Andros
The mangrove country of Bahamas with its own sea-monster, “Loch Ness Monster - Lusca” and mythical elfin inhabitants the Chickcharnie is the largest island of Andros. The island was also known by the Spanish name of La Isla del Espiritu Santo or the Island of Holy Spirit. The world over, Andros is the angling capital with bonefish, a challenging gamefish. The rustic country side with skeletal development and the great natural development off the east coast, one of the longest barrier reefs on the earth are both an open invitation to the adventurous.
The Geography
The island of Andros has three distinct zones; the North Andros, mostly populated and has fairly developed infrastructure; Central Andros, also known by its popular name the Mangrove Cay; and the South Andros, the rustic lightly inhabited and less developed zone. The Central and South are the chill zones for all nature lovers and some say that there are more bird watchers in Andros than the number of birds.
Things to do
There is plenty of action in Andros; the Andros October Sailing Regatta; the pine forest trails and the hunt for the elusive Chickcharnie; the Morgan’s Cave with stalactites and stalagmites; and the great Androsian reef of elkhorn coral, creating a natural gargantuan swimming pool for all the underwater activities. The visitor can buy the exquisite Batik painted, hand dyed local fabric and fashion accessories at the Androsia Factory. The villages of Seminole Indians can be visited in the Red Bays.
How to Reach
The large island of Andros has four airports and regular flights are available from Nassau to any of these. You can also fly directly from Florida to at least three of them where entry to foreign nationals is permitted. The government ferry service from Nassau is another cheap option but with its pitfalls; the three hour ferry ride can take upto eight hours sometimes.