Snorkeling Andros Island

Spreading forests of mahogany, lignum vitae and pine, blue holes hidden deep in the woods, Bahamian gremlins called “chickcharnies” hiding high in the trees. Nesting sea and shore birds, lobster and crab scuttling through the mangroves, corals poking their heads out of a placid indigo sea. This is Andros, the largest island of The Bahamas. A maze of fresh streams and mangrove stands divide the one hundred mile long island into a patchwork of greens and browns. Small fishing settlements are found along the length of the east coast.

The cobalt blue waters of the Tongue of the Ocean stroke the eastern edge of Andros, separated from the “big island” by one thing only, the third largest barrier reef in the world! With the vast mangrove wetlands of the island serving as a huge nursery for tiny fish and invertebrates, Andros boasts a marine population second to none. Over 100 miles of healthy coral formations stretch between the island and the deep water, much of it found on waters shallow enough to satisfy even the most casual observer.

Andros Snorkeling Sites

Liben’s Point – Large area with high stands of elkhorn and star coral to explore.

Central Park – Acres of corals with three major stands of elkhorn in less than 15 feet of water.

China Point – Fish to watch for include sergeant majors, blue tangs and trigger fish.

Trumpet Reef – There are lots of small invertebrates including brittle stars and spiny urchins.

Red Shoal – Lone patch reef of thick elkhorn corals. Watch the schooling grunts part way in unison as you swim through.

Solarium – Venture across the shallow flats keeping an eye out for stingrays and lobster.

The Compressor – An old compressor turned into a marvelous undersea reef.

North Beach – You’ll find small shoals and patch areas that harbor many fish and lobster.

Goat Cay – Has lots of good areas of turtle grass for hunting sea biscuits and sand dollars.

Davis Creek – A fascinating tidal flat that ventures into the mangrove.