Tongue of the Ocean
A wide diversity of marine life can be seen while exploring the multiple dive sites that surround Andros.
© istock/apomares
Explore Andros Island
Andros Island, the Bahamas' largest island, offers an exceptional diving experience that beckons divers from around the world. With its third longest barrier reef on Earth, the Andros Barrier Reef, this destination provides a mesmerizing underwater exploration opportunity. This vibrant reef teems with kaleidoscopic corals and an array of marine life, including the Nassau grouper, stingrays, and elusive Caribbean reef sharks. Divers can explore diverse environments, from the colorful shallow reefs ideal for beginners to the dramatic plunging walls of the Tongue of the Ocean, reaching depths of over 1829 meters/6000 feet. One of the island's unique features is the Blue Holes National Park, home to the world's largest collection of inland blue holes. These mystical sinkholes offer thrilling freshwater dives for the more technically inclined, while the nearby shipwrecks scattered along South Andros provide hauntingly beautiful experiences. Whether you prefer shore dives, boat excursions, or the convenience of a liveaboard, diving around Andros promises adventure at every turn. The best time to dive is from November to May, when the dry season ensures stable conditions. Year-round, water temperatures remain inviting, ranging from 27°C–31°C/81°F–88°F. The island's tranquil atmosphere, coupled with its rich underwater world, makes Andros a haven for divers of all levels, eager to explore the enchanting marine landscapes of this untouched paradise.
Top Regions to Explore
Dive Activity
Diving in Andros Island
Andros Island, located in the Bahamas, is a diver's paradise with an array of captivating dive sites. The island boasts the Andros Barrier Reef, the third-largest reef in the world, offering pristine shore dives accessible to both beginners and seasoned divers. Popular sites include the blue holes, underwater cave systems teeming with marine life, and the Tongue of the Ocean, where divers can explore vibrant coral gardens and spot everything from parrotfish to groupers.
For those seeking wreck dives, Andros Island doesn't disappoint. The "Ray of Hope" is a notable wreck site, providing an exciting underwater exploration experience. Night dives reveal a different aquatic world, with bioluminescent creatures illuminating the dark waters, creating a mesmerizing atmosphere. Liveaboard options allow divers to reach more remote sites, balancing the convenience of shore diving with the thrill of discovering less-traveled underwater destinations.
Dive Centers
Dive Sites
The best Months to dive in Andros Island
Andros Island offers exceptional diving conditions year-round, with the Caribbean climate providing warm water temperatures ranging from 24°C/75°F in winter to 29°C/85°F in summer. Visibility is typically excellent, averaging between 18–31 meters/60–100 feet, but can vary depending on weather conditions.
While diving is possible throughout the year, the best visibility is often during the dry season from November to May. During the wet season, particularly from June to October, increased rainfall and potential tropical storms can affect water clarity and create stronger currents. Winds are relatively mild but can pick up during these months, influencing surface conditions. Thus, divers may prefer the dry season for optimal diving experiences.
Top Wildlife Sightings in Andros Island
Andros Island, the largest island in the Bahamas, is surrounded by diverse marine life that attracts divers from around the world. The island's extensive barrier reef is home to a variety of reef fish including parrotfish, angelfish, and butterflyfish. These vibrant species are commonly encountered by divers exploring the colorful coral landscapes.
Seasonal visitors such as reef sharks, eagle rays, and sea turtles add to the island's underwater allure. Sharks are more frequently sighted during the winter months, while turtles are often seen in the summer. Eagle rays, known for their graceful swimming, are a year-round spectacle but are more abundant during the spring. With its rich biodiversity, Andros Island offers divers a chance to experience thrilling marine life encounters throughout the year.
Wildlife Sightings are Based on User Generated Content
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 200
Alamy-WaterFrame
Moray Eel
41 Sightings
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3
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5
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7
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5
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 27
iStock-Global_Pics
Barracuda
36 Sightings
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9
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1
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4
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1
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9
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2
Shutterstock-Shane Myers Photography
Green Turtle
25 Sightings
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3
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4
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1
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2
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7
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2
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4
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1
iStock-ShaneGross
Loggerhead Turtle
25 Sightings
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6
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5
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2
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4
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6
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1
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 25
iStock/Juliosanjuan
Eagle Ray
12 Sightings
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3
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1
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3
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The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 600
iStock/ultramarinfoto
Wrasse
6 Sightings
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Alamy-National Geographic Creative
Leatherback Turtle
4 Sightings
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2
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AdobeStock-wildestanimal
Common Dolphin
4 Sightings
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1
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1
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Shutterstock-Andrey Armyagov
Hawksbill Turtle
4 Sightings
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1
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1
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1
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0
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0
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A
1
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The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 300
Alamy/Reinhard Dirscherl
Octopus
3 Sightings
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1
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2
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