You won't want to miss an opportunity to snorkel or dive in and around Andros Barrier Reef while enjoying a stay at your Abaco beach resort. Thrill seekers can experience an adventurous dive into the waters of the ocean trench that Andros Island sits on. For the more faint-at-heart, take to shallower waters and explore coral heads on the inside of the reef. YourAbaco beach vacation rental is waiting for you.
The Reef
Andros Barrier Reef is the second largest of the western hemisphere and the third largest reef in the world, completely comprised of coral heads. Located a little more than a mile off-shore, the reef stretches 140 miles along the east coast of Andros Island, edging a trench called the Tongue of the Ocean. When you dive from this part of the island you're not presented with long, low reefs, but rather an underwater wall descending for thousands of feet. Endless warm, tidal blue holes, both off-shore and inland, make for exciting exploration of the spectacular underwater cave system. According to local legend, the caverns are home to Lucsa, a sea monster that pulls unwary divers down into the blue abyss.
Snorkeling Sites
Andros boasts an extensive, varied population of marine life due to the vast mangrove wetlands that serve as a massive nursery for small invertebrates and fish. Even though coral formations span waters between the island and open ocean, much of it can be accessed from shallow water for all to enjoy. Try our recommendations for an awesome snorkeling experience.
- Within its acres of coral, Central Park offers three major stands of Elkhorn coral in less than 15 feet of water.
- Davis Creek is a tidal flat venturing into the fascinating marine life of the mangrove.
- Liben's Point offers a large reef with high stands of star and Elkhorn coral to view French angelfish with bright yellow ringed eyes or stoplight parrotfish feeding on coral algae.
- Red Shoal is a lone patch reef where schools of blue striped grunts separate simultaneously as you swim through them.
Diving Excursions
Bahamas Underground offers cavern and cave diving trips from Abaco to Andros Island. Part-owner and experienced guide Brian Kakuk was a featured diver in two Pirates of the Caribbean films. Check their website for information or call (242) 359-6128.
Small Hope Bay Lodge has introduced divers from experienced to beginners to the wonders of Andros Barrier Reef. Offering shallow reef diving of 10 feet or off the wall up to 90 feet, they'll show you their backyard with expertise and safety. Located in Andros, call (800) 223-6961 toll-free from the United States or Canada for details.
Getting There
Bahamas Ferries run from Abaco to Potters Cay, Nassau where you can connect to Andros Island. Their summer schedule runs from April 7 to December 22; check their website for details or call (242) 323-2166. You can also hitch a ride for a one-of-a-kind jaunt on the Bahamas Mail Boats when they deliver to the Out Islands, they don't have a website, but upon arrival call the Dockmaster at (242) 394-1237 for days and departure times.
Begin planning your Abaco Bahamas trip at VacationHomes.com where you can sort for a rental home by location, amenities and price.