Bahamas Travel Tourism: Andros Island
The majority of Andros, which is the largest island in the Bahamas, has not been developed. Its expansiveness and abundance of vegetation provide a variety of exciting opportunities for outdoor lovers. National forests, blue holes, deep-sea and fly fishing, world-class scuba diving, and all of this is only the beginning of what the state of Florida has to offer.
The archipelago known as Andros Island is the largest of the islands that make up the Bahamas. Andros, which is treated politically as a single island, has a total land area that is greater than that of the other 700 islands that make up the Bahamas.
Along with its three major land masses, North Andros, Mangrove Cay, and South Andros, the island of Andros comprises tens of thousands of little islets and cays, all of which are connected to one another by mangrove estuaries and tidal swamplands. The three main islands are separated from one another by nights, which are estuaries that cut the island in half lengthwise from east to west. It has a length of 167 kilometers (104 miles) and a width of 64 kilometers (40 miles) at its most expansive point.
If you are planning a trip to Andros Island, then keep on reading because we have all the information you need to make sure your trip is a whole experience all on its own!
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History of Andros Island - Bahamas
People belonging to the Tano ethnic group called Lucayans lived in the Bahamas at the time when Europeans first made contact with them.Â
Morgan’s Cave on North Andros and the Stargate Blue Hole on South Andros have both been productive in terms of the discovery of items and relics from the archaeological record. It was estimated that there were around 40,000 Lucayan-Tanos inhabitants in the Bahamas when the Spanish first arrived in the region.
It is possible that Christopher Columbus made his first landfall in the Western Hemisphere on the island of San Salvador in the Bahamas, which Spain claimed as its territory as soon as it became aware of the existence of the islands. The name “America” derives from the Italian explorer Amerigo Vespucci, who sailed to the Bahamas on a Spanish vessel between the years 1499 and 1500 and spent a total of four months there. He mapped out a portion of the eastern coastline of Andros Island.
When a Spanish expedition arrived in the Bahamas in 1520, they discovered just 11 people there, which meant that the Lucayans had been totally wiped off on these islands. Following this event, it is believed that the Bahamas, especially Andros Island, have been barren of any known permanent settlements for the subsequent one hundred thirty years. The power in the Bahamas passed back and forth between the Spanish and the British for a total of 150 years. After the conclusion of the American Revolutionary War in 1783, Great Britain assumed control of the region and made a deal with Spain to get the Bahamas in return for East Florida
“Unveil the captivating past of Andros Island in the Bahamas, tracing its rich history from ancient settlements to the resilient traditions that shape its vibrant culture today.”
How Can You Reach Andros Island in The Bahamas?
Reaching this divine island is actually a piece of cake some may say! It can be a little difficult to get there, but that’s a huge part of the charm.Â
There are many ways to get here, including:
- Fly to Nassau, and then take a fast excursion to Andros.Â
- Charter flights run between Fort Lauderdale and Andros.Â
- Private pilots may fly directly to Fresh Creek, Andros.Â
- You might take a ferry from Nassau.
Here’s Some Advice on The Best Time to Visit Andros
The weather on Andros is, for the most part, pleasant and favorable. Temperatures are often mild throughout the whole year, particularly in mountainous regions, and this is largely attributable to the proximity of the land to the ocean.
Even in the height of summer, the air is quite pleasant because of the many waterfalls, which are both beautiful and invigorating, as well as the meltemi breezes that blow from the direction of the north. On the west side of Andros, where winds are less prevalent than they are on the island’s eastern side, temperatures tend to be higher (from Gavrio to Steno).
Andros has the highest average annual rainfall of any of the Cyclades; yet, it rains very little on the island during the warm summer months. There is a possibility of seeing snowfall on the mountains throughout the months of January and February. If you want to avoid the crowds of visitors who arrive in the summer on Andros as well as everywhere else in Greece, the best time to go is between the spring and Easter.
This is when the weather is at its best. There are less visitors present throughout the week than there are on weekends due to the fact that many people from Athens leave the city on weekends to relax for two days in Andros (winter and summer).
“Immerse yourself in Andros: Experience its Stunning Beauty Year-Round!”
Best Lodging Options in Andros - Bahamas
Andros Island is an excellent destination for off-the-beaten-path explorers of all ages, and it doesn’t matter whether you’re going there with your family, a group of friends, or just your significant other.
The greatest places to stay on Andros Island are immediately on the beach, which is excellent for spending starry evenings with your toes in the sand or listening to live music over a bonfire.
Small Hope Bay
It is the perfect place to go for an active island vacation since there is an abundance of activities like kayaking, fishing, and diving, in addition to interesting guided nature tours.
The 21 coastal cottages provide accommodating options that are flexible for families, couples, and groups, and feature an atmosphere that is peaceful and rustic. In addition, there is a fantastic restaurant that serves Bahamian cuisine, a lounge bar, a gaming room, and a library. Intrepid visitors have always had this time-honored choice available to them since it first opened its doors in the 1960s.
Seascape Inn
This little resort on a secluded beach has just five villas available for guests to choose from.
This bed and breakfast is simple and affordable, with an emphasis on participating in many types of outdoor activities such as fishing, scuba diving, kayaking, snorkeling, and cycling. Low-key and perfect for those who like being active and exploring the great outdoors.
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Kamalame Cay
The breathtaking Kamalame Cay community comprises twenty villas spread on a 97-acre private island.
It is the only hotel in the Bahamas to include an overwater spa, and it also has a unique environment, a laid-back appeal, and classic luxury decor (think thatched hideaways with large bathrooms and private patios).
Unwind at one of two breezy beach bars for stunning night time experiences after a full day of activities such as sailing, tennis, kayaking, and scuba diving. The property, which can only be accessed by private jet or by boat, is just a mile and a half away from the world’s third-largest barrier reef. A setting that is suitable for families as well as couples.
Tiamo
This site is perfect for anyone looking for a relaxing eco-getaway, since it has just two chic guestrooms and 11 villas (many of which have separate plunge pools). Additionally, it is located on a gorgeous beach.
Take part in a wide range of activities, or simply relax in gorgeous seclusion with some rejuvenating spa treatments and delicious meals. A wonderful choice for a honeymoon destination.
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Fun Activities to Do in Andros
Andros is a mesmerizing destination that has deserted beaches, a plethora of different creatures, and a prosperous cultural history; after visiting this place, you will certainly have a deeper appreciation for the incredible and the natural. So, want to get the most of your trip to Andros? Check out the list of things to do while you are staying at this island!
Lusca - The Mythical Creature that Lives in the Waters
Androsians believe that the depths of the blue holes are home to a monstrous creature that is half-octopus and half-shark, comparable to the Loch Ness Monster in Scotland.
Legend has it that it goes by the name Lusca, is 75 feet in length, and employs its formidable tentacles to lure people and vessels into its lair under the water. Lusca is being held responsible for the deaths of missing swimmers, cave divers who went underground, and wrecked boats. As a result of the fact that huge squids have been misidentified as this monster in sightings and victims of the purported attack have been spotted with sucker marks on their bodies, the urban legend may have some kernels of reality.
The locals also believe that Lusca causes the water to bubble up just before an attack; however, this could really be the result of the rapid circulation of water through the blue holes caused by the tidal oscillations.
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Beautiful Blue Holes of Andros
Andros is famous for having the largest number of caves anywhere in the world because the bedrock of the island is made of limestone, which was worn over thousands of years to produce intricate cave systems.
Due to the contrast between the cobalt blue walls of the deep caverns and the lighter-colored shallows surrounding them, the entrances to these deep sinkholes, which are typically circular in shape, are known as “blue holes.” There are now 178 blue holes on land and at least 50 blue holes in the ocean. These blue holes serve as homes for fish and invertebrates that are unique to cave environments and can be found nowhere else in the world. Within the blue holes, archeological artifacts like fossils, shipwrecks, and the remains of a crocodile that is not native to the Bahamas have been found.
Divers from all over the world continue to be drawn to these riches, which were discovered and photographed by Jacques Cousteau, a well-known oceanographer and environmentalist, during his visit to the island in 1970.
Inn of the Pirates Near Morgan's Bluff
According to legend, the most notorious buccaneer in the Caribbean kept his riches and liquor hidden in a cave on the island of Andros’ northwest coast.
Folklore has it that despite the fact that Morgan’s Bluff is situated in a notoriously hazardous area for ships, Sir Henry Morgan thought the cave below was the ideal hiding place. Although historians have established that Morgan utilized this island area as a hideaway, they lack proof that he actually went inside the cave.
However, perpetual optimists continue to explore this bat-filled, vine-covered tunnel in the vain hope of discovering Morgan’s stolen goods.
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Gratitude for the Chickcharney
There are still accounts of the mysterious Chickcharney, which is described as a feathered creature that stands three feet tall, with one red eye, three-toed claws, a prehensile tail, and a head that can spin 360 degrees.
This flightless bird may have been conceptualized after the enormous barn owl known as Tyto pollens, the bones of which have been found on the island of Andros. Tyto pollens stood around 1 meter (3.3 feet) tall. However, by the 16th century, that species had gone extinct due to the destruction of its natural habitat and the hunting of its few remaining members.
According to an old superstition from England, if you see an owl perched in a tree, you should make your way around it clockwise for good luck. In order to increase the probability of being favored by a Chickcharney and blessed with good fortune, Bahamians who hold a similar belief recommend donning bright colors before going birding.
It is said that when the monster becomes angry, it viciously bends the victim’s neck in all directions in an attempt to cause them pain. The friendly Bahama Oriole, the Swallow Warbler, the Woodstar, and the Cuban Emerald are just some of the rare species that you have a good chance of seeing during your expedition.
KEY TAKEAWAYS ...🛪
The largest island in the Bahamas, Andros, is home to a wide array of natural wonders and unsolved mysteries. Estuaries run the length of the island, which is 100 miles long, and divide North Andros, Mangrove Cay, and South Andros into wholly deserted and undeveloped parts.
In addition to its winding rivers, dense pine forests, and mangrove swamps, the island is home to a significant number of underwater cave systems. In addition to that, it is next to the world’s third-largest coral reef. So, this island is for sure worth the visit!
