In 1981, Joe Hocher (co-founder and then owner of the Staniel Cay Yacht Club – see www.stanielcay.com) started flying a Piper Cherokee Six to bring supplies into Staniel Cay from Nassau and Fort Lauderdale. About this same time, he founded Watermakers, Inc. in Fort Lauderdale, a manufacturing company dedicated to the design, manufacture, and service of reverse osmosis desalination equipment. Of course, the ability to access remote islands via a small plane became a big selling point for the desalination systems that Watermakers, Inc. was installing throughout the Bahamas. Soon, Joe and his Cherokee Six were busy flying parts and providing technical support all over the Bahamas. Over the years, the demands of both the Staniel Cay Yacht Club and of Watermakers, Inc. grew to the point where multiple airplanes (and pilots) became a necessary part of doing business.

In response to demand, Watermakers Air was formed in 2002 for the specific purpose of flying passengers, as well as freight and supplies. Although the name harkens back to the time when our operation was primarily a support division of Watermakers, Inc., we are proud to now be the largest carrier of passengers into the Exuma Cays from Florida (not including the island of Great Exuma). Watermakers Air has established itself as the carrier of choice for anyone seeking the most time efficient, and hassle free way to travel between Florida and Staniel Cay. 

Our customers include vacationers (staying at SCYC, on private yachts, nearby private islands and/or marinas, or at one of the island rental homes), Staniel Cay residents, yacht crew and maintenance personnel, and many others. In addition, more and more travelers to the islands of North and South Andros now find it convenient to fly with us as well. As both Fresh Creek, Congo Town and San Andros are natural stops on our flight path, our mix of passengers continues to include increasing numbers of vacationers destined for these locations.