South Andros is the largest island in The Bahamas, yet it remains one of its least discovered. There are no cruise ports, sprawling resort districts, or crowded beaches. Instead, you’ll find miles of protected barrier reef, inland blue holes carved into the limestone, quiet mangrove creeks, and expansive tidal flats that have shaped generations of local guides and anglers.
South Andros has long been regarded as one of the world’s premier bonefishing destinations.
From Caerula Mar, these renowned fishing grounds are only minutes away, offering guests the opportunity to experience one of the island’s defining traditions while enjoying the comforts of a boutique luxury retreat.
Whether you’re planning your first bonefishing excursion or returning to the flats after years of experience, understanding what a day on the water actually looks like — from the guides and equipment to the rhythm of the experience — can help you make the most of your stay.
Why South Andros Is the Bonefishing Capital of the World
Among anglers, South Andros has earned an international reputation for its expansive flats, healthy fish populations, and the experience of the local guides who have spent generations learning these waters. It’s this combination of geography and local knowledge that has made the island one of the most respected bonefishing destinations in The Bahamas.
The island’s eastern shoreline borders the Tongue of the Ocean, one of the deepest underwater trenches in the Atlantic. As tidal flows move across the surrounding flats, they create an ecosystem that supports both exceptional numbers of bonefish and the larger fish that experienced anglers travel here to pursue. Guests who have fished destinations throughout The Bahamas often remark on both the quality of the fishery and the opportunity to encounter larger bonefish in remarkably uncrowded waters.
Equally distinctive is the scale of the fishery itself. South Andros stretches across an extensive network of flats, allowing guides to spread out naturally rather than concentrating boats in a single area. Even on busy fishing days, it’s entirely possible to spend hours exploring South Bight without encountering another skiff—a sense of space and quiet that’s becoming increasingly rare in many well-known fishing destinations.
Rather than relying on a single “hot spot,” each outing is shaped by the day’s tides, weather conditions, and the guide’s intimate understanding of these waters. That local knowledge, passed from one generation to the next, remains one of South Andros’ greatest advantages and one of the reasons anglers continue to return year after year.
Do You Need to Know How to Fly Fish?
Not at all.
One of the most common questions we receive is whether guests need previous fly fishing experience before booking a bonefishing excursion. The answer is no. Whether you’re an experienced angler or trying it for the first time, our guides tailor each outing to your comfort level and experience.
Every excursion carries both fly rods and spinner rods, allowing beginners to ease into the experience while experienced anglers enjoy the technical challenge of sight fishing the flats. If you’ve never cast a fly rod before, a spinner rod offers a comfortable introduction without taking away from the experience — you’ll still be exploring the same waters, guided by the same local expertise, and searching for the same remarkable fish.
Many first-time anglers are surprised by how approachable bonefishing feels. Throughout the day, your guide reads the tides, spots fish, offers casting direction, and adapts the experience to the conditions. Rather than feeling intimidating, guests often describe their first outing as one of the highlights of their stay.
For more experienced anglers, the experience naturally evolves. Guides can venture farther into South Bight, adapting the day to changing tides, weather conditions, and your personal fishing goals. Their knowledge of these waters — developed over decades on the flats — is one of the defining aspects of fishing in South Andros.
If you already own waders or neoprene flats booties, they’re well worth bringing. Many areas of South Bight offer excellent opportunities to leave the skiff and wade quietly through the shallows, adding another dimension to the experience.
What a Day on the Water Actually Looks Like
Your day begins just after sunrise, with breakfast at Caerula Mar before the short five-minute drive to Driggs Hill Dock. Whether you choose coffee and a light bite from Switcha or a more leisurely breakfast before departure, the resort team ensures everything is ready before you head out for the morning. Picnic lunches can also be prepared for full-day excursions, allowing you to stay on the water without interruption.
At the dock, you’ll meet your captain and guide before boarding a shallow-draft skiff designed specifically for navigating the expansive flats of South Andros. Within minutes of leaving shore, the landscape opens into miles of shallow water where bonefish move across the sand with the changing tide.
Unlike offshore fishing, bonefishing is built around observation and patience. Your guide poles the skiff quietly through the flats, watching for subtle movement beneath the surface before directing your next cast. Spotting a tail breaking the water or the faint outline of a cruising fish becomes part of the experience itself — one that rewards patience as much as technique.
Half-day excursions offer approximately four hours on the water and are ideal for guests looking to experience the flats while leaving time to enjoy the resort later in the day. Full-day excursions extend farther into South Bight, allowing experienced anglers to explore more remote areas and spend additional time on the water. Guests interested in targeting tarpon can also discuss longer excursions with our team when booking.
Returning to Caerula Mar is as effortless as the morning departure. Rods can be rinsed and stored before you settle in by the pool, enjoy a treatment at the spa, or gather for dinner overlooking the water. It’s one of the qualities that makes bonefishing at Caerula Mar unique: the adventure of exploring one of the world’s great fisheries, balanced by the comfort and pace of a luxury island retreat.
Bonefishing is available throughout the year, with guides adapting each outing to seasonal tides and conditions. Rather than a single “best” month to visit, the ideal time often depends on the type of experience you’re looking for — and our team is always happy to help you plan accordingly.
A Destination Beyond Bonefishing
One of the questions we’re asked most often is whether a bonefishing holiday is enjoyable for someone who doesn’t fish. It’s an important consideration, particularly for couples travelling together.
While South Andros has long been celebrated for its world-class bonefishing, Caerula Mar offers an experience that extends far beyond the flats. The resort was designed as a place to slow down, reconnect, and experience the island from a variety of perspectives — whether that means spending the day on the water or simply embracing its quieter rhythm.
For guests who prefer not to fish, the days can be just as full. Explore the world’s third-largest barrier reef on a guided snorkeling excursion, paddle through peaceful mangrove waterways by kayak, unwind with a massage or facial at the spa, or venture inland to discover South Andros’ remarkable blue holes. Private boat charters, castaway beach excursions, and jet ski adventures offer even more opportunities to experience the island from a different perspective.
Guests can also enjoy a number of complimentary experiences throughout their stay, including stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking from the beachfront, bicycles for exploring the island, pickleball, ping pong, and quiet afternoons along Caerula Mar’s private stretch of beach. Whether your ideal day is active or restorative, there’s no expectation that every guest experiences the island in the same way.
Dining is another highlight of the experience. Mornings begin at Switcha, where fresh coffee, smoothies, pastries, and light breakfasts offer an easy start to the day. Afternoons unfold at Driffs, the resort’s relaxed oceanfront restaurant overlooking the pool, while evenings are reserved for Lusca, where thoughtfully prepared dishes celebrate seasonal ingredients and the flavours of The Bahamas in an intimate setting.
For many couples, that’s what makes a stay at Caerula Mar unique. One guest may spend the morning on the flats pursuing bonefish while the other enjoys a spa treatment or explores the island by kayak. By afternoon, both are back at the resort to relax by the pool before coming together over dinner as the sun sets across South Andros.
Rather than centering every moment around fishing, Caerula Mar offers the flexibility to create a holiday that reflects each guest’s interests. It’s a destination where anglers can experience one of the world’s most respected bonefisheries while their travelling companions enjoy an equally memorable island escape.
Booking a Bonefishing Trip at Caerula Mar
Guided bonefishing excursions depart from nearby Driggs Hill Dock, just minutes from the resort. Both half-day and full-day experiences are available throughout the year and are led by knowledgeable local guides who tailor each outing to the conditions and your level of experience. Whether you prefer fly fishing or a spinner rod, all essential equipment is provided, though experienced anglers are welcome to bring their own gear.
One of the biggest surprises for many guests is just how accessible South Andros is. Direct Makers Air flights connect Fort Lauderdale with Congo Town, making it possible to reach one of the Bahamas’ most celebrated fishing destinations in just a short flight from South Florida. From there, it’s a scenic drive to Caerula Mar, where the pace of island life begins almost immediately.
Accommodation ranges from thoughtfully appointed Clubhouse Suites to spacious private oceanfront villas, each designed to offer a quiet retreat after a day exploring the island. Whether you’re travelling as a couple, with friends, or planning a dedicated fishing holiday, there are accommodation options to suit a variety of travel styles.
Guests can choose to spend every day on the water or balance their itinerary with snorkelling, spa treatments, island excursions, and leisurely afternoons by the pool. It’s this combination of world-class fishing and relaxed island living that defines a stay at Caerula Mar.
