6 Reasons Why You Should Visit Andros Island, Bahamas
Most college seniors take super easy classes because, duh, it's their senior year.
Little Miss Overachiever (aka me) decided to take 21 hours, work two jobs, and study for the LSAT. Yeah, I know--what's wrong with me?!?!
As a part of those 21 hours, I signed up for a elective geology class. This class taught us geology, marine biology, history, culture, and botany. This interdisciplinary course culminated with a study abroad program at Forfar Field Station in Andros, Bahamas.
In other words, it was THE COOLEST elective class EVER. The fact that my sister, two of our friends, and my then-boyfriend also went on the trip just made it that much better.
A lot of people have been to Nassau or Freeport but haven't ever heard of Andros. Seriously, people, you're missing out. Here's why:
1) The island is the biggest in the Bahamas, but it is the least populated.
Do you know what that means? It's basically like having your own private island--without the overinflated price tag.
2) The water is insanely blue and super crystal clear.
I realize that pretty much anywhere in the Bahamas and/or Caribbean can also make this claim, but I think the water is
extra
clear (based on exactly zero research) because there are so few boats and such.
Yes, the water really is that color. I didn't have to edit any of my Andros pictures because the colors are already incredibly intense!
3) The people are ridiculously friendly.
During the two weeks that I was there, I met so many Androsians. All of them would go out of their way to talk with me, wave to the group from their vehicles, and give us advice on what to do or where to buy something. They could have looked at all of us as annoying college kids and ignored us, but instead they were welcoming and happy to share their beautiful home with us.
One day, I really needed to get some snacks for my sister who was eating exactly none of the food at the hotel (she's not the most adventurous eater). I'd heard that there was a little convenience store just down the road from where we were staying, so I headed out to get some chips and cookies for Amber. The convenience store turned out to be a little cinderblock hut in the owner's front yard, and she opened up the store just for me. Talk about some customer service!
4) There is an entire village of people that no one knew existed for decades.
A group of Black Seminoles traveled to the northern tip of Andros in the early 1800s to escape from the slavery in America. It wasn't until the 1930s when a researcher on Andros stumbled upon the descendants of those original Black Seminoles in a village called Red Bays. Even today, the villagers choose to live simplistic lives without most modern amenities or medicine.
5) It's a haven for SCUBA divers and snorkelers.
Because the area is no sparsely populated, there aren't a ton of diving and snorkeling lodges. The ones that
do
exist give visitors carte blanche to explore the nearly untouched reefs. For those who are really brave, TOTO (the Tongue of the Ocean and one of the deepest trenches on earth) is located just off the eastern coast of Andros.
6) There are blue holes everywhere.
While I found these places super creepy (I'm wary of water where I can't see my feet), they are incredibly interesting geologically-speaking. Andros is made of limestone, which is a soft rock. Over the millenia, the limestone has been eaten away by the saltwater and created caves that can be entered from the top of the island. The blue holes can be hundreds of feet deep and usually have a thermocline where the salt and freshwater meet.
Over the next few weeks, in addition to my other posts, I'll be sharing more pictures and stories from my time in Andros. I hope you'll keep up with this new mini-series! :)
Would you ever choose to take an off-the-beaten path Bahamian vacation to Andros? Would you rather stick to the more touristy places like Nassau or Paradise Island?