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Andros Barrier Reef

A Comprehensive Guide

Located on the eastern coast of the Andros Island in the Bahamas, the Andros Barrier Reef is the third-largest barrier reef system in the world, extending approximately 190 miles (305 kilometers).

The reef offers an abundance of marine life, with over 160 species of fish, a ariety of coral formations, and crystal-clear waters, making it a paradise for snorkelers.

Marine Biodiversity

The reef is home a diverse range of marine life, including staghorn and elkhorn corals, sponges, turtles, stingrays, lobsters, dolphins, sharks, and numerous fish species like parrotfish, snappers, and groupers. The proximity of the reef to the Tongue of the Ocean—a deep oceanic trench—contributes to the abundance and diversity of marine species found here.

It is also the only place in the world where you can find more than one Nassau Grouper congregation, and famous for its deep water sponges.

Snorkel Andros Great Barrier Reef

Diving and Snorkeling

Andros Island is great for snorkeling, since the reef’s structure includes shallow areas and deeper sections. Notable dive sites include vertical walls and blue holes, such as Church’s Blue Hole and Uncle Charlie’s Blue Hole.

One of the top features of this area is that it remains unexplored and untouched, thanks to the land-ownership laws that kept the island free of big resorts.

Conservation Efforts

The Andros Barrier Reef is part of the North and South Marine Parks, established to protect approximately 8,500 acres of the reef’s healthiest sections. These marine parks aim to preserve the reef’s ecological integrity and support sustainable tourism practices.

Accessibility and Travel Information

Access to Andros Island is typically via flights from Nassau to local airports such as Andros Town Airport. From there, travelers can reach different dive operators that offer excursions to the reef. It’s advisable to plan visits during the drier months, from November to April, when water visibility is at its peak.

Are you ready to start discovering Bahamas?

This is the tour I did during my time in the Bahamas and personally recommend—leaving the link below so you can check it out for yourself.

Are you ready to start discovering Bahamas?

This is the tour I did during my time in the Bahamas and personally recommend—leaving the link below so you can check it out for yourself.

Tour bahamas

Bahamas' must-see attractions & Things to do

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