Why Honeymoon on Andros
Andros offers a side of the Bahamas few visitors see. You can dive a reef wall in the morning, swim in a forest blue hole in the afternoon and eat fresh conch on a quiet beach at sunset. The sheer size of the island means you rarely share a beach.
It also has one of the most romantic retreats in the country. Kamalame Cay, a private island resort off the east coast of North Andros, has villas and cottages spread along a long beach, with an overwater spa and very few guests. Couples who want to dive have Small Hope Bay Lodge, founded in 1960 as the first dive resort in the Bahamas.
Andros has its own folklore, too. Locals tell stories of the chickcharney, a mischievous creature with one red eye that is said to live in the pine forest. Locals joke that a polite visitor keeps good luck.
When to Go
March through May is the best time to visit Andros. The weather is warm and mostly dry, seas are calm for diving and the bugs are less active than in summer.
December through February is pleasant but can bring cool, windy fronts from the north. Water temperatures drop slightly. Some days are too rough for diving on the east side. June and July are hotter and more humid, with more rain and more mosquitoes and sandflies.
Hurricane season runs from June through November, with the highest risk from August through October. Many lodges close for part of the fall, so check before booking. On average, a hurricane affects Andros every few years. Bonefishing is good most of the year, with spring and fall often favored by anglers. Divers find the best visibility in calm spring and summer conditions.
Where to Stay
Andros has only a few places to stay, so choose carefully.
- Kamalame Cay is a private island resort off Staniard Creek in North Andros. It has cottages, villas and suites along a long beach, an overwater spa and a short ferry across the creek. It is the island's top choice for honeymooners who want privacy and comfort.
- Small Hope Bay Lodge near Fresh Creek is a family-run, all-inclusive dive resort with simple beachfront cabins and a friendly, social atmosphere. It suits divers and snorkelers.
- Bonefishing lodges around the island, especially in South Andros and Mangrove Cay, offer packages with guides and boats for anglers.
Beyond these, small guesthouses and rental homes offer basic comforts. Many properties close for part of the hurricane season. Confirm dates and current reviews before booking.
Romantic Things to Do
- Swim in a blue hole. Captain Bill's Blue Hole and other inland holes have clear, deep water surrounded by forest. Ask a guide about safety and access.
- Dive the wall. Boats from Small Hope Bay and other operators reach the edge of the Tongue of the Ocean, where coral drops away into deep blue water.
- Snorkel the barrier reef close to shore on calm days.
- Go bonefishing on the vast flats with a local guide. Even beginners can try.
- Visit the Androsia batik factory in Fresh Creek, where colorful fabric used in Bahamian national dress has been made since the 1970s. Buy a sarong to take home.
- Kayak through mangrove creeks to see birds, juvenile fish and small rays.
- Book a couples' massage at Kamalame Cay's overwater spa.
Getting There and Around
Andros has four airports: San Andros (SAQ) in the north, Andros Town (ASD) at Fresh Creek, Clarence A. Bain on Mangrove Cay (MAY) and Congo Town (TZN) in the south. Most couples fly to Nassau (NAS) on a nonstop from the US, then take a short domestic flight of about 15 to 20 minutes.
Small airlines and seaplane operators also fly from South Florida. Kamalame Cay says flights from Miami or Fort Lauderdale take about an hour to an hour and a half. Seaplanes can land right off the cay. Because aircraft are not allowed to fly over Bahamian waters at night, plan your connections so you arrive before dark.
On the island, distances are long and public transport is limited. Most couples use hotel transfers or arrange taxis in advance. Renting a car is possible for exploring, but roads are long and services are sparse. Driving is on the left.
Food and Drink
Andros food is simple and local. Expect conch prepared every possible way, especially conch salad and cracked conch, along with grilled snapper, grouper and lobster in season. Land crabs are a local specialty, especially in summer when they cross the roads in large numbers.
Kamalame Cay serves meals in its restaurant and on the beach, with an emphasis on fresh seafood and Bahamian flavors. Small Hope Bay Lodge serves hearty family-style meals with its all-inclusive packages.
Outside the resorts, you will find small restaurants and takeaway stands in the settlements, often with limited hours. Plan ahead for meals. Carry snacks if you go exploring. For drinks, try a Kalik or Sands beer, a rum punch or a Bahama Mama. Supplies come from Nassau, so prices are higher than in the US.
Honeymoon Tips
- Bring strong insect repellent. Mosquitoes and sandflies can be fierce, especially in summer and near mangroves. If you're pregnant or hoping to be soon, check CDC travel health notices for the Bahamas.
- Plan for remoteness. ATMs, pharmacies and shops are limited, so bring cash, medicine and essentials.
- Respect blue holes. They are deep. Some have strong currents or tidal flows. Only swim where guides say it is safe.
- Book flights so you arrive in daylight, since night flights over the islands are restricted.
- The US State Department rates the Bahamas at Level 2, exercise increased caution, mainly due to crime in Nassau and Freeport. Andros is quiet. Normal precautions apply.
- Pack for casual living: swimwear, light clothes, a rain jacket and water shoes.
