This Gorgeous Island in the Bahamas Has Ultra-exclusive Hotels, Fresh Seafood, and the Largest Concentration of Blue Holes in the World

How to plan a perfect trip to Andros Island in the Bahamas, including where to stay, what to do, and when to visit.

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The largest of the Bahamas’ 30 inhabited islands, Andros encompasses 100 miles of clear coastline, abundant wildlife, and an intricate underwater system that sits close to the third-largest barrier reef in the world. But despite its size, the island, composed of North Andros, Mangrove Cay, and South Andros, has plenty of unpopulated stretches, without a cruise ship or all-inclusive in sight. Instead, visitors can expect deserted beaches and flats that make the destination the bonefishing capital of the world.

As the gateway to a deepwater basin called the Tongue of the Ocean, diving in the sweeping Andros Barrier Reef is one of the best things to do in the Bahamas, alongside exploring the largest concentration of blue sinkholes in the region (and the world).

The island’s colorful capital, North Andros, is home to a Seminole Indian population that specializes in woodwork and hand-dyeing cotton Androsia fabric. And in Central Andros, historical sites include the over century-old St. Mary’s Catholic Church and the dive-ready Blue Holes National Park.

There are also accommodations for every type of traveler, from private island hideaways to world-renowned fishing lodges. In fact, Andros’ hotels are as desirable as the island itself: Both Kamalame Cay and Caerula Mar Club landed on Travel + Leisure’s list of favorite Caribbean resorts in 2023.

If you time your visit right, you can even attend one of the annual events, like June’s All Andros Crab Festival and May’s Red Bays Snapper Tournament, where the island’s native Seminole Indians compete in basket-weaving and fishing competitions. “Andros is a truly wonderful place. It’s a remote location nestled on the western side of the Bahamas, where you can enjoy great fishing and food,” says Cheryl Bastian, owner of Swain’s Cay Lodge in Mangrove Cay. “Androsians are hospitable and their greatest wish is for you to enjoy your stay.”

Here’s how to do just that on Andros, including where to stay, what to do, and the best time to visit.

Andros, Bahamas

• Andros is home to the most blue holes in the world, accessible both inland and offshore. 
• Indulge in a private island jaunt at the ultra-exclusive, 96-acre retreat of Kamalame Cay in North Andros. 
• Pair the quintessential Bahamian conch with a Kalik beer at seaside Shine’s Conch Shack.
• Head to North Andros, the only western settlement that’s home to the descendants of the Seminole Indians of Florida. 
• The island hosts fun events like the All Andros Crab Fest come summer.

Best Hotels and Resorts 

Courtesy of Caerula Mar Club

Caerula Mar Club 

The beachfront Caerula Mar Club features 18 warm-toned rooms and four villas on the remote South Andros — home to about 2,000 residents. There are two on-site casual eateries — Driff’s Beach Bar and Switcha — plus Lusca, a Caribbean-inspired fine-dining establishment. The passion project was envisioned by HGTV’s Bryan and Sarah Baeumler, who describe the hotel as “barefoot luxury.”

Kamalame Cay 

This 96-acre private island haven has 22 rooms and suites that include a mix of cottages, bungalows, and Balinese-style beach houses. Guests receive their own golf carts to explore the island, as well as get access to water sports like kayaking, fishing, and snorkeling. Plus, the property is coveted for its prime location near the Andros Barrier Reef.

Small Hope Bay Lodge 

Located in Central Andros, Small Hope Bay Lodge overlooks the Andros Barrier Reef, offering world-class diving, including shark and night dives. The 21 all-inclusive rooms sit directly on a beach that’s just 15 minutes from wall dives and deep, open drops. The lodge is also a mere six miles from the popular Cousteau and Captain Bill’s Blue Holes.

Swain’s Cay Lodge

The Bahamian-owned Swain’s Cay Lodge in Mangrove Cay is a favorite for bonefishing and aquatic adventurers. Owner Cheryl Bastian is happy to coordinate excursions, including picnic lunches and wildlife spotting. As for its culinary assets, the on-site Reefside Restaurant & Bar offers beachside dining.

Tiamo Resort 

Accessible only by seaplane or boat, this 14-room resort on South Andros offers luxury accommodations and French-inspired cuisine. Raise a red flag and a butler will come to your thatched-roof villa just steps away from the beach. Surrounded by 125 acres of nature preserve, the eco-chic resort also has activities such as reef fishing, diving, and wakeboarding.

Best Things to Do

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Delve into world-class scuba diving.

The Andros Barrier Reef is the world’s third-longest barrier reef, teeming with vibrant marine life that can be viewed on dive excursions for more than 130 miles. With a large concentration of blue holes and caverns, you won’t have any trouble discovering the rich reef system and landscapes below.

Try deep-sea and fly fishing. 

Known as the bonefish capital of the world, Andros is home to a collection of natural flats, particularly on the north and west side of the island. Catch and release a bonefish or fish for bigger game like yellowfin tuna and barracuda. “Our fishing product is resilient, and the avid anglers who travel worldwide come back again year after year to seek the thrilling adventure of the bonefish, tarpon, and elusive permit,” says Bastian.

Explore national parks.

Andros has five protected national parks, including West Side National Park, which stretches more than 1.5 million acres with dense mangroves and a nursery habitat that’s critical to the bonefishing ecosystem. There’s also the Blue Holes National Park, home to 40,000 acres that include freshwater reservoirs and blue holes.

Discover the blue holes.

There are more than 180 of these natural wonders on the island, and some popular spots include the Stargate Blue Hole, El Dorado, and Benjamin’s Blue Hole. Many hotels and diving sites also offer tours into these underwater relics.

Best Restaurants 

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Shine’s Conch Shack

This popular seaside shack is owned by Ornald “Shine” Greene, a bonefishing guide who’s happy to tell a story or two about the island. During certain times, you’ll even catch fishermen loading their catch of the day and taking it directly to the restaurant. Make sure to order the conch or ceviche, best washed down with an ice-cold Kalik beer.

Brigadier’s Restaurant  

This scenic restaurant has over-water seating on a pier at Dream Villas in Central Andros. The menu features both Bahamian and American cuisine, including cracked conch and chicken fettuccine. Enjoy the soothing sound of waves in this casual, alfresco setting that specializes in fresh seafood.

Millie’s Takeaway

For a taste of South Androsian food, head to resident Millie’s restaurant. Here, visitors can enjoy conch burgers, Johnny cakes, and a number of other Bahamian foods. You can take your food to go and enjoy it on a nearby beach.

Best Time to Visit 

Courtesy of Caerula Mar Club

The best time to visit Andros for good weather is mid-December to April, but it’s important to note this is also the high season, which sees more crowds and higher prices. The summer months of June and July feature big festivals, like the All Andros & Berry Islands Regatta and All Andros Crab Fest.

How to Get There 

Airlines such as Aztec Airways, Makers Air, Titan Air, and LeAir Charter offer weekly flights directly to Andros Town Airport (ASD) from Nassau, Bahamas, and Fort Lauderdale, Florida. To get to San Andros Airport (SAQ) in North Andros, book a flight on Western Air from Nassau, or Aztec Airways from the U.S. LeAir flies to South Andros Airport (TZN).

How to Get Around

Rental cars and vans are available, with prices starting at $85 per day for the former and $120 per day for the latter. Note that some companies may require a deposit. There are no buses or other forms of public transportation on Andros. Taxi cabs are readily available at each airport on arrival.

Read the original article on Travel & Leisure.