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Andros Island
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Andros Island is the largest landmass in the Bahamas, covering approximately 5,957 square kilometers, yet it remains sparsely populated due to its complex geography. Geologically, it consists of three main islands, North Andros, Central Andros, and South Andros, separated by wide tidal estuaries and mangrove swamps. Along its eastern edge lies the Andros Barrier Reef, which stretches for 305 kilometers and ranks as the third-largest barrier reef system in the world. Just beyond the reef, the seabed drops precipitously into the Tongue of the Ocean, an underwater canyon reaching depths of over 1,800 meters. Andros is globally renowned for having the world's highest concentration of Blue Holes, which are vertical underwater cave systems found both inland and offshore. The island serves as a vital hub for scientific research and the protection of vast Bahamian pine forests. The local economy is primarily driven by eco-tourism, specifically bonefishing in the extensive shallow flats that surround the island.
- Location: Bahamas
- Nearby: Nicolls Town (16 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 29 | 29 | 27 | 25 | 24 |
| Rain mm | 35 | 34 | 41 | 65 | 137 | 166 | 146 | 170 | 178 | 125 | 64 | 39 |
📋 Practical info
Getting there
Reaching the largest Bahamian island typically involves taking a regional flight or a scheduled ferry service from the capital to one of the main coastal settlements.
Best season
The traditional winter and spring months are widely considered the handy time to visit, offering comfortable temperatures and a lower risk of tropical storms.
Terrain & paths
The interior is characterized by dense, sprawling pine forests intertwined with complex tidal creeks, creating a flat but often dense and marshy environment.
What to bring
Visitors should prioritize reliable insect repellent, sturdy waterproof footwear for marshy areas, and lightweight, breathable clothing for the tropical climate.
Parking
Rental vehicles or local taxis can typically be parked near the main settlement docks or designated nature trail entrances before heading out by foot or boat.
Safety
Travelers should remain mindful of the confusing network of tidal creeks where it is easy to get disoriented, and always respect the diverse local wildlife.
Time needed
Exploring the vast pine forests and coastal creeks usually warrants at least a few days to fully appreciate the sheer scale of the island's natural habitats.
Geography
Facts
- At 5,957 km², Andros is larger than all other Bahamian islands combined.
- The Andros Barrier Reef extends for a total of 305 kilometers.
- The Tongue of the Ocean is a deep-sea trench reaching 1,800 meters.
- Andros contains the highest concentration of Blue Holes in the world.
- The island is split into three main sections by narrow tidal creeks.
- It is recognized as the premier global destination for bonefishing.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is special about Andros?
It is the largest island in the Bahamas and home to the world's third-largest barrier reef.
What are 'Blue Holes'?
Underwater caves and sinkholes for which Andros is world-famous.
Can you go hiking there?
Yes, there are many nature trails through dense forests and wetlands.
How developed is tourism on Andros?
It is less commercial than Nassau, good for ecotourism and peace-seekers.
What birds can be observed there?
Many endemic species, including the Andros Oriole.
Andros Island: where is it located?
Andros Island is located in Bahamas.
Andros Island: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
Andros Island: why is it worth visiting?
Andros Island is the largest landmass in the Bahamas, covering approximately 5,957 square kilometers, yet it remains sparsely populated due to its complex geography.
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Nearby cities
Nicolls Town
A town on North Andros known for its giant land crabs.
Bullock's Harbour
The main settlement on the Berry Islands.
Kemp's Bay
A settlement in the southern part of Andros Island.
Long Bay Cays
An area of settlements in South Andros.
Congo Town
A settlement on South Andros Island.
Rocky Point
A remote fishing community in eastern Grand Bahama.
Pelican Point
A small coastal settlement on Grand Bahama.
McLean's Town
The easternmost settlement on the island of Grand Bahama.
Wood Cay
A small island and settlement off the coast of Little Abaco.
Crown Haven
The northernmost settlement on the island of Great Abaco.
Fox Town
A small settlement on Little Abaco Island.
History & landmarks
Andros Barrier Reef
The third largest barrier reef in the world, perfect for diving.
Great Stirrup Cay Lighthouse
A historic maritime beacon on a private island in the Berry Islands.
Baha Mar Resort
A massive hotel and casino complex dominating the Cable Beach skyline.
Gold Rock Beach
A spectacular beach in Lucayan National Park known for its wide stretch of sand at low tide.
Ocean Atlas Statue
The largest underwater sculpture in the world, depicting a local Bahamian girl.
Nature
Goose River
A wide tidal creek in North Andros that winds through mangrove forests.
Fresh Creek
A major tidal creek on Andros that leads deep inland and connects to blue holes.
Southern Bight (Andros)
An extensive network of tidal creeks that nearly divides South Andros in half.
Tongue of the Ocean
A deep oceanic trench between Andros and New Providence islands.
Harrold and Wilson Ponds National Park
An important wetland area on New Providence, designated as a vital habitat for water birds.
Leche Lagoon
The largest natural lake in Cuba, known for its milky appearance.
More places
Andros Mangrove Forests
The largest mangrove ecosystem in The Bahamas, serving as a vital nursery for countless marine species.
Coakley Cay Relief
A typical small cay within the Andros tidal creeks, demonstrating the complex topography of the region.
Andros's West Coast Flats
A vast, uninhabited, and pristine wilderness of tidal flats, considered one of the world's best bonefishing areas.
Great Bahama Bank
A vast underwater carbonate platform known for its extremely shallow, turquoise waters.
Crabbing on Andros
Andros is the 'land crab capital' of The Bahamas.
Andros Crab Processing Plant
A processing plant for crabs and marine products from Andros.
The Berry Islands' Sand Flats
The Berry Islands are renowned for their vast, white sand flats exposed at low tide, creating an angler's paradise.
Goulding Cay Forest
A small cay off the west coast of New Providence with a dense, pristine dry forest.