Largest Island
2,300 sq miles of wilderness
Travel Time
5-7 hours from Nassau
Mail Boat Price
From $35-45 one way
Blue Holes
200+ to explore!
Authentic Adventure Alert!
Andros ain't your typical tourist island, folks! Ferry service is limited to traditional mail boats - it's a real island adventure. If you need fancy ferries or strict schedules, this might not be your jam. But if you want the REAL Bahamas? Keep reading!
Your Mail Boat Options to Andros
Traditional boats, traditional vibes, unforgettable journeys
"First time on the Lady Rosalind, I thought I'd made a huge mistake. Sleeping on deck, chickens running around, waves splashing over the sides. But watching the sunrise over Andros while sharing coffee with locals who became friends? Man, that's when I knew I'd found something special."
The Real Deal About Mail Boats
What nobody tells you (but I will)
Island Time is REAL
Comfort? What Comfort?
BYOE (Bring Your Own Everything)
It's a Social Event
Always Call First
Rough Seas Happen
Why Brave the Mail Boat?
Because Andros is freakin' AMAZING, that's why!
Blue Hole Heaven
200+ magical swimming holes
Andros has more blue holes than anywhere on Earth! Captain Bill's is perfect for jumping, Uncle Charlie's has a rope swing, and the ocean blue holes? Mind-blowing for divers. Each one is unique - some are tidal, some have underwater caves, all are absolutely stunning.
- ✓ Captain Bill's - biggest inland hole
- ✓ Stargate - famous ocean blue hole
- ✓ Guardian - advanced diving only
- ✓ Free to visit (guides recommended)
Bonefishing Capital
Where legends are made
The West Side of Andros? It's bonefishing NIRVANA. We're talking thousands of square miles of flats, 10-pound bones that'll make you cry, and guides who've forgotten more about fishing than most folks ever learn. This is where the Gotcha fly was invented!
- ✓ World's largest bonefish population
- ✓ Trophy fish 8-12 pounds common
- ✓ Legendary local guides
- ✓ Year-round fishing (Oct-May best)
Andros Barrier Reef
3rd largest in the world!
190 miles of pristine reef just minutes offshore. The wall drops from 70 feet to 6,000 feet - it's INSANE! Coral towers, swim-throughs, sharks, rays, turtles... and barely any other divers. Plus, the Tongue of the Ocean for big game fishing!
- ✓ Untouched coral formations
- ✓ Wall diving extraordinaire
- ✓ Minimal dive traffic
- ✓ 100-foot visibility common
Once You're There
Navigating the big yard
Transportation Reality Check
No public transport exists on Andros - zero, zilch, nada. You'll need to arrange pickup from the dock (your lodge should handle this) or rent a car. The mail boat docks can be pretty remote, so don't expect taxis waiting!
Between districts: North and Central Andros are connected by road. To reach South Andros from North, you'll need to fly via Nassau or take a local ferry between Mangrove Cay and Driggs Hill (free, twice daily, 25 minutes).
Car rentals: About $70-85/day. Book ahead - there aren't many! Roads are mostly good with some rough patches. Remember: drive on the left!
Jake's Pro Tip: "Make friends on the mail boat. Seriously! Locals often offer rides or can connect you with their cousin who rents cars. I've gotten more rides from dominos partners than taxi drivers!"
Can't Handle the Mail Boat?
No judgment - here are your options
Fly Instead
From Nassau: Western Air, Flamingo Air, and LeAir fly to San Andros (SAQ), Andros Town (ASD), Congo Town (TZN), and South Andros (TYM). About $140-180 round trip, 15-25 minute flights.
From Fort Lauderdale: Tropic Ocean Airways has seaplane service to various Andros locations. Pricey but spectacular!
Private charters: Split the cost with other travelers. Cherokee Air and Makers Air offer flexible schedules.
Real Talk: "Yeah, flying is easier. But you miss the adventure, the stories, the friends you make sleeping under the stars. Your call, but the mail boat? That's how you really ARRIVE in Andros." - Captain Jake
Jake's Final Words of Wisdom
20+ years of lessons learned the hard way
Look, Andros ain't for everyone. If you need pina coladas served poolside and ferries that run on schedule, head to Nassau or Paradise Island. But if you want to dive blue holes that'll change your life, catch bonefish that'll haunt your dreams, and experience the Bahamas like it was 50 years ago? Then pack your sense of adventure and hop on that mail boat.
Essential items for mail boat success: Sleeping bag, foam pad, pillow, headlamp, toilet paper, hand sanitizer, seasickness meds, snacks, 2 gallons of water, cash (no ATMs at some docks!), waterproof bags, patience, and a damn good attitude.
Trust me - that first blue hole dive, that first bonefish on the line, that first night camping on a deserted beach... you'll forget all about the uncomfortable boat ride. Andros gets under your skin in the best way possible.
See you on the dock! 🌊
Ready for Real Adventure?
Let's get you to Andros!
Mail boat spots can't be booked online (welcome to authentic travel!).
Call Potter's Cay Dockmaster: (242) 393-1064