Andros Island

    Andros is the largest of the Bahamas Islands, one hundred miles long and up to 45 miles wide. Its 2300 sq miles represent one of the largest tracts of unexplored land in the Western Hemisphere.  Andros actually comprises three main islands separated by three enormous blights, or sounds up to 25 miles wide and full of innumerable cays. Forests of mahogany and pine sp  spread throughout the interiors of the island,  To the south, coconut groves and dazzling beaches of white sand spread for miles.  Most of the people live along the northeast coast.  The western portion of the island is mostly low and barren, often called "the mud". 

    There are four regional airports, San Andros - MYAN, Andros Town - MYAF, Bain - MYAB, and Congo Town - MYAK; be sure to fly to the correct one for wherever you plan to stay.

    The Andros Barrier Reef, the third longest coral barrier reef in the world, is known for its superb dive sites.  Just beyond the reef lies the "Tongue of the Ocean" of the Ocean with a sheer wall dropping to depths in excess of 6000 ft.

    I landed at the Andros Town Airport which is three miles from Fresh Creek.  Just east of the airport is the joint US-UK navies' AUTEC (Atlantic Undersea Test and Evaluation Center) antisubmarine warfare testing facility.  This area is strictly off-limits; the same goes for the waters up to 2 miles offshore.

    We stayed at the Chickcharnie's Hotel  The hotel has 16 air-conditioned rooms (each different) on the second floor above a restaurant, grocery store, and bar. The hotel is a simple basic hotel but it was clean and the people were friendly.  We were the only party staying at the hotel.

    Across Fresh Creek from Chickcharnie's is the government run Lighthouse Yacht Club and Marina.  The restaurant serves very good food at very reasonable prices.

    The next morning we took our rental car to Small Hope Bay Lodge to check the lodge out.

    We spent a short time at the Androsia Batik Factory where the famous Androsia batiks are made.