Andros Island, Bahamas, for a Peaceful Vacation
Snorkel, Scuba Dive, Fly Fish, Swim or Relax on this Out Island
Jul 20, 2009
Andros Island is one of the Out Islands of the Bahamas. It is a total contrast with New Providence Island and its capital Nassau where there is a wide choice of hotels and activities. Andros Island has natural forest, wildlife reserves and marine reserves. Some areas are unexplored because they are a tangle of creeks and mangroves. It is an ideal destination for visitors who like natural environments and open-air activities.
Flights to Andros Island, Airports and Ferries
US and Canadian visitors usually fly to Nassau and take a short connecting flight to Andros. There is a Nassau-Andros ferry on some days of the week. European visitors usually find that flying into Miami, and then to Nassau, is more cost effective than taking a direct flight to Nassau.
Andros has a North and a South part, but it is not easy to get from one to the other. There are four airports in Andros, so visitors need to check which is nearest their holiday accommodation, and book the correct flight.
Vacation Activities on Andros Island
Because the natural environment is so undisturbed Andros is a paradise for people who enjoy outdoor activities that bring them into contact with nature. Available activities include:
- Swimming with very clean water and sandy beaches
- Snorkelling with plenty of marine life to see
- Scuba diving on healthy coral reefs, with sharks or in spectacular Blue Holes
- Bird watching trips
- Fly fishing for the elusive bone fish
- Shopping for local crafts in Red Bay
Where to Stay in Andros
Because most transport is by taxi, it is easiest to choose a hotel by the activities available on site or nearby. Here are four choices:
Small Hope Bay Lodge for Scuba-Diving and All-Inclusive Barefoot Luxury
In this eco-friendly resort, visitors stay in cottages shaded by palm trees right next to the beach. There is a central lodge and a bar on the beach, all built with local materials. Guests can go snorkelling, diving, cycling, bird watching, fishing, sailing or kayaking. Rates are all inclusive including excellent food and all drinks so guests can spend the day in beachwear without carrying wallet or purse.
Small Hope Bay Lodge is a great choice for scuba divers. Dive sites vary from coral gardens in 6 metres (20 feet) to a drop-off on the edge of an oceanic trench. There's a very dramatic dive exploring a sunken Blue hole. The dive centre is on a jetty at the beach. Dolphins regularly play near the jetty and large creatures like sharks can often be seen on dives.
Andros Lighthouse for Sailors and Room-Only Stays
Andros Lighthouse is situated on Fresh Creek and has a marina with docking for private boats. There is a swimming pool and a dive centre.
Prices at Andros Lighthoouse are just for the room or villa, so for guests who want to arrange their own activities and meals it is a more economical stay. It is a good centre for exploring the island by hire car or for fishing trips.
Hank's Place, a short walk away, serves great food in a lively bar atmosphere overlooking the creek.
Stafford Creek Lodge for Fly-fishing and Big Game Fishing
This is a dedicated fishing lodge situated on a wide, mangrove-fringed creek. Fishing trips start early in the morning with expert guides. Shallow-draught skiffs are used to access remote salt flats for some of the world's best saltwater fly-fishing. Deep sea fishing is available as well.
The lodge only takes six anglers at a time. Prices cover accommodation in well equipped cabins overlooking the creek, meals and laundry so guests are free to concentrate on the excellent fishing.
Love at First Sight for a Budget Priced, Relaxing Vacation
Love at First Sight is a hotel and restaurant also situated on Stafford Creek. It has a pool, and a deck overlooking the creek. Love at First sight is an economical place to stay and enjoy this peaceful and beautiful location. It is a good base for exploring by car, and staff can arrange full or half day fishing trips.
Meet People in Andros and See Basket Making, Wood carving and Batik Printing
There are less than 10,000 people living in Andros. Androsians are relaxed and friendly towards visitors.
People of Seminole Indian ancestry live in the north of the island, at Red Bay. They use traditional skills and local materials to weave baskets and make wood carvings and welcome visitors to watch their craft skills and buy souvenirs.
Another local craft is batik fabric printing. Workers at the Androsian factory make hand-printed cloth for clothing and furnishing. This is also an interesting visit to watch the work and buy a unique souvenir.
Androsians involved with tourism are very aware of environmental issues. The Bahamas Sportfishing & Conservation Association promotes “catch and release”. They take environmental education into local schools, showing youngsters the career opportunities can come from having an unspoiled environment that people want to visit.
Tourism and Environment in Andros
Andros is the largest island in the Bahamas and probably the least developed. On Andros,
- the natural environment is in good condition
- resorts are developed with low environmental impact
- local people value the natural environment
- it's a haven for wildlife that is under pressure elsewhere
- visitors can find quiet and relaxation, or be active in the open air
- there's the chance to get close to nature
Information about Visiting Andros
Find information on the Bahamas Tourist Office website
The hotels mentioned all have their own websites, for example Small Hope Lodge
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