Instagram Guide to South Andros Island, Bahamas

Instagram Guide to South Andros Island, Bahamas

Editor's Note: While we continue to practice social distancing (opens in new tab), we encourage readers to check the Centers for Disease Control website (opens in new tab) for the latest information on how to travel safely during the COVID-19 pandemic We encourage you to do so. In the meantime, bookmark this Instagram travel guide, and you'll love it.

With over 90 miles of pristine beaches, Andros Island is the largest island in the Bahamas and the fifth largest in the Caribbean. Fishermen know Andros as the skipjack fishing capital of the world, but the island is largely off the radar of tourists, making it the perfect place for a socially distanced vacation.

Andros Island is one of the Bahamas' "out islands," where no cruise ships call in and no high-rise hotels are built. The three islands of North Andros, Mangrove Caye, and South Andros are connected by bridges and are covered with mangrove forests, wetlands, palm savannas, wild orchids, and of course, secluded beaches. To the east of Andros is one of the largest coral reefs in the world, and beyond it is a deep blue tongue of ocean. This deep ocean basin separates Andros from New Providence Island and attracts snorkelers and divers.

With regard to the COVID-19 safety protocol, the Bahamas requires visitors to submit a health visa for approval (all visitors must opt into the $40 COVID-19 health insurance) before visiting. Within 5 days of travel, visitors must have a PCR test for COVID-19 and upload scanned travel documents and health questionnaire (opens in new tab). If you will be in the Bahamas for more than five days, you will also be tested for COVID-19 rapid antigen on the fifth day of your stay. In addition, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) requires all air passengers arriving in the U.S. from abroad to have a negative COVID-19 test (opens in new tab) or proof of recovery from COVID-19, so they should be tested before departure.

After reviewing the island's safety protocols (opens in new tab), if there are no travel issues, the following are places to stay, things to do, and foods to eat in South Andros.

The best way to get to South Andros Island is to take the Makers Air (opens in new tab) shuttle from Fort Lauderdale, Florida; this 10-passenger plane will take you to the island's airport, Congo Town International, in about an hour. The 10-seat plane will take you to the island's airport, Congo Town International, in about an hour. To catch the early morning flight, stay the night before at the Hyatt Centric Las Olas (opens in new tab) in Fort Lauderdale.

If you've ever watched HGTV's "Renovation Island" (opens in new tab), you'll recognize the Kaela Mar Club (opens in new tab), a luxury resort owned and designed by Brian and Sarah Baumler. The resort opened in South Andros after nearly 20 years, breathing new life into the area. This boutique hotel has only 18 oceanfront suites and six private villas scattered throughout the sprawling resort, so don't worry about crowds; if you stay for more than five days, you can take the COVID-19 rapid antigen test on the fifth day at the resort, and if you stay for more than five days, you can take the COVID-19 rapid antigen test on the fifth day at the resort.

If the waves are calm, take a stand-up paddleboard to the resort and explore the shoreline. If the waves are big, opt for a kayak and paddle out into the crystal blue waters.

If you don't fear the mythical sea monster Lusca that guards the Blue Hole (open in new tab) on Andros, jump into the sea and explore the natural caves. Local guides will show you the best spots and explain the island's flora and fauna along the way.

Drifts spans the beach and pool area of Caerula Mar and is the perfect spot to order lunch while dipping your toes in the water. Fish tacos are made with the catch of the day, and salads are filled with vegetables from the nearby fields. Order a pina colada made with fresh pineapple and topped with toasted coconut to accompany your lunch. -or get hot with a spicy Bloody Mary.

The Andros Islands barrier reef (open in new tab) is the third largest in the world and is home to amazing marine life. The reef on the island side is about 1.5 meters deep, while the reef on the ocean side is about 6,000 m.

Head to Pointe (opens in new tab) for a typical Bahamian lunch of fried conch and local Kalik beer. The casual restaurant offers sweeping ocean views and outdoor gazebo seating.

Get up early one morning and head to what is arguably the most beautiful beach in South Andros: Kemps Bay. With a mimosa in hand, kick up your feet and watch the sunrise, it's the perfect start to a perfect day.

For an unforgettable dinner, experience South Andros' only fine dining restaurant: Lusca. Located in Cahuela Mar, this restaurant is led by Argentine chef Sebastian Perez and offers a new menu every night, inspired by seasonal ingredients.

If you fall in love with South Andros, book your trip here (opens in new tab).

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