Bahamas Out Island Press Releases

Travel Deals Available in Time for Andros Crab Festival and Annual Regatta;
Former Estate Added to Roster of Boutique All-Inclusives

NASSAU, The Bahamas - May 1, 2010 - Inland waterways edged with mangroves, unexplored caves and uncrowded beaches continue to lure travelers to Andros, the largest yet one of the most intimate islands in The Bahamas. Pirate Henry Morgan purportedly used Andros as a hiding place, but today the island’s tranquil beaches provide the ultimate paradoxical backdrop for thrilling nature. With two of the island’s defining cultural events approaching and enticing travel deals, the time to visit the island known as The Bahamas’ natural wonder is now.

In upcoming months, Andros is hustling, bustling, and full of cultural activity with annual island events. Known as the land of crabs, Andros and its people are honored for their crab-catching expertise at the?All Andros Crab Festival, June 10-13, 2010. High-energy Bahamian rake ‘n’ scrape music accompanies all event activities, including the crab cultural show, the releasing of the crabs and a crab culinary contest. During July 8-11, 2010, the entire Andros community unites as it celebrates the All Andros and Berry Islands Regatta Festival with boat races featuring traditional Bahamian wooden sailing sloops and live local entertainment.

To experience these cultural events and other hallmarks of Andros, book air-inclusive packages by June 4, 2010 and receive free companion airfare offered roundtrip from the U.S. when traveling by December 22, 2010. Resorts throughout Andros are offering this special, including Small Hope Bay Lodge, a boutique all-inclusive hotel offering eco-tours and underwater activities in one of the largest and most unexplored barrier reefs in the world; Swains Cay Resort, formerly a private oceanfront estate, is a newly renovated all-inclusive; and Andros Bay Cottage Fishing Lodge, an all-inclusive “real deal” fishing lodge where a stay includes accommodations, meals and bonefishing excursions with some of the best guides in the business. Visit www.MyOutIslands.com or call 1-800-OUT-ISLANDS to book now.

Vacationing on Andros
Life on Andros is lived under water, on the water and among the tropical woodlands. Adjacent to Andros’ shores lay underwater caves, mesmerizing blue holes and the world’s third-largest barrier reef - home to many colorful sea creatures that present endless fascination for snorkeling and scuba diving enthusiasts. Nearby, the mile-deep abyss running along Andros’ coast named “Tongue of the Ocean,” provides anglers with big snapper, mahi-mahi, marlin and world-class bonefishing. The bounty of marine life explains why the island also has a longstanding boat-building tradition.

Above ground, travelers can grab binoculars and take in the remarkable abundance of animal life that Andros has to offer. Explore alone or take a guided eco-trip along the island’s nature trails and into the mangroves where flamingos, hummingbirds and even the rare Bahama parrot are just a few of the stunning sights.

Mother Nature has supplied the beauty but there are many manmade yet equally fascinating landmarks for visitors, including a tour the Androsia Batik Factory, which offers a behind-the-scenes look at the manufacturing process of the brightly colored, authentic batik fabric, famously inspired by the island environment and Bahamian culture and used in garments and home décor. Vintage Bahamian architecture is also open for exploration at the Native Colony Ruins, a collection of eight historical stone buildings dating back to the 1930s.

Getting Here
Andros’ four airports, San Andros, Andros Town, Mangrove Cay and Congo Town, provide several options when traveling to the island. Scheduled service to the island is provided from South Florida on Lynx Air and from Nassau on Western Air. Other transportation options include chartered air service or boat.

Life in the 700 Islands Of The Bahamas just keeps getting better. And it’s easy to see why. With world-class diving and fishing, miles of picture perfect beaches, and gorgeous turquoise water, visitors have the opportunity to do everything or nothing at all. From Exuma, Eleuthera and Abaco to exciting Nassau/Paradise Island and Grand Bahama Island, this tropical paradise is as culturally diverse as it is vibrantly beautiful. For more information on The Islands Of The Bahamas, call 1-800-Bahamas or visit www.Bahamas.com. Join us on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/Bahamas or follow us on www.Twitter.com @VisitTheBahamas. To purchase one-of-a-kind items and mementos from The Bahamas, visit www.eshopbahamas.com.

*Editors Note: Images and video of Andros are available on demand, royalty free from http://bahamas.gettyimages.com.