12/16/2025  Jomerglo

Introduction: The Golden Rule of Andros Travel

Traveling to Andros is not like traveling to Nassau or Paradise Island. As the largest island in the Bahamas, larger than all the other islands combined, Andros is a massive expanse of pine forests, mangroves, and creeks. However, there is a catch: it is not a single landmass. It is fractured into North Andros, Mangrove Cay, and South Andros by deep ocean channels known as "Bights."

The Golden Rule of Andros Travel is simple: Book your hotel first, then book your travel.

Why? Because there are no bridges connecting North Andros to Mangrove Cay, or Mangrove Cay to South Andros. If you fly into the wrong airport, you cannot simply rent a car and drive to your hotel. You could be stranded hours away, requiring an expensive private boat charter to cross the Bights.

This guide breaks down the logistics so you can arrive in the "Big Yard" stress-free.

Step 1: Choosing the Right Airport

Andros has four active airstrips. Your final destination determines which one you must use.

1. San Andros Airport (SAQ) – North Andros

Located at the northern tip of the island, this airport serves the settlements of Nicholls Town, Lowe Sound, and Red Bays.

  • Fly here if you are staying at: Private vacation rentals in Nicholls Town or exploring the northern pine forests.

  • Kamalame Cay Note: Guests for the luxury private island Kamalame Cay can fly here (approx. 45-minute taxi to the ferry dock) or into Andros Town (approx. 20-minute taxi).

2. Andros Town / Fresh Creek International Airport (ASD) – Central Andros

This is the hub for Central Andros. It is the closest airport to the Atlantic Undersea Test and Evaluation Center (AUTEC) and the famous Androsia Batik Factory.

  • Fly here if you are staying at: Small Hope Bay Lodge (they offer free transfers), Kamalame Cay, Love Hill, or if you are visiting the Blue Holes National Park.

  • The Bridge Connection: North Andros and Central Andros are connected by road. You can technically drive from San Andros (North) to Fresh Creek (Central), but it is a long drive (over an hour).

3. Clarence A. Bain Airport (MAY) – Mangrove Cay

Mangrove Cay is a distinct island sandwiched between the North and South Bights. It is completely separated from the rest of Andros.

  • Fly here if you are staying at: Mangrove Cay Club, Seascape Inn, or the Swain’s Cay Lodge.

  • Warning: Do not fly here if you are staying in Fresh Creek or Congo Town unless you have arranged a boat transfer.

4. Congo Town Airport (TZN) – South Andros

Located in the deep south, this airport serves the pristine bonefishing flats of South Andros.

  • Fly here if you are staying at: Tiamo Resort, Bair’s Lodge, Caerula Mar Club, or Nathan’s Lodge.

  • Tiamo Note: Tiamo Resort is accessible only by boat; they will pick you up from the airport and take you to a dock for a 15-minute boat ride to the property.

Step 2: Choosing Your Airline

Once you know your airport, you have three primary ways to fly: commercial from Nassau, commercial from Florida, or private charter.

Commercial Flights from Nassau (NAS)

This is the most common route. You fly into Nassau’s Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS) and transfer to a domestic carrier. The flight is a quick 15–20 minute hop.

  • Western Air: The heavy hitter of Andros travel. They fly daily and frequently to San Andros (SAQ) and Congo Town (TZN). They are reliable and use modern aircraft.

  • LeAir: Often serves the routes that Western might miss, including Fresh Creek (ASD) and Mangrove Cay (MAY).

  • Titan Air: A reliable charter and scheduled service option that fills the gaps for Fresh Creek and other settlements.

Commercial Flights from Florida

If you want to skip the Nassau layover, you can fly directly from Florida, typically out of the smaller executive airports in Fort Lauderdale (FLL Executive).

  • Makers Air & Aztec Airways: These boutique airlines offer scheduled flights from Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport directly to San Andros, Fresh Creek, and Congo Town. The experience is seamless—quick check-ins, no TSA lines, and comfortable small aircraft.

Private Charters and Seaplanes

For ultimate convenience or luxury, charters are the way to go.

  • Tropic Ocean Airways: They operate amphibious seaplanes. This is a game-changer for resorts like Kamalame Cay or Tiamo, as they can land directly on the water at the resort's beach, bypassing the airport and taxi transfer entirely.

Step 3: The Scenic Route – Bahamas Ferries

For those on a budget or travelers who want to experience local life, Bahamas Ferries operates a service from Nassau (Potter’s Cay Dock) to Andros.

  • Routes: The ferry typically services Fresh Creek (Central) and Morgan’s Bluff (North).

  • Duration: It is a 3 to 4-hour voyage.

  • The Vibe: This is not a luxury cruise; it is a working vessel carrying freight, cars, and locals. However, it is an authentic experience where you can enjoy the open ocean breeze.

  • Schedule: Schedules change frequently and are weather-dependent. Always check the Bahamas Ferries website for the latest "Summer" or "Winter" sailing times.

  • Note: There is currently no reliable scheduled passenger ferry for tourists to South Andros (Congo Town). The mail boat does run there, but it is an overnight journey best left to freight.

Moving Between North, Central, and South Andros

A common mistake is assuming you can visit the whole island in one trip by car.

  • North to Central: You can drive. There are bridges connecting the settlements, though it is a long, potholed road.

  • Central to Mangrove Cay: You cannot drive. You must hire a private boat captain to cross the North Bight.

  • Mangrove Cay to South Andros: You cannot drive. You must hire a private boat captain to cross the South Bight.

Summary Checklist for Arrival

  1. Book Accommodation: Confirm the location (North, Central, Mangrove Cay, or South).

  2. Select Airport: Match the airport code (SAQ, ASD, MAY, TZN) to your hotel.

  3. Book Flight: Check Western Air (from Nassau) or Makers Air (from Florida) first.

  4. Arrange Pickup: Most lodges in Andros do not have wandering taxis waiting outside. You must coordinate your arrival time with your hotel so they can send a driver to meet you.