Andros Island Bahamas
16
Cruises availables
At departure or passage at this port
Emerald Waterways (2 Cruises)
Frequently Asked Questions
Nowhere: Andros has no cruise terminal at all. Ships, usually expedition vessels or small lines, anchor offshore and land passengers by tender, generally near Fresh Creek.
It is the largest island in the archipelago, and one of the least visited. Its east coast borders the Tongue of the Ocean, a trench dropping past 1,800 metres within sight of the reef: the inky water against the pale green shallows is striking from the deck.
Three options depending on taste: snorkelling on the reef, the Blue Holes National Park a few kilometres from Fresh Creek, or a visit to the Androsia workshop. Book early: local capacity comes down to a handful of operators.
The third-largest barrier reef on the planet, after Australia's and Belize's: more than 200 kilometres off the east coast. On the lagoon side, coral gardens suited to swimmers of all levels; on the ocean side, the drop-off toward the Tongue of the Ocean, for experienced divers only.
A circular sinkhole, the remnant of caverns that collapsed during the ice ages. Andros holds a record concentration of them, more than 175, both offshore and inland. Blue Holes National Park makes several easy to reach, including Captain Bill's, ringed by an interpretive trail.
The hand-dyed batik that became the Bahamas' signature fabric, made since 1972 in a Fresh Creek workshop. Fish, shells and hibiscus stand out in wax resist on brilliant cottons. The visit shows every step of the process and the adjoining shop sells one-of-a-kind pieces.
The Bahamian dollar, at par with the US dollar, which is accepted everywhere. Facilities remain basic: bring cash, as card terminals are scarce.
English, the official language of the Bahamas. No French-language service is available locally.
For the vast flats along its western side, which earn it the unofficial title of bonefishing capital of the world. Local guides, several of whose families have passed the trade down for generations, run outings of a few hours.
With reservations. There is no developed beach and no organised children's activity: the appeal is entirely natural. A hat, water and closed shoes help on the national park trails.
