Andros's West Coast Flats

The west coast flats of Andros, often referred to as 'The Mud,' form a vast, shallow marine relief stretching across hundreds of square kilometers along the largest island of the Bahamas. This area is characterized by extremely fine carbonate sediments that give the water a milky appearance when disturbed, creating a unique geological environment. The relief is ecologically invaluable as it serves as a primary nursery for shrimp, fish, and the endangered sawfish. Due to its extreme shallowness, often only a few centimeters deep, the area is inaccessible to most boats, which has contributed to the preservation of its original wilderness. Historically, the west coast of Andros was a retreat for pirates and later for sponge divers who utilized the remote bays. The mangrove fringes along the coast form a complex boundary between land and sea, protecting the hinterland from storm surges. Geographically, this relief is part of the Great Bahama Bank and showcases the dynamic processes of sedimentation in tropical carbonate systems. Today, 'The Mud' is an important research area for hydrologists and marine biologists studying the interactions between tidal currents and sediment transport. The silence and vastness of this relief make it one of the last true wilderness areas in the Caribbean.

Nearby cities

Nicolls Town

A town on North Andros known for its giant land crabs.

McLean's Town

The easternmost settlement on the island of Grand Bahama.

Freetown

A settlement on Grand Bahama, east of Freeport.

Pelican Point

A small coastal settlement on Grand Bahama.

Rocky Point

A remote fishing community in eastern Grand Bahama.

Primero de Enero

A municipality in Ciego de Ávila named after the date of the victory of the Cuban Revolution.

Bullock's Harbour

The main settlement on the Berry Islands.

Morón

A city near the north coast, the gateway to the resorts of Cayo Coco and Cayo Guillermo.

Florida

A municipality and city in the Camagüey province, an important agricultural center.

Baraguá

A municipality in Ciego de Ávila, known for the 'Bio-factory', an important biotechnological facility.

History & landmarks

Gold Rock Beach

A spectacular beach in Lucayan National Park known for its wide stretch of sand at low tide.

Great Stirrup Cay Lighthouse

A historic maritime beacon on a private island in the Berry Islands.

Andros Barrier Reef

The third largest barrier reef in the world, perfect for diving.

Gardens of the Groves

A beautiful botanical garden in Freeport with waterfalls and native wildlife.

Port Lucaya Marketplace

The largest shopping, dining, and entertainment center on Grand Bahama.

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.

Leche Lagoon

The largest natural lake in Cuba, known for its milky appearance.

La Redonda Lagoon

A lake near Morón, known for its mangrove forests and rich population of largemouth bass.

More places

Andros Island

The largest island in the Bahamas, crisscrossed by tidal creeks and covered in vast pine forests.

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.

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.

Cayo Coco

An idyllic island known for its all-inclusive resorts.

Jardines del Rey Flora

A protected area on the islands for native birds and reptiles.

Agroecological Farm Cayo Coco

A small farming operation on the tourist island.