Andros has more than 400 blue holes, home to sea turtles, rays and sharks. Advanced divers can take on the challenge of the 120-mile barrier reef and may try wall diving off the reef's outer edge into the abyssal Tongue. Prime diving season in the Bahamas stretches December through May, with water temperatures averaging about 74 degrees. The summer months bring warmer temperatures, around 80 degrees, along with the chance of tropical storms. But for divers, the island's biggest draw is the barrier reef, second in size only to the Great Barrier Reef of Australia.
Divers can swim through tunnels that connect huge coral spur formations.
Late winter and early spring is the best time to see manta rays and whale sharks. Turtle nesting season begins in late spring and brings huge sea turtles to the waters around Amerbergris Caye. Hot Chan Marine Preserve is one of the most popular diving and snorkeling spots, even for novices. During the day, hundreds of reef fish can be seen hiding behind big coral heads, large grouper and hogfish. Many divers also make it a point to schedule a night dive when the stingrays come out to play.