Of the many Islands of The Bahamas, the largest (104 x 40 miles) is Andros. It is also the least explored. This mysterious, mangrove-choked island is more populated with whistling tree ducks and terns than humans. You may even run into a chickcharnie, a mythical, mischievous inhabitant that is exclusive to the island. These creatures are said to live in the tops of pine trees and, according to legend, will cause mischief to all who look upon them and grimace. If you are lucky enough to see one of these elfin creatures with three fingers and toes and red eyes and look upon them with respect, you will have lifelong good luck. Called the "La Isla del Espiritu Santo" (the island of the Holy Spirit) by the Spaniards, Andros even has its own "Loch Ness Monster", a dragon-like sea creature named "the Lusca". Legend has it that this octopus-like sea monster lurks in the depths of the blue holes and quite enjoys dragging ships and men to their doom. Andros also has its share of mysteries based on partial fact. Sir Henry Morgan, the infamous pirate made his headquarters on what is now "Morgan's Bluff". It is said that one of his infamous buried treasures lay here, undiscovered.

While known as the "Bonefish capital of the world," with anglers worldwide come to match wits with these game fish, the real attraction of Andros is the reef system. Off of the east coast of this island lies the third largest barrier reef in the world, making Andros a spectacular dive site. The 12-foot water around the reef suddenly plunges 6000 feet into the Tongue of the Ocean. It contains nearly all species of colorful marine life, spectacular coral gardens, underwater caverns and the world's deepest blue holes. While down there, check out the Hanging Gardens Wall, a pristine place in 100 feet of water that drips with sponges, gorgonian and sea whips. Mickey's Meander is a 30-foot cavern 200 yards down from a horseshoe-shaped reef. The walls of this cavern are pure coral and the sea life is an amazing array of huge grouper, eagle rays or moray eels. Cara's Caverns is a 90-foot dive that takes divers through a set of multiple tunnels, ringed with black coral heads. This black coral is famous for it's beautiful jewelry, however, it is illegal to touch this natural treasure.

While on your dive, don't miss the Shark Observation Experience. An average of a dozen sharks show up at a time to feed off of a frozen chum ball. This ball of chum hangs in about 40-60 feet of water. The divers are off to the side on the sandy bottom. Other than the free meal, the sharks are left alone and not molested in any way. This scene attracts many "crumb eaters", such as angelfish, snapper, grouper and more. All of the divers and snorklers have the opportunity to watch this entire scene unfold. For those who love legend and the wonders of the deep, Andros is the place to visit.