Andros Island, The Bahamas

Andros is the largest island in the Bahamas by land area yet remains one of the least visited. That contrast is precisely what draws travellers seeking something genuine. The island stretches across roughly 2,300 square miles of pine forests, mangrove creeks, tidal flats, and ocean-blue inland lakes, 30 miles west of Nassau, with large stretches that remain roadless and unexplored.

It also has the world’s best bonefishing. Fly-fishing enthusiasts who understand that statement make specific pilgrimages here; the average bonefish on Andros runs 4-6 pounds, considerably larger than comparable fisheries in Florida or Belize. Trophy fish of 8-15 pounds are caught here regularly. The vast tidal flats on the western side of the island sustain this population, and local guides with generational knowledge of the flats are what makes the fishing accessible.

Getting There

Small aircraft from Nassau serve several Andros airstrips: Andros Town, San Andros, Congo Town, and Mangrove Cay. Crossing takes about 20 minutes by air. Ferry services run from Nassau and take 2-3 hours depending on route. The island is divided into three separate land masses with no road connections between them – plan which district you want to visit before booking.

Bonefishing

The prime bonefishing season runs March through May; December through February is also excellent for winter fishing. October and November are highly regarded as fish return to the flats in numbers. Guided half-day and full-day excursions depart from lodges throughout the season. A 3-night, 2-day guided package at established lodges like Andros Island Bonefish Club starts around $2,268 per person in 2026. Book well ahead for peak season dates.

Diving and Snorkelling

The Andros Barrier Reef begins just off the eastern shoreline – one of the longest continuous reef systems in the world – and descends sharply into the Tongue of the Ocean, a trench dropping to over 6,000 feet. Wall dives, clear visibility up to 25-30 metres, and abundant marine life including reef sharks, grouper, and rays. Offshore blue holes attract advanced divers for cave-like passages and unusual current patterns. Inland blue holes – some safe for swimming, some requiring equipment – are accessed through local guides who know individual sites.

Where to Stay

Accommodation leans toward small guesthouses, fishing lodges, and owner-operated inns rather than resorts. North Andros around Nicholls Town and Fresh Creek offers the most variety. Central Andros near Mangrove Cay is popular with bonefishing visitors; lodges here cater specifically to anglers. Book well ahead – during peak fishing season (March to June), lodges fill weeks ahead.

Food

Bahamian cooking on Andros centres on cracked conch, stewed fish, peas and rice, crab and dough, and fresh lobster in season (August through March). Small restaurants in Nicholls Town, Fresh Creek, and Andros Town serve straightforward Bahamian plates at reasonable prices. Many operate on informal schedules; ask locally what is open.

Practical Notes

Mosquitoes and no-see-ums near mangroves after rain require reliable repellent. Banking facilities are limited; bring adequate cash outside the main settlements. The pace of life is genuinely unhurried. Things take longer than expected, and that is part of what makes a visit here different from more developed island destinations. Lobster is illegal to take March through July; spearfishing regulations apply to visitors the same as residents. The west side of the island – where the best bonefishing is – requires a local guide or shallow-draft boat to access properly.