Guess what? Before you know it, winter will be here! Did you hear that ominous music just then? Winter around these parts is loooong. Come fall, I start dreaming about an escape. I have been doing some research and I think I have found just the place to retreat to in winter (or right now for that matter).
It's called Andros Island in the beautiful Bahamas and it's an actual paradise right here on Earth. Andros is the largest of the Bahamian islands (at 2,300 square miles), yet it is also the most sparsely developed. That makes for an abundance of natural beauty, perfect for nature lovers. This island gem boasts the third-largest fringing barrier reef in the world. It is home to miles of deserted beaches and freshwater lakes with countless species of wildlife, marine life, flora and fauna.
With all the activities that you could take part in on Andros Island, I have narrowed it down to just five.
My Andros Island Bucket List
1. Dive the Blue Holes
Some inland and others submerged in the sea, Andros Island has the highest concentration of blue holes in the world. These picturesque wonders were created over several ice ages, when sea levels were 400 feet lower and The Bahamas was an exposed limestone platform. How cool would it be to dive into these babies? You can see unique cave fish and invertebrates, some of which aren't found anywhere else on Earth.
2. Explore the Andros Barrier Reef
Divers and snorkelers in the know visit Andros to experience the beauty of its reefs. Located in one of the least populated areas in The Bahamas, the reef is 190 miles long. On the island side, the reef is in shallow water, while it plunges to over 6,000 feet in the Tongue of the Ocean, the deep trench that separates Andros and New Providence. The Andros Barrier Reef is unique for its size and lux coral growth.
Divers and snorkelers in the know visit Andros to experience the beauty of its reefs. Located in one of the least populated areas in The Bahamas, the reef is 190 miles long. On the island side, the reef is in shallow water, while it plunges to over 6,000 feet in the Tongue of the Ocean, the deep trench that separates Andros and New Providence. The Andros Barrier Reef is unique for its size and lux coral growth.
3. Visit National Parks
The Andros Park System includes five national parks, among them Blue Holes National Park, over 33,000 acres of protected blue holes, freshwater reservoirs, as well as pine and coppice forests. Established in 2002, the 4,000-acre Crab Replenishment Reserve ensures a growing crab population. The North and South Marine Parks help to preserve significant parts of the barrier reef. The West Side National Park is a vast area of coastal mangrove habitat that nurtures conch, lobster and fish. It is home to the endangered Andros Rock Iguana and many bird species.
4. Take An Eco-Tour
5. Hit the Beach (duh!)
This is certainly a last but not least scenario. Sitting on my butt on the beach, soaking up the sun and staring at crystal clear waters is pretty much how I would like to spend 80 per cent of my time on Andros Island. Choose from a number of pristine beaches, like Long Bay Cays Beach, a 9-mile long white sandy beach that stretches from Long Bay Cays to The Bluff. Mangrove Cay Beach is a favourite with visitors and locals who love the powdery white sands. I can feel it in my toes right now.
Getting There
Don't spend your vacation waiting around for airport connections. The Islands of The Bahamas are super close - you can get a non-stop flight to Nassau, Grand Bahama Island or Exuma from many Canadian cities. (It's just a 3-hour flight from Toronto!) If you are moving on from there, you can catch same-day connections to many other Bahamian islands from Nassau.
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Follow the conversation and read other bloggers' Bahamian Islands Bucket Lists using the hashtag #ItsBetterInTheBahamas on Twitter.
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Could you use an escape this winter?
*Although this post has been generously sponsored by The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, the opinions and language are my own.
Oh my god Jo that's where we're going the first week of January, and I think that couple on the boat look exactly like your lovely sister and brother in law lol.
ReplyDeleteIt's the perfect post-Christmas trip! And yes, the yoga classes are paying off, right? ;)
DeleteWe were in the Bahamas 30 years ago and I've missed it ever since. Would so love to go back there someday.
ReplyDeleteIt clearly left a strong impression. Hope you get back soon!
DeleteI am open to going anywhere warm and sunny, but this looks fabulous.
ReplyDeletejan
We deserve a warm and sunny break don't we?
DeleteI really need a break.
ReplyDeleteI hear ya!
DeleteOMG . . .this is amazing - I wish I could go here
ReplyDeleteBetween your photos and others I've seen of the Bahamas, it looks so beautiful and relaxing, I'd love to go! That hammock looks perfect :)
ReplyDeleteWell, they do say it's Better in the Bahamas. And northern Ontario in December can't really compete with that, can it? I've been to the Mediterranean but not the Caribbean, so I'm due :0
ReplyDeleteNo, it really can't compete unfortunately. ;) You're definitely due...as am I!
DeleteI loved the Bahamas and really want to go back. Freeport is so laid back and the people are wonderful.
ReplyDeleteI would love to go to the Bahamas this winter because since I became paralyzed in 2003 I can not take the cold. It causes my skin to hurt. Going away to a warm climate would be wonderful.
ReplyDeleteWouldn't that be a nice break? I hope this warmer winter has been easier on you so far.
DeleteI have never been to the bahamas so going there would be great.
ReplyDeleteto sit on the beach
ReplyDeleteI wanna go there because I haven't been anywhere
ReplyDeleteI would love to go to the Bahamas since I've never been and I love going new places! It would also be nice to get away from the cold weather
ReplyDeleteI've been to the Bahamas for a day while on a cruise ship but this makes me want to go to back and spend some more time.
ReplyDeleteI love the sun and sand so I would love to escape to the Bahamas this winter
ReplyDeletejan
I would really like to Scuba Dive here...how awesome would that be!!
ReplyDeleteI would love to escape to the Bahamas as it has always been a dream to take a vacation to a place where it is warm. I have never been to a beach/ocean where the weather is warm.
ReplyDeleteI want to spend sometime in the bahamas this winter so I can enjoy some warm weather.
ReplyDeleteWhat beautiful pictures! I would love to go to the Bahamas just for some sun and beautiful blue water!
ReplyDeleteIt would be awesome to get away from the cold and snow.
ReplyDeleteI have always wanted to visit the Bahamas and the Andros Island sounds perfect for this nature lover.
ReplyDeleteThe Bahamas is a great vacation spot. Maybe I'll go back one day and visit this part of the Islands. I miss the conch dishes!
ReplyDeleteCL Chin
I would love to escape to the Bahamas...to check out the gorgeous nature landscapes, sunny skies and .... to get away from all this cold and snow we are getting lately
ReplyDeletei would love to escape to the bahamas one day...looks gorgeous and the water looks so clear and clean...would love to research child friendly venues and ideas out there
ReplyDeleteI would like to escape just so i can avoid shoveling snow
ReplyDeleteIt looks incredible! I am not a fan of winter, and a nice tropical escape sounds heavenly!
ReplyDeleteWinter is just starting here and I am tired of it already! I would love to feel the sand on my toes and the warm breeze blowing across my face.
ReplyDeleteI would love to escape for the HEAT omg its -18 here today!
ReplyDeleteI know! And our furnace broke! I need a vacay!
DeleteI would love to escape to the Bahamas this winter, its to cold for me and we love taking a family vacation every year! Never been to Bahamas!
ReplyDelete