Andros: The Adventurous Side of the Bahamas

Andros: The Adventurous Side of the Bahamas

August 26, 2020 ctn_admin

At 2300 square miles, Andros is one of the biggest islands in the entire Caribbean. Certainly the largest of the Out Islands that make up the Bahamian archipelago, it is known for its unique flora and fauna. Unusual orchids and plants flourish alongside diverse species of birds and other wildlife.

Andros boasts five National Parks. It features exceptional natural surroundings from mangrove flats, creeks, estuaries and vast areas of wetlands that create channels perfect for bonefishing. You can be as busy as you want – kayaking, bird watching, hiking, snorkelling, diving, fishing and so much more. Or, you can relax and get away from it all as Andros has miles of deserted white-sand beaches, sunny weather and friendly Bahamians!

We often hear the term “Blue Hole” but what exactly is a Blue Hole? Think of a marine cavern or sinkhole that is open to the surface. Harbouring a rich variety of marine life, they are favourites for fishermen and recreational divers. With 178 blue holes all over Andros and 50 more in the waters surrounding the island, Andros has the largest collection of blue holes in the Bahamas – perhaps in the world! This is the place to see, swim & dive into the wild blue yonder.

A diver’s paradise, the east side of Andros offers a 190 mile long fringing barrier reef. Just a mile offshore, the ocean plunges 6,000 feet in the “Tongue of the Ocean” where divers can view the lush coral growth.

Andros is a perfect spot for all kinds of fishing. As bonefish love the cooler water temperature, December through February is a good time to plan to fish. Summer time is perfect fishing time for Tarpon – and fly fishing is good anytime. On calm days throughout the year, fishing off the reef is possible for tuna, grouper, snapper, sharks and barracuda.

If you love crab, Andros, also known as “The Land of the Crabs” is the place to be in June for their annual Crab Fest. Attend a crab cultural show, or join the crab culinary contest. Crabs cooked in many different ways is yours for the asking. Check out a tried & true recipe down below.

In a post COVID world, visitors can choose to stay at a number of smaller, boutique properties and villas around the island, everything from rustic to luxury. Canadians will no doubt recognize the luxury resort, Caerula Mar, located in South Andros as the property renovated by fellow Canadian, Bryan Baeumler and his wife Sara and featured on HGTV.

Here are some other properties to consider – for beaches, families, and fishing include:

Big Charlie’s Lodge, Cargill Creek

Broad Shad Cay Lodge

Kamalame Cay, Staniard Creek

Swain’s Cay Lodge, Mangrove Cay

Bair’s Lodge, South Andros

Tiamo Resort, South Bight

How do I get there?

Andros has four airports – all have frequent domestic flights. These airports are serviced by regular scheduled flights as well as charters and private planes. The North end of Andros is only a short 15-minute flight away (San Andros), the ‘middle’ of Andros is about 30 minutes (Andros Town). Flights to South Andros will take longer.

By sea, you can take an early morning, air-conditioned ferry from Nassau to Fresh Creek twice per week – offered by Bahamas Ferries.

Yachties can charter from Moorings or Sunsail, and then cruise various harbours throughout Andros.