Scuba Dive

Andros is the largest of the islands of the Bahamas at 104 miles long by 40 miles wide and features lots of fresh water, beaches, mangrove trees, and vast pine forests.  The Andros Barrier Reef is the third largest barrier coral reef in the world and second largest reef in the Caribbean.  The Andros Reef stretches for 100 miles along the eastern shore of Andros Island.  In the winter, the water temperature is about 74F degrees and the summer water temperature is about 84F degrees.

Though a large island, the fish in the surrounding waters significantly outnumber the humans on land.  You’ll find sea turtles, rays, lionfish, reef sharks, and all manner of reef fish.  The island’s diving opportunities include shallow reefs, coral gardens, wrecks, and spectacular walls where the Tongue of the Ocean plunges to 6,000 feet.  Also, Andros is riddled with both terrestrial and oceanic blue holes.  Stargate, Guardian Blue Hole, Big Blue Hole, Little Frenchman and Uncle Charlie’s Blue Hole are among the most popular blue holes dived in and off Andros.

Some interesting dives on Andros include:

The Big Blue Hole - This ocean blue hole is the second deepest blue hole in the Bahamas. While there are some cavernous sections, you don’t need special equipment or lights. The entrance of the blue hole is at 40 feet, where you’ll descend down an ancient waterfall chute. Then you’ll make your way along the rim of the blue hole, passing under an enormous swim-through called the sky light room, where giant boulders have wedged themselves along the rim.  Finally, you pass into the main part of the “hole” where the bottom seems endless.

Coral Caverns – This site’s spur and groove coral formations have grown together, creating swim-throughs and numerous small caverns.  Barracuda and nurse sharks are frequently spotted amongst the myriad of small tropical fish.

Giant Staircase – Fantastic coral formations descend like giant steps over the edge of the wall into the abyss. Dense proliferations of sponges, invertebrates, and tropical fish are everywhere you look.  Keep your eyes in the blue for large pelagic species such as sharks, rays, and turtles that frequent this area. The sand at the top houses the requisite crop of garden eels.

Wreck of the Potomac – This interesting wreck sits in only 20 feet of water. While storms have scoured her of much coral or sponge decoration in recent years, this steamship is still a fascinating look at maritime history. Located near the channel leading into Coconut Bay, portions of the Potomac jut out of the water at low tide.

The Marion – Once a U.S. Navy crane barge, the Marion was sunk in 1988 by AUTEC, the local U.S. Navy base. It’s located on a large sandy area dotted with coral heads. The top of the wreck is at a depth of 50 feet , while the base is at the site’s maximum depth of 70 feet.  Sea life is plentiful here, from the southern stingray that glides over the sandy bottom, to the spiny lobster and the green moray eel that hide among the wreck’s crevices. It’s also a habitat for peacock flounders, hogfish, large grey snappers, french angelfish, fairy basslets, goatfish, and the occasional barracuda.

Like so many of the Bahamas Out Islands, Andros is not a place where nightlife thrives and tourism booms.  However, if you are looking for other, non-scuba activities it does boast one of the best places for bonefishing in the Caribbean.