South Andros is the largest island in The Bahamas, yet it has no cruise ports and no crowded beaches — just miles of bone-white flats that give this corner of the archipelago its reputation as the Bonefish Capital. The tidal flows across these shallow, sand-and-grass flats create an ecosystem that supports exceptional numbers of bonefish, and the extensive network allows guides to spread out naturally rather than concentrate boats in a single zone.
Hundreds of square miles of bone-white flats surround South Andros, with fishing pressure so low you can spend hours in South Bight without encountering another skiff.
Booking a guided bonefishing trip on South Andros comes down to choosing between a dedicated fishing lodge like Andros South or a full-service resort like Caerula Mar. Both offer experienced local guides, all essential gear, and packages that include lodging, meals, and airport transfers. The right choice depends on whether you want a pure fishing focus or a mix of angling and resort amenities — and both deliver access to some of the best flats fishing in the world.
Anglers
Couples
Beginners
| Lodge | Location & Access | Package Options | Distinctive Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Andros South | 15 min from South Andros Airport; on the ocean with beach access | 3–7 nights, 2–6 fishing days; single occupancy + shared or own boat | Access to hundreds of square miles of flats, including remote South & West Coast; dedicated fishing lodge with 10 rooms |
| Caerula Mar Resort | 5 min from Driggs Hill Dock; scenic drive from Congo Town Airport | Half-day and full-day guided excursions; can be booked with resort stay | Full-service resort with spa, snorkeling on third-largest barrier reef, kayaking; ideal for couples splitting activities |
The Bonefish Capital: Why South Andros
South Andros is the largest island in The Bahamas, and its eastern shoreline borders the Tongue of the Ocean, one of the deepest Atlantic underwater trenches. The tidal flows across the flats create a rich ecosystem that supports exceptional bonefish numbers and larger fish. Local guide knowledge passed through generations remains a defining advantage — each outing is shaped by the day’s tides, weather, and the guide’s intimate understanding of the waters.
The fishing environments here are remarkably varied. You can wade ankle-deep on inland flats where landlocked bonefish feed in saltwater lakes, work the intricate tidal creek systems along the east coast, or take a 45-minute boat ride to the South and West coasts where schools of bonefish an acre in size cruise over bright, hard sand. It’s this diversity that makes South Andros a year-round destination for anglers of all levels.
Andros South is a pure fishing base. The lodge sits in a quiet area with beach access for swimming, and daily housekeeping and laundry service are included. The fishing areas are minutes away: Little Creek, just five minutes from the lodge, offers limitless wading opportunities and connects you to the vast flats of the West Coast, famous for large bonefish. South Bight, regarded as one of the more scenic areas on the island, has deeper channels and larger fish, though bonefish numbers are fewer. The South and West Coasts require a 45-minute weather-dependent boat ride, but the reward is fishing on flats that stretch nearly horizon to horizon with almost no pressure. The lodge also accesses a network of inland flats and saltwater lakes that are rarely fished — areas that can only be reached on foot when the tides are right.
The South and West Coast flats offer the best wading, but the 45-minute boat ride is weather-dependent. Ask your guide about conditions the day before and plan a full-day excursion to make the most of it.
Visit the Angler Adventures page for Andros South for full details on rates, packages, and booking.
Each day at Caerula Mar starts just after sunrise with breakfast, then a short drive to Driggs Hill Dock where you board a shallow-draft skiff designed for the flats. The guide poles the skiff quietly, watching for the subtle movements of bonefish before directing your cast. Half-day excursions run about four hours; full-day trips extend farther into South Bight for more remote areas. Tarpon targeting is also possible with longer excursions arranged at booking. Rods are rinsed and stored when you return, and the resort offers complimentary stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, bicycles, and pickleball for downtime.
Half-day and full-day bonefishing excursions are available year-round at Caerula Mar. All essential fly and spin tackle is included, but experienced anglers are welcome to bring their own gear. Contact the resort at +1-242-464-3460 or visit their bonefishing page for current rates.
What’s Included and What It Costs
Package rates at Andros South, as published for the 2025–2026 season (4 October 2025 – 31 July 2026), range from $3,600 per person for a 3-night, 2-day fishing package (double occupancy, shared guide) to $6,650 for a 7-night, 6-day package. Single anglers who want their own boat pay a premium — the 7-night package runs $7,200. These rates include round-trip airport transfers from South Andros Airport, lodging, all meals, loaner fly and spin tackle, terminal tackle and flies, and beer, wine, and soft drinks.
| Package | Double Occupancy (shared guide) | Single Occupancy (own boat) |
|---|---|---|
| 7 nights / 6 days fishing | $6,650 | $7,200 |
| 4 nights / 3 days fishing | $4,550 | $5,100 |
| 3 nights / 2 days fishing | $3,600 | $4,150 |
Rates are per person and subject to change — always confirm current pricing when you book. What’s not included: gratuity for guides (recommended $80–$100 per boat per day), gratuity for lodge staff, Bahamian departure tax, the Bahamas Value Added Tax (effective since 2015), and a Bahamas fishing license (required for non-residents fishing from a non-Bahamian vessel, though most guided trips include the license in their arrangements).
Guide gratuity is not included in any package. Plan on $80–$100 per boat per day, split between anglers if you’re sharing. Also confirm that your fishing license is covered — some lodges handle it, others expect you to arrange it at the airport or online.
Gear, Timing, and Technique
Bonefish are fast and wary. They can reach speeds of 40 miles per hour and camouflage well in shallow water, so stealth is critical. Most anglers sight-cast from the bow of a skiff or while wading, watching for the telltale “push” of a fish moving across the flat or its tail breaking the surface. The best method — whether fly or spinning — is to let your bait or lure sit on the bottom, then work it slowly to look lively.
Typical maximum size for a Bahamas bonefish, though fish in the 8–10 lb range are common on South Andros flats.
For fly fishing, an 8-weight rod with a sturdy reel, 20-pound backing, and a tapered leader starting at 10 pounds is standard. Wet flies that sink to the bottom work best. Spinning anglers should use a light-action rod with a reel in the 2000+ size, 12-pound braid, and a fluorocarbon leader starting at 15 pounds — increase near structure. #4 circle hooks are recommended. Artificial lures that mimic shrimp, crab, or small baitfish — brands like Berkley and D.O.A. are leading producers — produce consistent results.
High tide is prime time for bonefishing — it pushes fish farther inshore into shallower areas where they feed aggressively. Dawn and dusk are the most productive feeding windows, so plan your half-day trips around these periods. The most productive season overall runs from October through June, though fishing is possible year-round.
For a deeper dive into bonefish behavior and techniques across the Bahamas, check the Bahamas Bonefishing guide on FishingBooker.
Booking Logistics: Transfers, Licenses, and Tips
Getting to South Andros is straightforward. For Andros South, you fly into South Andros Airport (SAQ) — the lodge provides round-trip transportation from the airport. For Caerula Mar, direct Makers Air flights connect Fort Lauderdale (FLL) with Congo Town (TZN), followed by a scenic drive to the resort. Both lodges can arrange transfers; confirm pickup details when you book.
Non-resident anglers need a valid fishing permit if fishing from a non-Bahamian vessel. For guided trips on South Andros, the lodge or guide typically handles this — but double-check at booking. The Bahamas encourages catch and release for bonefish; there are no specific catch limits, but the practice is strongly encouraged.
To book Andros South, call Angler Adventures at 860-434-9624 or use the quote/booking buttons on their website. For Caerula Mar, email [email protected] or call +1-242-464-3460. Both operators can answer questions about package customization, fishing license requirements, and what to bring.
- Choose Andros South if you want a dedicated fishing lodge with access to remote, low-pressure flats and a wide range of fishing environments (creeks, inland flats, ocean flats).
- Choose Caerula Mar if you’re traveling with a non-angling partner or want to balance bonefishing with resort amenities like snorkeling, spa, and kayaking.
- Confirm current rates and inclusions before booking — prices are per person, subject to change, and do not include guide gratuity or fishing license.
Before You Go — South Andros Bonefishing
Do I need previous fly fishing experience?
No. Guides at both Andros South and Caerula Mar tailor each outing to your comfort level. Every excursion carries both fly rods and spinner rods, so beginners can start with spinning gear while learning the ropes. The guides read the tides, spot fish, and offer casting direction throughout the day.
What’s the best time of year to go?
Bonefishing is productive year-round on South Andros, but the most consistent period runs from October through June. Fall through spring offers cooler water temperatures that bonefish prefer. Morning and evening trips are optimal; dawn and dusk provide the most active feeding. High tide is also key — it pushes fish into shallower areas.
What’s included in the package at Andros South?
The rate covers lodging, all meals, round-trip airport transfers from South Andros Airport, loaner fly and spin tackle, terminal tackle and flies, and beer, wine, and soft drinks. Not included: guide gratuity ($80–$100 per boat per day), staff gratuity, Bahamian departure tax, VAT, and fishing license. Always confirm the current inclusion list when you book.
Can non-anglers come along?
Yes, especially if you stay at Caerula Mar. While you fish, they can book a guided snorkel trip on the world’s third-largest barrier reef, kayak through mangrove waterways, enjoy a spa treatment, or explore inland blue holes. Complimentary activities include stand-up paddleboarding, bicycles, pickleball, and private beach access. You’ll reconvene for dinner at the resort’s oceanfront restaurant.
The Real Reward of South Andros
The flats of South Andros don’t just offer exceptional bonefishing — they offer a rare kind of solitude. With no cruise ships, no crowds, and guides who have fished these waters for generations, every day on the water feels like a private discovery. Whether you choose a dedicated fishing lodge or a resort that balances angling with island relaxation, the experience is shaped by the same thing: the quiet, patient pursuit of a fish that moves faster than you can blink. For more expert tips on bonefishing across the Bahamas, read our guide to Bahamas Bonefishing Secrets.
References
Angler Adventures. “Andros South.” Angler Adventures, 2025. ↗
Caerula Mar. “Bonefishing in South Andros: What Every Angler (and Their Partner) Needs to Know.” Caerula Mar, 2025. ↗
FishingBooker. “Bahamas Bonefishing.” FishingBooker Blog, 2025. ↗
Planning a longer Bahamas trip? Combine your bonefishing adventure with a dive into Dean’s Blue Hole, a kayak trip through the crystal-clear waters near Nassau and Paradise Island, or a snorkeling tour of the best spots in the Bahamas. Each of these experiences offers a different side of the islands — well worth fitting into a longer itinerary.
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