Andros: the wild island of the Bahamas

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Located in the central western section of the Bahamas archipelago, the island of Andros – with 5,957 sq km – is the largest by the surface of the Bahamas islands. The surface of the island is almost half of the total surface area of all the Bahamas.

The island was originally inhabited by the Lucayans, a subgroup of the Tainos. The first Spanish navigators – among them the first to visit the island was probably the Florentine Amerigo Vespucci – called it the island of Espiritu Santo. Andros, like all the Bahamas, remained on the edge of the Spanish empire and was not colonized by the Iberians. Only at the end of the 17th century was it sometimes used by English pirates.

More than an island, Andros is actually an archipelago made up of hundreds of small atolls and three major islands. The island / archipelago is sparsely populated, in total there are just over seven thousand inhabitants. The main inhabited center is the town of Andros Town which is located along the northeastern coast of the island.

A SANCTUARY OF NATURE

Andros is a wild island full of natural attractions and is a privileged destination for those who love nature. The island is considered a real sanctuary for lovers of ecotourism. Here is the third largest and sixth longest coral reef in the world. The island also has the highest concentration of blue holes in the world. The island is famous for fishing for Bonefish (Albula vulpes).

In a beautiful natural setting you will find numerous species of flora and fauna – part of the coasts are rich in mangroves. The island has kilometers of deserted beaches and freshwater lakes which are home to numerous species of wildlife, a rich marine life, and flora and fauna of great interest. The Andros park system is the largest protected area in the country, and includes five national parks: Blue Holes National Park, Crab Replenishment Reserve, North & South Marine Parks and the West Side National Park.

Andros offers visitors picturesque settlements and secluded beaches, and is also known for its local charm and relaxed lifestyle. On the island you will have the opportunity to practice fishing, snorkeling, bird watching, diving, kayaking, etc.

HOW TO GET

The island has four airports: San Andros International Airport (SAQ), Andros Town International Airport (ASD), Clarence A. Bain Airport, Mangrove Cay (MAY) and finally Congo Town Airport (TZN). For all airports, air connections are usually with Nassau. Only San Andros International Airport (SAQ) also has direct flights to Fort Lauderdale in Florida.

Bahamas Ferry Services provides weekly sea connections between Fresh Creek and Nassau. By sea there are also postal boat services.