Scuba Diving and Snorkeling

Divers can't get enough of the sprawling Andros Barrier Reef, the world's third largest, stretching the length of the island's east coast, ½ to 3 miles offshore. Boats from local lodges and resorts bring guests to beautiful parts of the reef to relish in underwater rapture. Snorkelers can explore such reefs as the Trumpet Reef, where visibility is clear 15 feet to the sandy floor and jungles of elkhorn coral snake up to the surface. Divers can delve into the 60-foot-deep coral caves of the Black Forest, beyond which the wall slopes down to depths of 6,000 feet. Anglers can charter boats to fish offshore or over the reef, and bonefishers can wade the flats on their own. While the marine life is not as rich nor as diverse as one would expect from such a vibrant, healthy reef, the assemblies of coral are breathtaking.

Small Hope Bay Lodge. Andros's top dive center is full-service with resort dives, PADI certification courses, one- and two-tank dives, specialty dives such as shark and night, and snorkeling. One-tank dives are $90, two-tanks are $110, and a day with three dives is $140. Rental equipment is available for Small Hope Bay Lodge excursions only. Lodging-dive packages are offered. Hot showers await after long days at sea! Small Hope Bay, Central Andros, Andros Island. 242/368–2014; 800/223–6961; www.smallhope.com.