Andros - Bahamas

Andros Island, some 2300 square miles in size, is the largest and least-explored island in The Bahamas. A coral limestone formation, Andros is dominated by thick impenetrable bush, sliced in pieces by inland waterways, inlands, cays, bights, mangroves, farm land and edged by mangrove swamp. To the north are hardwood and pine forests, including Andros Pine, Mahogany (Madeira), Horseflesh, and Lignum Vitae; along the east coast are the fishing and diving grounds of the Andros Barrier Reef. On the West Coast are the pristine fishing flats of the Great Bahama Bank.

Andros is known as the Bonefish capital and as having the oldest dive resort in the world. The average ocean temperature is 80°

The Barrier Reef, the third largest in the world and the second largest in the western hemisphere, stretches 140 miles along the east coast of the island and rims the Tongue of the Ocean, with its 6,000-foot drop-off. Additionally Andros abounds in Blue Holes (underwater cave systems), which have been the scene of some of the deepest underwater cave explorations in the world. This is the site of the US base for submarine exploration and evaluation.

There are more than 40 known species of wild orchids on the island, as well as endemic and migrating bird and butterfly populations. Other wildlife includes iguanas, wild boars and land crabs.

The Island has a population of approximately 10,000 people, most of them residing in small towns located on the eastern coast. The island itself is the great provider, with the main occupations being fishing and farming. In addition, the island has long traditions in boat building, straw work, and wood carving. Androsians have deep pride as artists and craftsman and were formerly a major producer of sponges. Their heritage dates back to Seminole Indians, runaway slaves from Florida, a mix of different people from Africa to South America. It is widely believed that the name Andros was not influenced by the Greek island but rather from St. Andro off the coast of Africa.

There are over 200 species of birds that inhabit the Bahamas--and Andros, with its vast undeveloped land, is home to many of them. Among the most common ! are: The Bahama Woodstar, the West Indian Woodpecker, the Loggerhead kingbird, LaSagre's Flycatcher, the Great Antillean Pewee, the Bahama Swallow, the Bahama Mockingbird, The Red-legged Thrush, the Thick-billed Vireo, the Black-whiskered Vireo, the Olive-capped Warbler, Kirtland Warbler, the Bahama Yellowthroat, the Black-cowled Oriole, the Great Antillean Bullfinch, the Black-faced Grassquit, the Melodious Grassquit, the Least Grebe, Olivaceous Cormorant, the Flamingo, the Bahama Pintail, Osprey, Kestel, Sooty Tern, Roseate Tern, Noddy Tern, White Crowned Pigeon, Zenaida Dove, White-bellied Dove, the Key West Quail Dove, the Great Lizard Cuckoo, the Smooth-billed Ani and the Cuban Emerald Hummingbird.

When the Spanish discovered Andros, they named it Isla del Esperita Santo, the Island of the Holy Spirit, a tribute to the abundance of water in Andros. It is a fact that Andros is laced with thousands of miles of inland waterways and fishing flats. North, Middle and South Bights cut right through the island, east to west, creating a natural access to even more flats on the west side of the island. These provide world-class conditions for fly fishermen in pursuit of bonefish and tarpon. Andros is also blessed with an abundance of fresh water. In fact, nearly 7 million gallons of water are shipped from North Andros to Nassau every day. The source of the water: rain water, which collects in underground tunnels and caves, and forms a fresh water lens that sits on top of the salt water.

Andros is believed to have two mischievous, legendary creatures. The first is a Lusca and supposedly drowns those carelessly exploring blue holes which link the ocean with fresh water creeks inland. Also is a three-toed, red-eyed, bird-bodied chickcharnie, said to have indirectly started World War II. The bloodshed was supposedly the end result of a British plantation owner bent upon chopping down trees said to house Chickcharnie nests.

Andros is home of Androsia, the colorful handmade island clothing of the Bahamas. Begun in 1972 as a cottage industry, The Androsia Batik Factory is open weekdays for guest visitors to view the batik/dying and sewing process. Great deals on clothing and fabrics can be found at both the Androsia Factory Outlet Store and the boutiques all around the different islands of the Bahamas.

Map of Andros

Attractions Andros is the largest of The Islands of the Bahamas, known primarily as the “Bonefishing Capital of the World” It is also the site of the Great Barrier Reef, the third largest reef in the Western Hemisphere, fascinating blue holes and the mystical Chickcharnie. Visitors can interrupt their days and nights of pure relaxation to explore the underwater life and experience the vast blue holes for themselves. During the month of November, visitors come to the island for the North Andros Thanksgiving Bonefish Tournament.

Night Life

As with most of The Islands of The Bahamas, night clubs provide a main source of entertainment.

North Andros

Dayshell's Night Club Nicholl's Town..............................242-329-2183

Roger Munnings Night Club: Mastic Point.

Rumors. Nicholl's Town................242-329-2398

Sugar Shack: Nicholl's Town.........242-329-2194

 

Central Andros

Donnie's Sweet Sugar Lounge Fresh Creek....................................242-368-2080

Leadon's Creekside Lounge & Disco Behring Point................................242-368-4167

Dining

North Andros

Conch Sound Resort Inn Conch Sound................................242-329-2060

Green Windows Inn Nicholl's Town..............................242-329-2194

Morgan's Treasure & Bonefish Lodge Morgan's Bluff...............................242-329-2072

Central Andros

Aquamarine Restaurant Fresh Creek.......................... ........242-368-2750

Chicharnie Restaurant & Bar Fresh Creek...................................242-368-2025

Golden Conch Restaurant Fresh Creek............................... ...242-368-2173

Hank's Place Restaurant & Bar Fresh Creek.................................242--358-2173

Sea View Restaurant & Bar Behring Point................................242-368-4005

Lighthouse Club & Marina Restaurant Fresh Creek...................................242-368-2305

South Andros

Emerald Palms By The Sea Driggs Hill....................................242-369-2661

Ezrena's Eatery Restaurant & Bar Drigg's Hill...................................242-369-2586

L & M Restaurant & Bar Congo Town..................................242-369-2655

Getting Around

TAXI SERVICES: ................242-328-2579

RENTAL CARS Rahming's Rental: Kemps Bay.....................................242-369-1608

Medical Service

Nicholl's Town Clinic............242-329-2055

Mastic Point Clinic................242-329-3055

Kemp's Bay Clinic.....................242-369-4849

Central Andros Clinic.........242-368-2626

Fresh Creek Clinic..................242-368-2038

Mangrove Cay Clinic............242-369-0089

Shopping

Shopping in Andros is limited to souvenir, craft and straw items.

Marinas

Chickcharnie Hotel: Fresh Creek..................................242-368-2025

Lighthouse Yacht Club & Marina: Fresh Creek...................................800-825-5099

Panic Button

Police (General)........................................919

Police, Fresh Creek...............242-368-2626

Police, Kemp’s Bay ..................242-369-4733

Police, Nicholl’s Town.........242-329-2353

Bahamasair, Fresh Creek.....242-368-2560

Long Distance Operator.........................0

Directory Assistance..........................916

Telegraphs ............................................910

How To Get Here

Bahamasair...............................800-222-4246

Lynx Air......................................888-596-9247

Congo Air...................................242-377-3362

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