As the largest and least-explored island in The Islands Of The Bahamas, Andros offers a wide variety of activities for just about everyone. This 2,300-square-mile island paradise is not only known as the bonefishing capital of the world, but also boasts the second-largest reef in the Northern Hemisphere and is home to the oldest dive resort on the planet.
Whether diving or snorkelling, the average year-round 80F temperature of the crystal clear, blue waters makes discovering the abundant marine wildlife surrounding Andros Island a magical treat you’ll never forget.
The diverse topography which rises from these tropical waters is full of life, some of which can only be found on Andros. Over forty kinds of wild orchids, rare, endemic birds, wild boar, iguanas as long as four feet and a recently discovered tribal group all make their homes among the miles of deserted beaches, freshwater mud flats, thick brush, lush pine forests and inland waterways that make up this Atlantic oasis. It is even said to be the home of pirate Henry Morgan’s buried treasure and two mythical creatures – the chickcharnies and Lusca.
Sharing this magical island are the locals, or Androsians. These peaceful people pride themselves as skilled artists and craftsmen whose origins are believed to date back to the Seminole Indians, runaway slaves from Florida and an ethnic mix of different people from Africa to South America.
The people of Andros invite you to visit their tropical island home. Whether you seek challenging water sports or are in search of magical discoveries, Andros is the island for adventurers and ecotourists alike.
Because water temperatures average 80F year-round, Andros is ideal for just about every water sport imaginable. Divers will be astounded at the clarity of the water and the quality of the dive sites. Snorkellers can enjoy easily accessible, shallow-water coral gardens.
Andros Sight-seeing and Tourist Attractions
Andros Island is full of activities to do both in and out of the water. Whether it’s fishing for trophy-size fish, exploring ancient ruins, bird-watching, hunting for buried treasure, meandering through quaint coastal towns and villages, shopping for batik fabrics or simply soaking up the tropical sunshine, Andros Island has something for everyone.
Andros Blue Holes
Below the surface of Andros Island is a complex maze of underwater caves called blue holes. Experienced recreational divers can enter from either the ocean or island entrances and retrace the steps of the famous Jacques Cousteau.
Uncle Charlie’s Blue Hole
Jacques Cousteau made this hole famous when, with the use of dye, he proved this inland blue hole connects to the ocean. This is a favourite place for visitors and locals alike to relax near and take in their tropical surroundings.
Captain Bill’s Blue Hole
A large, perfectly round inland blue hole measuring 440 feet in diameter. Both locals and visitors take pleasure in swimming in its crystal blue waters and swinging from a rope overhead.
Mariner’s Well
Located in Pleasant Harbour is an unusual house constructed in the shape of the letter “A.” On this property is a well, called “Mariner’s Well” by the locals, said to have been used by the crewmen of the sponging era as far back as the early 17th century.
Native Colony Ruins
About a half-mile south of Pleasant Harbour, on the inland side, are eight stone buildings dating back to the 1930s that represent the old Bahamian style of architecture. They are open for exploration and are excellently preserved due to the fact that, for some unknown reason, they were abandoned and never inhabited.
Morgan’s Cave/Morgan’s Bluff
A wide system of subterranean limestone caves, complete with stalactites and stalagmites, reputed to hold the treasures of famed pirate and namesake, Sir Henry Morgan, whose treasure has yet to be found.
The All Andros Regatta October at Morgan’s Bluff features held annually in late festivities for all visitors and boating enthusiasts. Some sixty locally-constructed sailing sloops meet in the waters off Morgan’s Bluff, North Andros, for a day of fierce competition. Vessels contesting the races fall into five categories ranging in size from 28 feet to 120 feet. A party atmosphere prevails onshore, with a festival of island food, native music and entertainment. Regatta date is subject to change. Special mailboat and plane excursions depart Nassau for North Andros a day prior to Regatta.
Atlantic Undersea Testing and Evaluation Center (AUTEC)
Just off Fresh Creek, this joint operation of the US Navy and The Bahamas government is one of the best and busiest underwater testing facilities in the world (not open for general visits).
Red Bays
A remote village settled by Seminole Indians and Blacks in 1821. For many years the settlement lay isolated and could only be reached by boat. The basket-weaving crafts practiced here are detailed and highly advanced.