What to do in San Andros 

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San Andros is just a 12-minute flight from Nassau and it sits in the northern region of Andros, which is the largest island in the Bahamas. Although it is the largest island in the Bahamas it remains virtually untouched. Vast and green, it holds countless adventures for lovers of the outdoors and thrill seekers with activities such as world-class scuba diving, deep-sea and fly-fishing and blue holes. If you prefer a more relaxing vacation then the national forests and sandy beaches will be perfect for you. If you are thinking of booking your flights to the Bahamas this blog will show you why San Andros is a great place to go.

Go Snorkeling or Diving

It will come as no surprise to anyone who travels to the Caribbean that the waters around the shores of the islands hold a magical experience for those who want to try snorkeling and diving. If you are booking your flights to the Bahamas and would like an underwater adventure, there is definitely lots to explore in San Andros and it really does not matter whether you are a complete beginner or an experienced driver, there will be something for everyone to enjoy.

Andros Barrier Reef

The Andros Barrier Reef is one of the top locations in the Bahamas for diving or snorkeling and it is only about 30 minutes from San Andros in a car, where you can catch a boat out to the reef. It is the third-largest reef in the world and is situated off the eastern coast of the island of Andros. Measuring somewhere between 124 and 190 miles long, the Andros Barrier Reef is actually the third-longest barrier reef in the world. It consists of five reefs, each of which have a unique ecosystem. These are the lagoon reef, back reef, reef crest, inner fore reef and outer fore reef. If you are booking your flights to the Bahamas you will want to set aside some time to visit the reef. This rugged untouched park is home to an array of exotic animals like iguanas, flamingos, sharks, and turtles. The Andros Barrier Reef literally offers the best of both worlds — land and sea. This really is a must do activity if you are booking your flights to the Bahamas and you are a keen diver or snorkeler. You can also find many boat trips that will take you out for a day trip if you would prefer to view the reef from above the water.

Visit the National Parks

Blue Holes National Park

If you are booking your flights to the Bahamas and thinking of visiting San Andros then you won’t want to miss the Blue Holes National park. It is about 45 minutes by car from San Andros and it is a perfect day out. It was established in 2002 and is over 40,000 acres big. Andros has one of the highest concentrations of blue holes in the world and this national park was created as an effort to protect them and the surrounding coppice and pine forests. The blue holes have been exposed to the elements and which has created a vast underwater cave system. The forests in the Blue Holes National Park are also important habitats to a number of rare species, for example the elusive Great Lizard Cuckoo. It is an excellent bird watching spot and the huge space and hiking trails make it a unique place for a camping trip.  

West Side National Park

One of the Caribbean’s most distinctively clean and ecologically diversified environments can be found on Andros’ west side. Almost the whole west side of Andros Island is covered by this 1.5 million-acre national park. While this is located a bit further from San Andros and you need to get on a boat to access it, it’s still a great day out if you are booking your flights to the Bahamas and hoping to visit Andros Island. Within these limits is an incredibly intricate ecology with a large, beautiful environment that draws tourists from all over the world. These natural coastal wetlands serve as a critical feeding ground for West Indian Flamingos and are The Bahamas’ most productive fish nursery.

Go Hiking

Due to its hilly terrain and the variety of springs that each provide a distinctive experience, Andros, unlike the other Cyclades islands, it is a beautiful place to enjoy hiking and it’s one of the best places to experience for all walking and nature lovers. If you are booking your flights to the Bahamas and are hoping to do some hiking then San Andros and Andros Island is a great location for this. There are approximately 25 hiking paths with varied degrees of difficulty on Andros that hikers of all skill levels can enjoy. The network of hiking trails is thought to be 300 kilometers long in all. Old bridges, watermills, valleys, and even little waterfalls are all accessible to hikers on the island of Andros. You can stroll alongside rivers, explore stone-walled walkways, and take in a distinctive perspective. Some of these trails almost make it to the mountain ridge of the island.

Rainbow Blue Hole Trail

Follow a winding trail through the Andros hard wood coppice and coastal pine forest, this is a quick and beautiful one mile walk over a rock path to a magical blue hole where you can feel completely at ease enjoying your surroundings. Unlike some other blue holes, this one doesn’t have a jump in point and it is just a simple walk along a shallow rock ledge. The trail is quiet and only occasionally will you see another traveler making it a peaceful activity to do if you are booking your flights to the Bahamas and hoping to visit San Andros.

Book Your Flights Today! 

There is so much to offer on Andros and San Andros is the perfect base to experience the island from. With unique hiking trails and unmatched nature and wildlife it really is an incredible vacation spot. Western Air Bahamas flies to San Andros, so if this blog has you wanting to book your vacation here then you will want to check out our website to book your flights to the Bahamas today! 

Admin TeamWhat to do in San Andros 
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Divers and Snorkelers: Andros Barrier Reef

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When booking your flights to the Bahamas it is likely that you will picture yourself relaxing on a white sandy beach, or swimming in the crystal clear waters. However, if you would like to try something more adventurous on your vacation then snorkeling or diving could be the activity for you. One of the best places for diving or snorkeling in the Bahamas is the Andros Barrier Reef. It is the third largest reef in the world, covering around 200 kilometers and located off the Eastern Coast of the island of Andros, close to the Tongue of the Ocean in the Bahamas.

 

A precious ecosystem

The reef itself stretches along 100 miles of coastline on the eastern side of Andros Island and the dive resort is a great place to dive and explore the precious beauty of this area of the Bahamas. It consists of five reefs in all but each of which has a unique and individual ecosystem. If you are booking your flights to the Bahamas and want to experience some of the incredible nature that these islands have to offer, the Andros Reef is an excellent place to visit. 

 

Life on the Reef

The underwater world of tropical fish and rays alongside huge coral towers make for exciting dives, and you will definitely want this on your vacation itinerary if you are booking your flights to the Bahamas. The reef will provide you with once in a lifetime memories of this beautiful natural and living wonder. You may even glimpse the blue Marlin Which is a legendary fish in the Bahamas. In fact it’s their national fish!  At five meters long, up to 2000 pounds in weight, it can reach speeds of up to 60 miles per hour.

The reef also contains an incredible number of fish and coral species including the wonderful green turtle. The fishes’ names are as individual as the fish themselves, including the sharp nose puffer, black jack and queen trigger. Of course, the reef is home to some of nature’s more legendary sea creatures too. You could find yourself swimming with moray eels, manta rays, and reef sharks. So that the reef can be enjoyed by everyone, it is preserved in the healthiest state possible and it doesn’t suffer from over tourism. This makes diving and snorkeling in the reef both a very personal and natural experience and it is a perfect activity if you are booking your flights to the Bahamas.

 

Boat Dives

For those who want a more relaxed experience you can snorkel and experience the beauty of the reef in the shallow waters as it can be enjoyed from only 2.5 meters deep. However, if you are booking your flights to the Bahamas as a more confident diver who wants a bit more adventure, the reef can be seen in all its glory during a boat dive. These are limited to six people so that the experience is personal and safe for all and to also reduce the number of people going through the reef. The boat dives also allow you to reach the much more remote dive sites in the reef.  

 

When to Visit?

If you are booking flights to the Bahamas and hoping to visit the Andros Barrier Reef, the best time of year to go is between February and April. These months are typically warm and dry and the water is a great temperature for diving and snorkeling.

However, any time between November and May is usually considered a good time to visit and at these times you will avoid the rainy season which occurs during the summer months. Shark diving is also at its best from November to May, with superb topside conditions and you will find plenty of Caribbean reef sharks at this time.

 

Book Your Flights Today

If you are booking your flights to the Bahamas and hoping to go diving or snorkeling or you are just hoping to try something new on your vacation, Andros Barrier Reef is a great place to visit. Book your flights today to enjoy this once in a lifetime experience.

Admin TeamDivers and Snorkelers: Andros Barrier Reef
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