Andros, Bahamas 2007 - Coral Caverns Dive Resort

We flew out of Charlotte via USAirways Wed 6/27 to Nassau. Plane was delayed in Charlotte, but we had a long wait in Andros before our inter-island shuttle flight via Western Air from Nassau to Andros Town on Andros Island. Western Air flys 2x per day to Andros and back. They take only CASH - $120 round trip per person. Also, they have a total 50lb baggage limit (not "per bag")... Week-long dive vacation with 70 lbs of dive gear, and we didn't get charged extra ;-)
How's that for packing light!

Doy was our driver waiting when we arrived in Andros. He and his wife operate a taxi service and shuttle visitors and Bahamians around the island. The trip to Coral Caverns was approximately 25 minutes on the primary road through Andros. We saw only one other automobile on the road during the drive. Coral Caverns Resort is in the town of Cargill Creek. Total population on Andros is ~9000 with most inhabiting the North end of the island beyond AUTEC Naval Base (civilan opperated).

Upon arrival, we met the owner, Lucia. She showed us to our room and advised us that appetizers were waiting. We settled into our room quickly and went to the bar to meet everyone.

Lucia and Mark own and operate the resort. They maintain their mainland home north of San Antonio, TX but are now in Andros year round.

Paul and Jade run the dive operation and are both from the UK.

Lucia also employs seven other locals to assist with cooking, cleaning, lawn and equipment maintenance. All are warm and friendly.

Larry ("Flash") and Lynn were their other guests, from the Raleigh, NC area. They own a dive operation and were checking out the resort for future shop sponsored trips.

Several other local business operators and friends of Lucia and Mark drop in on occasion for some story sharing and general business dealings.

ACCOMMODATIONS:
Rooms are set up in several brightly colored buildings visible off-shore. All rooms have private bathrooms and air conditioning units in addition to ceiling fans. Although they are sparsely appointed they are comfortable and clean. Most rooms have 2 double beds and a mini fridge. If you are especially early risers, a coffee pot will be added :-) Two buildings have 3 units that can be opened up into multi-room family units.

The dive center and dock are on the south end of the complex. The pool comes next and is surprisingly deep and refreshing! The bar/restaurant splits the waterfront dock with a 6 seater bar with plenty of beverage options. Although they will serve you when everyone is together, drinks are generally "on your honor" with a handwritten tab that keeps your tally. Non-Alcoholic drinks are included so the record keeping is aimed at only the alcohol, wine and beer.

There were few guests the week we stayed so breakfast was also eaten in the bar area at a 4-top small table. The dining area sits adjacent to the bar up a few steps to the back with seating for a dozen or more, spread across multiple tables. The kitchen is on the rear of the building closest to the residences. Outdoor seating and hammocks surround the property which is lush with palm trees and vegetation. Conch is plentiful around Andros and old shells adorn many of the flower beds. As do old pluming fixtures... bathtubs and toilets are planters for hibiscus and other tropical flowers.

MEALS:
Wednesday - Wing appetizer and popcorn. Dinner was sweet bread, Ribs, slaw and local flare dark rice and peas (beans). Peanut butter pie for dessert.

WEATHER:
While we were waiting on our Nassau to Andros Town flight a huge storm blew through the islands.