The sister settlements of Andros Town and Coakley Town are located on the East Coast of Andros Island about 40 miles west of Nassau and 48 miles south of the Berry Islands. Both towns have hotel and resort accommodations, but the better shops and one lone grocery store are located in Andros Town. South of the two towns lies the U.S. Navy’s Autec base, which is restricted; boats are not allowed here.
Andros Island was originally called “Espiruto Santo,” which translates to “island of the Holy Spirit” by Spanish explorers, but early 1780s charts show the island as “San Andreas. Legend says that the final name is in honor of Sir Edmund Andros, an English commander in the 1670s.
Andros and Coakley towns, and more specifically, Fresh Creek, are approached via a break in the barrier reef, which is located to the east of the town about 1.5 miles away. From waypoint N24 44.099 W77 45.801, set a course of 244 degrees true to line up with the opening of Fresh Creek about 1.5 miles away. Entry depths at the break in the reef are generally good at 13 to 20 feet.
About four-tenths of a mile off the northern side of the entrance to Fresh Creek is a shallow area that works its way out toward the east (this is visible as the dark patch of water to the left [north] side of the entrance in the image above), be sure to steer a little south to avoid running around on the shoal.
Once you have arrived in Fresh Creek, you will notice the Lighthouse Marina on the south side of the creek where you can tie up for the night. Additionally, you can anchor out or grab a mooring farther upstream near the bridge in six- to 11-foot depths over a sand bottom, but be sure to set two anchors if you drop the hook; the current can run as high as 6 knots through the creek at times.
See our “Local Notices to Mariners” blog for updates on the latest conditions and advisories for this area.
Andros is particularly famous for its bonefish fishery, which draw in fly-fishing anglers from around the world. Dozens of local guides can take you out onto the flats surrounding the island and provide a day of stalking elusive fish in a tropical setting.
For a detailed calendar of events, see our “Helpful Links” section below.
Andros Town Airport is located only two miles form the twin towns of Coakley and Andros and has major commercial service on limited schedules. Carriers include United, Continental, American Eagle, Bahamasair and US Airways. Bahamasair has the only reliable schedules, however. Taxi cab service is available to and from the airport from a variety of companies.
