The ferry arriving at the Driggs Hill dock with calm turquoise waters of the South Bight stretching toward Mangrove Cay
South Andros, The Bahamas

Driggs Hill

The quiet ferry gateway to South Andros where the mailboat brings the world once a week

Driggs Hill occupies the northernmost point of South Andros, serving as the primary gateway between this remote district and the broader archipelago. Here, the ferry from Mangrove Cay deposits passengers ready to explore the sixty kilometers of Queen's Highway stretching south to Mars Bay, while the weekly mailboat from Nassau delivers everything from milk to petrol that keeps island life running.

This small settlement offers visitors their first taste of South Andros—an island defined by its untouched natural beauty, legendary blue holes, and the unhurried pace that comes from being hours away from the modern world. From Driggs Hill, the adventure into one of the least-developed regions of the Bahamas begins.

Gateway to South Andros

The port at Driggs Hill serves as the entry point for most visitors to South Andros. A public ferry runs daily between here and Lisbon Creek on Mangrove Cay, maintaining the vital link between the island sections that make up greater Andros. The crossing takes visitors across the South Bight, offering views of the turquoise waters and mangrove islands that characterize this region.

From the ferry landing, the Queen's Highway stretches approximately sixty kilometers southward, passing through settlements like High Rock, Kemps Bay, and Congo Town before reaching the dockside community of Mars Bay at the island's southern tip.

The Mailboat Connection

Once a week, the mailboat from Nassau arrives at Driggs Hill, a maritime tradition that remains essential to life on South Andros. Departing Nassau on Monday night, the vessel reaches South Andros by Tuesday morning, carrying the supplies that sustain the community—everything from fresh produce to building materials to the mail that gives these boats their name.

For visitors seeking authentic Bahamian experiences, traveling by mailboat offers a journey that air travel cannot match. The overnight crossing connects passengers to the maritime heritage that has defined Bahamian life for centuries.

Natural Attractions

Driggs Hill provides access to the extraordinary natural features that make South Andros special. Blue holes—vertical underwater caves formed over millennia—dot the landscape both inland and along the coast. These mysterious pools range from easily accessible swimming spots to technical diving sites that attract explorers from around the world.

The nearby barrier reef, the third largest in the world, supports spectacular snorkeling and diving. Mangrove ecosystems teem with juvenile fish and provide habitat for wading birds. The overall sense is of nature relatively undisturbed, offering experiences increasingly rare in the modern Caribbean.

Getting there

Driggs Hill is accessible via ferry from Mangrove Cay, with boats departing from Lisbon Creek twice daily, typically at 8 AM and 4 PM. The ferry ride crosses the South Bight in approximately 30 minutes. Alternatively, the weekly mailboat from Nassau provides direct service to Driggs Hill, departing Monday night and arriving Tuesday morning. From Driggs Hill, taxis and rental vehicles access points south along the Queen's Highway. Congo Town Airport lies approximately 20 kilometers to the south.

Frequently asked questions

How do I arrange transportation from Driggs Hill to other parts of South Andros?
Taxis meet the ferry arrivals and can transport visitors to accommodations or attractions throughout South Andros. Rental cars may be arranged through hotels or lodges. The Queen's Highway is paved and straightforward to navigate.
Can I travel to Nassau by mailboat from Driggs Hill?
Yes, the mailboat accepts passengers traveling in either direction. The journey from Driggs Hill to Nassau takes overnight, departing after unloading and arriving in Nassau the following morning. Contact the dock master or local lodges for current schedules and fares.
What amenities are available in Driggs Hill itself?
Driggs Hill is a small settlement with basic services. More extensive amenities, including accommodations and restaurants, are found in Congo Town and other settlements along the Queen's Highway to the south.