Andros Island

Located about 150 miles off the coast of Miami, Andros Island is the largest and most desolate inhabited island in the Bahamas. Best known for its untouched forests, extensive reef system, and intricate underwater caves, Andros Island is a colorful and wild destination for an exciting tropical vacation.

About Andros Island

At 100 miles long and 40 miles wide, Andros Island is the largest island in the Bahamas yet it remains one of the least explored. The small communities that make up the 8,000 residents who live on Andros live primarily along the Eastern shore, leaving the rest of the island almost completely wild.

Like all islands of the Bahamas, the flora and fauna of Andros Island are governed by the sea. Large hills, mangrove forests, endemic wild orchids, and blue lagoon holes dot the landscape of Andros, creating distinct ecosystems throughout the island. The Andros Barrier Reef and the underwater cave system upon which the island sits are both what shaped the island and the island’s main attractions.

Andros Barrier Reef

Just beyond the ocean break, the Andros Barrier Reef protects the coastline from storms and provides a large aquatic habitat for exotic fish, invertebrates (including coral), turtles, rays, dolphins, sea iguanas, and other marine life.

The Andros Barrier Reef stretches along the island’s Eastern Shore for over 190 miles, making it one of the largest reefs in the world. Snorkeling, swimming, and SCUBA diving are the three most popular activities on Andros because of the diverse beauty found within the island’s coral reefs.

Underwater Cave System

There are blue holes near every island in the Bahamas, but those found on and near Andros are the most impressive. Andros has 178 known blue holes on the island and another 50 in the ocean.

The blue holes developed within the Bahamian carbonate platforms, creating intricate cave systems that are often interconnected. Lateral cave passageways can extend several miles and vertical cave passageways can be several hundred feet deep.

Altogether, Andros’ blue holes create beautiful and mysterious passageways to the underbelly of the island. Some species found within these cave systems are found nowhere else on earth and the rainbow-colored tropical fish draw SCUBA divers from around the world.

Wild Andros Habitat

Andros exhibits greater biodiversity than any other island in the Bahamas. Over seven distinct ecosystems exist on Andros, providing a huge variety of habitat for plants, animals, and aquatic creatures.

One of the most prized plants on Andros Island, Bahamas is the wild orchid. Over 50 different species exist on Andros, some of which are found nowhere else on earth. Another plant to watch out for are Andros’ famous pines – the tallest found in the Bahamas.

Perched on the Andros pines and other large trees, you will be able to see over 200 different species of birds. Although some are migratory, many of the birds on Andros are endemic to the Bahamas or Andros itself, meaning they are found nowhere else on the planet. Many of these bird species are critically endangered, so spotting the birds can be an extremely fulfilling activity to enjoy while on the island.

Staying with Island Real Estate

However you choose to fill your days on Andros Island, we’re sure that you will have experiences you’ve never had before. We hope you see a rare bird species, take photos of some of Andros’ famous orchids, and gain the courage to explore the blue holes.

Teeming with mystery, life, and color, Andros is the perfect location for a tropical vacation centered around SCUBA diving, snorkeling, and nature exploration.

After a long day of exciting activities outside on Andros Island, Bahamas, return home to a luxurious vacation rental to relax and process the day’s fun. For over 40 years, Island Real Estate has been providing the very best luxury vacation rentals in the Bahamas.