltop resort overlooking the deep blue Atlantic, with a (social) bar, restaurant, and a gift shop. http://www.stellamarisresort.com. The other being Cape Santa Maria Beach Resort, located on the northern tip of the island. It features a stunning world-class beach with a bar, restaurant, & gift shop. Well worth a visit or two! http://www.capesantamaria.com There are a few other smaller resort/guest houses on the island but these are the main ones. There is also close by a rustic charming resort that serves nice (European style) meals see http://www.chezpierrebahamas.com for more on this property. Back to TopIs the general area & house safe?
People don't lock their doors and it is virtually crime-free,......but as always, use your common sense. The waters outfront are very safe, calm, and you can walk out for probably 100 yards before getting in very deep. Like most beaches, if you are barefoot, do be careful for rocks in the sand when walking/playing in the bay. Back to Top
Activities FAQ's
Can we fish, snorkel, dive, sightsee?
You sure can! This is definitely one of the prime attributes about the Bahamas. The island boasts very good diving, fishing (bonefishing, reef fishing, deep sea fishing), snorkelling, and offers some incredible sightseeing and deserted cays to explore. We highly recommend you go with a guide at least one day, our man Delbert is a fantastic guide with incredible knowledge of the local waters. He is a (local) master diver/fisherman, and is an excellent host for snorkeling or sightseeing trips. We recommend you take a trip with him early and he can provide you with invaluable advice for "where to go" and "what to know" while you are there! Contact us for more details or while there your Sean, can help put you in touch with him. You can buy bait at a few of the local stores as well as the fish packing plant in the next bay. Back to TopDo you have some snorkel & fishing gear at the house?
Yes we do have SOME snorkel gear as well as some spare fishing gear and you are welcome to use it, but this equipment is meant more for backup and spares. We do not stock an inventory of snorkel & fishing gear, so to ensure that you are not disappointed when you get there we do recommend that you bring your own equipment. You can get most of these items on the island as well if you do require them. Back to TopAre there some places to go close by?
Right out front in the bay are some rocky cays that offer good snorkeling and fishing, these are a 2 minute boat ride away. Of course, there are many other spots all up and down the island, we highly recommend that you take a trip with the guide Delbert for more information. Back to TopCan we book diving, fishing or snorkeling trips?
Both resorts offer diving and fishing, as well as Delbert can take out smaller groups in his boat. If you are interested in a specific activity, drop us a line and we can put you in touch with the best guides. Stella Maris resort does offer a dive certification program. Back to TopDoes the house come with "watersport gear"?
There is some beach toys and snorkel gear, as well as some fishing equipment at the house, but we suggest that you bring along what you plan on using, and don't leave it to chance that their will be the specific size or item for you at the house. Back to TopCan you rent "gear" (fishing rods, snorkel equipment, kayaks, hobie cat sailboats, dive gear, & dive tanks)?
You can get an assorment of activity rental equipment from the resorts, but those are in most cases hourly & half/day rentals (except in the case of dive tanks). Contact us for more assistance. Back to TopWhat kind of boat is it?
The boat is a 17' skiff, that is powered by a 75hp engine. Back to TopWhere do we moor it?
There is a bouy/mooring right out front the house in the bay, where you can safely leave the boat, it is easily tied off with a clip. Back to Top
Travel FAQ's
Getting there - How do we get there?
Click here to find out more. Long Island, the home of Slipstream, receives daily flights from Nassau. Back to TopTravel Note
Companies like Bahamas Air and the scheduled charter companies offer one way tickets, and these are the same price as it would be on half of a return ticket. Back to TopWhere do we land on the island?
Long Island has 2 airports. Stella Maris (airport code SML) is about 25mins drive north of the house, and Deadmans Cay (LGI airport code) is about 45mins south. We will arrange to meet you at the airport (either one) and to take you to the house, as well as drop you off on your departure. Back to TopDo they accept US$, are their banks on the island?
US$ is accepted at par. The Bahamas has their own currency but it is a controlled currency so it is not valued outside the country, so you dont want to bring home too much of it!
There are several banks on the island, and you can get money from your credit card. Make sure to take along your passport and or other ID to perform these transactions. Back to TopWhat should we bring with us?
Well........very little actually. Casual and comfortable clothes is what you are looking for. The weather is warm year round, with the hottest months being August to October and December to February being the coolest, so presumably you will be spending most of your time in shorts and summer casual wear. You may wish to pack some comfortable pants & long sleeve shirts/light sweaters in case of a cool evening. Everywhere is so very casual, so there is little need for any "dressy" clothes. We suggest you do pack along a sunhat and sunscreen. Books & CD's are a must. Its a fantastic place to relax and "chill out", so bring along some books and music. If you enjoy cooking and have some favourite specialty items (like; seasonings, sauces, dry goods, coffees, teas, etc.) that you like to have in your kitchen, then it may be a good idea to throw those in as well. The local stores are quite basic in their stock supplies. Back to Top