Andros Island is the largest of the 26 inhabited islands of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas. It is, geo-politically considered a single island, though it has hundreds of small islets and cays connected by mangrove estuaries and tidal swamps and even three major islands: North Andros, Mangrove Cay and South Andros. Andros has a land mass greater than all of the other 700 islands combined. Its area is approximately 2,300 square miles; 104 miles long and 40 miles wide. Andros is also the sixth largest Caribbean Island after Cuba, Hispaniola, Jamaica, Puerto Rico and Trinidad. The population is about 7800 in the “Big Yard” as it is affectionately called by many.
Andros has the third largest Barrier Reef. The reef is 190 miles long, drops to about eight feet on the island side and plunges to more than 6,000 feet in the Tongue of the Ocean. It is unique in the region because of its size, luxuriant coral growth, and low incidence of coral disease. Andros has the highest concentration of blue holes per square mile in the world. They house many unusual and unique cave fish and invertebrates, some not found anywhere else in the world. It is also known as the bonefish capital of the world where many travel to experience its glory. The Andros Park System is the country’s largest protected area, and includes five national parks: Blue Holes National Park, Crab Replenishment Reserve, North & South Marine Parks and the West Side National Park. There are thousands of acres of virgin forest, teaming with exotic flora and fauna and wild life. Here you will find wild hogs, and species of birds such as the West Indian Woodpecker, the Bahamas Mockingbird and the Red-legged Thrush.
Andros is also home to mythical creatures. Beware as you explore the pine forest for the large bird-like man-like creature with mystical powers called the Chickcharnee. These are mischievous creatures that if you cross one he will turn your head on backwards! Also, the Lusca, a sea monster, can suck you down into the blue holes if you are not cautious.
Infrastructure: Andros has four airports with paved runways: San Andros Airport at Nicholls Town (North), Andros Town International Airport at Mangrove Cay (Central) and Congo Town Airport in South Andros. Andros is connected to Nassau by mailboats such as the Lady Katrina, M/V Lady D and Lady Rosiland and the Captain Moxey, and the Sea Link Ferry, which runs daily into Fresh Creek.
Events: There are plenty things to do: Visit ANDROSIA in Fresh Creek and Andros Print in Congo Town or set your sails on one the many regattas. Eat your heart out and dance the night away at the homecoming, coppice and coconut festivals. Go crabbing at the Crab Fest, or wild boar hunting and sponging in Red Bays and Mangrove Cay.
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