Andros Island is the largest island in the Bahamas.
As such, you will find that it is both the most sparsely-developed and the best in terms of natural beauty.
From that, it is easy to conclude that Andros Island Bahamas is not your typical tourist destination. In fact, it is the least explored island in the Bahamas.
Regular tourists might not be able to appreciate the activities and sceneries it has to offer.
However, eco-travelers, bird watchers, hikers, divers, snorkelers, and fishers will surely put this island at the top of their list.
So, why is Andros Island a unique destination? What fun things are in store for you there?
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Andros Island Bahamas: Things to Do
Similar to any other trip, before you book your flight, make sure you know the best activities to do in Andros Island.
Andros Island Bahamas is a place full of wonders and mysteries.
Hence, you will find many things to explore—that is, as long as you are brave enough to take on the challenge.
Here are the top things you can do while on the island:
1. Visit the Blue Holes National Park
Andros Island is known for its multiple blue holes.
There are about 50 legendary holes currently recorded, and the Blue Holes National Park protects a few of them.
It was in 2002 when it was established that these natural wonders are to be preserved and protected.
This also includes the pine and coppice forests that surround these holes.
The Blue Holes National Park is the perfect destination for people who love to explore and take in the beauty of natural wonders.
It can also be a good family excursion, as you can do a few activities while you are in the park. You can do camping and grill on-site.
You can also hike on Nature Trails or swim in the shallow areas of the blue holes.
2. Go Diving
If you love to explore the underwater world, diving is a fantastic activity you should definitely try.
Andros Island is a popular place for diving because of the healthy coral reefs all around the island.
You can find a few businesses that sell or rent diving equipment, too.
You can head to South Andros Island to try some of the diving packages offered there.
Traverse the large barrier coral reef, dive in the only tidal freshwater blue holes in the world, and explore the Tongue of the Ocean.
3. Andros Barrier Reef
If you are going to Andros Island, the barrier reef is something that you should never miss.
In case you don’t know, it is the third-largest fringing barrier reef in the world.
It is 190 miles long and is about one to one and a half miles off the east coast of the island.
It has a depth of eight feet on the inland side, and it can reach up to 6,000 feet in the Tongue of the Ocean, which is a deep ocean trench.
The reef is home to a number of exotic marine wildlife and more than 160 species of fish and coral.
Divers and snorkelers will surely enjoy their experience. You can even find tarpons, tunas, snappers, marlines, and jacks on the offshore.
4. Androsia Batik Works Factory
If you want a more relaxed activity the whole family can enjoy, try visiting the Androsia Batik Works Factory.
It is a well-known batik fabric manufacturing company that has been in business since 1973.
This factory is the primary manufacturer of Androsia, a popular and authentic Bahamian hand-dyed cotton fabric.
The designs came from the elements found around the island and the Bahamian culture.
There are Batik lessons offered to the visitors, but there has to be a prior arrangement; you cannot simply barge in and ask for a tour.
There are specific tours offered, and you can avail them to see the artisans while they wax, dye, and cut the colored fabrics.
You can even get a two-yard piece of batik you can bring with you home.
There is an outlet store in the area, too, so if you plan to bring more products with you, you can find garments, jewelry, books, baskets, craft items, and more for a good price.
5. Morgan’s Bluff
Morgan’s Bluff is the highest point in North Andros. It is located on the northeast coast of the island.
Here, you can have a great view of the Northeast and Northwest Providence channels and even have a glimpse of the Tongue of the Ocean.
The name of the place came from the famous buccaneer/pirate Sir Henry Morgan.
It is said that he hid his treasure in the caves in this area, which is why the place is called Morgan’s Bluff.
This beach is a great place for swimming and picnics, especially if you brought your children with you.
6. West Side National Park
The West Side National Park is one of the best destinations in Andros Island.
It is considered one of the most untouched and rustic landscapes that you can find in the Bahamas.
There are no fancy hotels and restaurants here, but you can’t find luxurious yachts and boats roaming around.
The tours on this national park are very limited because there are only a few guides who completely know the area.
This is why this part of Andros Island is extremely secluded and very expensive.
It is a 1.5million-acre national park that protects and preserves the coastal wetlands in the area.
It is a habitat for bonefish and also a feeding area for the West Indian flamingo.
If you plan to try this tour, you need to plan ahead and make sure that you have enough budget.
7. Somerset Creek Beach
This beach is one of the few in Andros Island that are worth checking.
The name came from the shells lined up on its shores that resembles the color of the sunset.
The best time to go here is during low tide, as you can see a wide stretch of white sand.
It is more than a mile long, and there are coconut and Casuarinas trees around it.
8. Bonefishing
For serious anglers out there, Andros Island is known as the Bonefishing Capital of the world.
You can either bring your own fishing equipment with you or rent from the shops there.
You’re free to spend most of your time fishing, as there are also other anglers there trying to catch Bonefish.
Best Places to Stay in Andros Island
Here are some of the best beach resorts and accommodations in Andros Island:
1. Tiamo
Tiamo is a luxurious beach resort located on South Andros Island. All in all, it offers 13 contemporary-style cottages.
2. Kamalame Cay
The Kamalame Cay is a beach resort with secluded villas and elegant and private ocean-view terraces.
3. Small Hope Bay
Here, you will find that there are 21 oceanfront cottages that are very close to Andros Town. The decoration is very tropical and colorful.
There is a private beach if you want to swim, a game room, a library, and a Bahamian restaurant and lounge bar.
4. Seascape Inn
The atmosphere is very refreshing in the Seascape Inn, and it is not as luxurious as the other beach resorts.
There are cabins around the area and a beach to enjoy. You can also do some bird watching and fishing if you want.
Best Restaurants in Andros Island
1. Hank’s Place
Hank’s Place is located at Fresh Creek on the Coakley Town side. The food here is amazing, especially the Baked Fish Dinner.
The place is very serene, and you can relax and eat while enjoying the view.
2. Brigadier’s Restaurant
The Brigadier’s Restaurant offers indoor dining in their ocean view rooms. There are also dining areas over the ocean.
They specialize in Bahamian dishes as well as international cuisines.
3. BuzzardNBetsy Bay Restaurant and Bar
It is a small and beautiful restaurant found on the Mastic Bay and the shoreline of Mastic Point.
The food tastes like home, and you can enjoy the Bahamian dishes that they offer, as well.
Andros Island FAQs
1. Where is Andros Island in Bahamas?
Andros Island is located about 25 miles west of New Providence Island and 125 miles east-southeast of Florida.
2. Is Andros Bahamas safe?
Crimes in Andros Island are almost non-existent simply because the tourists are not too many and there are only a few locals.
The area only has a population of more than 7,000, and most of them are locals, so theft and other crimes are not very common.
There are even instances where some tourists would forget to lock their doors at night.
3. How do you get to Andros Island?
There are four airports where you can fly directly to get to Andros Island:
- San Andros International Airport
- Andros Town Airport
- Clarence A. Bain Airport
- Mangrove Cay and Congo Town Airport
If you want to travel by sea, you can go to Nassau and ride the Bahamas Ferry services.
It is a fully air-conditioned vessel, so you would have a pleasant trip to Andros Island.
4. How far is Andros Island from Nassau?
Andros Island is about 93 kilometers from Nassau.
5. What is the climate in Andros Island?
Winter and spring on Andros Island have temperatures between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. During summer, it can go up to 80 degrees.
The hurricane season is from June to the end of November, but it is very rare for tropical storms to hit the island.
If you plan to travel during the offseason, you still need to check the climate because thunderstorms can mess up your plans.
Conclusion
Andros Island is a perfect getaway for people who love exploration.
It can be considered as an untouched paradise, and the government is trying to maintain and preserve it.
Plan ahead of time and do your research before you go here so that you won’t be disappointed if you don’t see any luxurious amenities.
