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Southern Bight (Andros)
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Southern Bight is a massive waterway that bisects Andros Island in its southern third, effectively separating South Andros from the rest of the archipelago. This region represents one of the most pristine wilderness areas in the Bahamas, characterized by a vast labyrinth of shallow channels, oolitic limestone flats, and mangrove-fringed cays. Geographically, the bight serves as a vital conduit connecting the shallow Great Bahama Bank to the west with the deep abyss of the "Tongue of the Ocean" to the east. The ecological significance of Southern Bight is immense, as it acts as a major migratory corridor and foraging ground for numerous species, including bonefish, sharks, and rays. The extreme isolation of the area has made it a world-class destination for remote fly-fishing and high-end eco-exploration. Historically, the bight has seen very little human settlement, preserving its primitive state. Today, much of Southern Bight is incorporated into the West Side National Park to safeguard this critical habitat from anthropogenic impacts.
- Location: Bahamas
- Nearby: Kemp's Bay (13 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan–Mar.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 23 | 24 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 28 | 29 | 29 | 29 | 28 | 26 | 24 |
| Rain mm | 29 | 25 | 31 | 52 | 122 | 139 | 112 | 127 | 136 | 112 | 58 | 32 |
📋 Practical info
Getting there
Reaching this extensive network of tidal creeks requires flying into a South Andros airport and then organizing a small boat or kayak. Many visitors hire local bonefishing guides who provide specialized skiffs capable of navigating the shallow tidal waters.
Best season
The winter and spring months offer the most pleasant climate with cooler breezes and excellent water clarity for navigating the creeks. Late summer brings significant humidity and a heightened risk of tropical storms which can disrupt boat travel.
Terrain & paths
The environment is a mesmerizing maze of shallow mangrove channels, sand flats, and submerged grass beds that divides the land. Movement is primarily water-based, as the surrounding mangrove roots make terrestrial walking virtually impossible.
What to bring
Polarized sunglasses are absolutely critical to spot submerged obstacles and navigate the shallow flats safely. Visitors should also wear lightweight, UV-protective clothing and bring waterproof bags to protect gear on small boats.
Parking
Car parking is typically limited to the lodges, marinas, or small docks located on the eastern coastline before setting out by boat. Once inside the bight ecosystem, transport is entirely reliant on your skiff or kayak rather than vehicles.
Safety
Getting disoriented in the vast, identical-looking mangrove creeks is remarkably easy without a guide or detailed GPS navigation. It is also important to carefully monitor the tides, as rapidly receding water can strand small boats on the sand flats for hours.
Time needed
A half-day charter provides a wonderful introduction to the tidal network and its unique mangrove environment. Avid anglers or serious explorers frequently dedicate several full days, exploring different branches of the bight each morning.
Geography
Facts
- Southern Bight is the widest of the three major bights that cut across Andros.
- The waterway links the 6,000-foot deep Tongue of the Ocean to the shallow banks.
- The area remains completely uninhabited with no road access available.
- It is protected under the 1.5 million-acre West Side National Park designation.
- Water levels in the flats can drop to less than 2 feet during low tide.
- It is a primary research site for tracking the movements of juvenile lemon sharks.
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Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is the Southern Bight?
It is one of three large waterways that cut through Andros from east to west.
Can you cross it by boat?
Yes, but only with shallow-draft boats due to the many shoals.
Is the area inhabited?
No, it is extremely remote and consists mainly of mangroves and tidal flats.
What can you fish there?
It is a world-famous area for fly fishing for bonefish.
Are there crocodiles there?
No, there are no crocodiles in the Bahamas, but many iguanas.
Southern Bight (Andros): where is it located?
Southern Bight (Andros) is located in Bahamas.
Southern Bight (Andros): when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Mar.
Southern Bight (Andros): why is it worth visiting?
Southern Bight is a massive waterway that bisects Andros Island in its southern third, effectively separating South Andros from the rest of the archipelago.
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Nearby cities
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.
Nicolls Town
A town on North Andros known for its giant land crabs.
Bullock's Harbour
The main settlement on the Berry Islands.
Sandy Point
A settlement at the southern tip of Great Abaco Island.
History & landmarks
Andros Barrier Reef
The third largest barrier reef in the world, perfect for diving.
Clifton Heritage Ruins
A historical site in western New Providence encompassing remains of Lucayan villages and plantations.
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.
Ocean Atlas Statue
The largest underwater sculpture in the world, depicting a local Bahamian girl.
St. Francis Xavier Cathedral
The first Catholic church built in the Bahamas, featuring impressive Gothic architecture.
Dundas Centre for the Performing Arts
A distinctive building that serves as the heart for theater and culture in the Bahamas.
Ignacio Agramonte Park
A significant public park in the center of the city of Camagüey.
Nature
Fresh Creek
A major tidal creek on Andros that leads deep inland and connects to blue holes.
Goose River
A wide tidal creek in North Andros that winds through mangrove forests.
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.
More places
Coakley Cay Relief
A typical small cay within the Andros tidal creeks, demonstrating the complex topography of the region.
Andros Mangrove Forests
The largest mangrove ecosystem in The Bahamas, serving as a vital nursery for countless marine species.
Andros Island
The largest island in the Bahamas, crisscrossed by tidal creeks and covered in vast pine forests.
Andros's West Coast Flats
A vast, uninhabited, and pristine wilderness of tidal flats, considered one of the world's best bonefishing areas.
Andros Crab Processing Plant
A processing plant for crabs and marine products from Andros.
Crabbing on Andros
Andros is the 'land crab capital' of The Bahamas.
Goulding Cay Forest
A small cay off the west coast of New Providence with a dense, pristine dry forest.
Great Bahama Bank
A vast underwater carbonate platform known for its extremely shallow, turquoise waters.