IMPORTANT: First things first.
HOW TO GET THERE: Today you can take a direct flight to North Andros on Maker's Air (www.makersair.com) or Aztec Air (www.flyaztec.com) from Fort Lauderdale avoiding any change-overs, or you can fly to Nassau and take the quick 15 minute flight to North Andros. The latter requires a taxi to General Aviation, a stones throw from the Nassau Airport. Best is to contact the owner who will help connect you with a pilot in advance and answer any of your questions or concerns. Expect to pay the pilot from General Aviation ~ $100 each passenger. There are other options that have evolved, again, best to contact the owner in advance. Currently Western Air's schedule to the island from Nassau is reduced. (www.westernair.com)
Once there! Exhale and take a mad dash into the warm, clear Caribbean waters. Pleasant Dreams is located in Pleasant Harbor on the northeast side of North Andros in a beautiful, small, wonderfully private cove. Surely your first impression will be of the ocean views seen through the house, and the tropical flora, carpet grass, palms and seagrape that welcomes you. This home is very secluded with 400 feet of private beach, the perfect place to launch one of many activities including beach combing, paddle boarding, kayaking, DIY bone fishing, snorkeling or just floating in the crystal-clear waters or walking the white sandy beach.
Before you go it is important to understand that Andros is known as an 'Outer or Family Island' that holds a special place in the heart of many Bahamians. Though there are a few resorts hidden away mostly on the south end of the island, it has escaped tourist development making this the spot to truly unwind, relax, replenish and reconnect with, or enjoy family and friends without the distractions of the commercialism on many island resorts. It is a very safe island with very friendly residents happy to share their island. Welcome to Andros is a phrase you will hear.
Known as the eco-tourism destination of The Bahamas because of it's large pristine, terrestrial and marine ecosystems, Andros is home to the third longest barrier reef in the world within a 15 minute boat ride from the house making it a spectacular diving, snorkeling and fishing destination. Bone fisherman have always enjoyed the easy access to the flats, known as the Joulters, where they can bring the whole family.
The beach out front has a large and shallow sandy area that is great for small children. At low tide you can walk out quite a ways. Adults who like to swim, float on chairs or just relax in the sun will also find this a perfect spot. For the adventurous, deeper waters and snorkeling are just a short swim out. There are several small reefs (easy to snorkel on) right off the beach where you can try your hand at spearing lobster in season, collect conch, fish or snorkel for many kinds of reef fish. Charley can take a group to reefs farther out to spear fish and lobster and see an amazing spectacle of tropical fish on a coral reef while also bringing home a cooler of fresh fish. At low tide you might enjoy the 4 mile round trip beach walk to Money Point to look out over the flats toward Lowe Sound.
Andros is also an excellent place to go for bird watching. There are more than 300 species of birds found in the Bahamas. 109 species breed in the Bahamas - including the rare and endangered Bahama Oriole that breeds next to the house -169 species migrate or winter here, and 45 species are vagrants. We have discovered lists of birds observed by birding guests.
There are local convenience stores scattered about a short drive away where you can pick up food, fresh bread and liquor. The Mennonite farm stand in season (Nov - April) offers two sizes of boxes you can chock full of a variety of fresh veggies, which in season we highly recommend. Many guests have enjoyed local home-cooked Bahamian fare prepared and brought to the house by Judy Miller - one of the caretakers. Some quests check a bag full of specialty foods (peanuts, cheddar cheese, soft tortillas, quinoa, energy bars, good coffee ) not available on the island to enhance food offerings.
The master bedroom off a screened in porch has a king size bed with a small private bath with shower. The main house has two bedrooms, one bedroom with an ocean view and king size bed and the other with three twin beds (that can be coverted to a king and one single). The bath in the main house has a tub/shower combination. There is also an outdoor shower that many prefer!
The Kitchen has all the modern necessities with stainless steel tables and open shelving, gas stove, coffee maker, microwave, toaster oven, and a full refrigerator. The Living Room/Dining Room is pleasantly furnished with a large Andros Pine dining room table, beach house rattan living room furniture, a TV/DVD player and a supply of movies. WIFI is available along with Bluetooth speakers along with a variety of games and books.
Few businesses takes credit cards but that is slowly changing (rental car owner now taking them), travelers checks can be a problem (not everyone takes them or they charge you extra to use them). Cash is the best thing to bring for money including small bills to tip baggage handlers along the way. There is an ATM on the island that you can access if you need more cash; it is located a couple of miles from the house. (update 7/24/23 - the ATM cannot be relied on)
Several small family restaurants serving local food can be found including a very popular smoke house - more up to date information on local establishments, including telephone numbers will be shared with you after booking and often guests leave or update info. You can go to Red Bays to shop for the local baskets and woodcarvings created by the people of the island. or to Fresh Creek, where you'll find the Androsia Batik Factory which makes beautiful Batik clothing using intricate carved Sea Sponges from the island. Explore the limestone caves or dive into Bill's Blue Hole, go bird, sea turtle or hermit crab watching. But mostly, Andros is known for its Bonefishing, Snorkeling, Diving, Shelling, Fishing, relaxation and beautiful beaches. It's the best place to shut off and exhale.
A word about bugs given that Pleasant Dreams is in the tropics. There are bugs in the tropics, especially after heavy rain! We spray around the house periodically balancing our need for our guests to be comfortable and our concern for the environment. During the day when you are out and about enjoying the beach you are unlikely to encounter any, but around dusk, especially when there is no breeze, you are likely to encounter the no-see-em. There are various insect repellants there and now that the FAA has lifted the 3 ounce limit on fluids, we would suggest bringing your favorite brand. We also ask for your own comfort to keep the screens closed at all times. It’s hard to predict who they will bother as the majority of guests never bring it up, but please be aware. Also - don't forget your sunscreen!
