Traveling To Andros Island in the Bahamas; Tips on Where to Stay, Eat, Drink & Explore

The largest of all the Bahamian Islands, Andros is the perfect destination for travelers who love outdoor adventure. Mostly untouched by developers or commercial industry, Andros Island is a lush, green landscape that blends into clean, light beaches and warm, clear waters. It is known as the Sleeping Giant because of how vast yet unpopulated the island is. These days, it’s rare to find a tourist destination as pure as Andros Island. For outdoor adventure seekers, this creates memorable experiences complete with natural landscapes and healthy habitats full of thriving creatures on land and in the water.

When To Visit

While the Bahamas are beautiful and welcoming all year, there are certainly better times of the year to plan a visit. Hurricane season begins in June and lasts through the Fall. Severe rain and winds make getting to and from the island a challenge and limit the activities you can enjoy during your stay.

However, in the winter season, from November to May, the risk of hurricanes subside, and daytime temperatures average 75 degrees with consistent winds coming in off the ocean. This climate is perfect for outdoor adventures on and around the island like SCUBA diving or offshore fishing.

Places To Stay

Colorful lodges and villas line the shores of Andros, providing a warm welcome and stunning views of the beach. Spooner’s Bay Lodge, owned by Salt Life team member Captain Skipper Gentry, for example, offers fully furnished homes for rent, with an ocean view from every guest room. At this specific waterfront resort, you can hire a private chef to visit your lodge and prepare fresh meals, like freshly cooked lobster that you’ll never forget.

Restaurants & Bars

Fantastic weather and gorgeous beaches aren’t the only things Andros has to offer. The island has a variety of local restaurants and bars for visitors to enjoy. You can’t go wrong stopping at The Conch Stand, Brigadier’s Restaurant, Sammy’s Bar and Grill, Hanks Place, or Driftwood Smokehouse BBQ. If you’re looking for a great adult beverage, check out The Beach House or Club Colors.

For travelers who love to immerse themselves in local cuisine, Andros Island has a few staples to try. Land crab is an island delicacy you won't want to miss out on during your visit. Conch served in various ways is also unique to the Caribbean islands and as fresh as it gets in Andros. On a recent trip to the island, Salt Life team member Amber Lewis stopped by The Conch Stand for another local dish, the hogfish sandwich, which she described as “to die for.”

Fishing

Fly fishing, inshore, and offshore fishing are all popular activities in Andros. Shallow waters that lead to deep seas create many opportunities for new and veteran fishermen to make impressive catches. Many avid anglers consider these islands to be the bonefishing capital of the world. 

The Andros flats are ideal for fly fishing. Calm, clear water, and plenty of bonefish are the perfect combination for a fun and challenging day. On a boat close to shore, anglers can try to catch different types of snapper and bonefish. Further out in deeper waters, you can take on the challenge of reeling in tuna, blue marlin, mahi-mahi, and barracuda. 

In addition to owning Spooner’s Bay Lodge, Captain Skipper Gentry also runs charters on his fishing boat, the Carolina Gentleman. Chartering a boat allows for a private fishing experience with professionals who can offer first-hand insight and advice about fishing and the island.

Diving
Andros is home to more than 200 “blue holes.” These holes link underwater cave systems, creating exciting exploration opportunities for SCUBA divers and snorkelers. 40 feet across and more than 120 feet deep, Uncles Charlie’s Blue Hole was one of Salt Life team member Amber Lewis’ favorite places to explore while visiting Andros.

Surfing, spearfishing, and stand-up paddleboarding are also options for outdoor adventures in the Bahamas.

If you’re planning a trip to Andros Island, we hope this helps you decide where to go and what to do. Rest assured that no matter how you choose to spend your time on the island, you will experience wonderful weather, vibrant views, and plenty of exciting activities.