Red Bays

Black Seminole Heritage

The Black Seminoles of Red Bays are descendants of a remarkable migration that began in the American South. During the 18th and 19th centuries, enslaved and free Africans escaped to Florida, where they allied with the Seminole Indians. When the United States government began persecuting this combined community, some fled across the water to The Bahamas.

They settled in the remote northwestern corner of Andros, where the difficult terrain and isolated location provided protection. The community developed in relative isolation, preserving cultural practices, oral traditions, and craft techniques that might otherwise have been lost. Today, Red Bays remains the only settlement on the western coast of Andros, its remoteness continuing to define its character.

Traditional Basket Weaving

The art of coiled basket weaving has been passed down through generations in Red Bays, representing a direct link to African ancestors who used these techniques for farming and gathering. The baskets are made from palm fronds and other native materials, tightly plaited using skills that predate the slave trade.

Artisans work by hand, creating baskets of various sizes and purposes, from small decorative pieces to large utilitarian vessels. Each basket represents hours of careful labor, and purchasing directly from the weaver ensures both authenticity and fair compensation. The craft has become central to the Red Bays economy and a source of community pride.

Visiting the Village

Red Bays lies approximately 14 miles west of Nicholls Town, accessible by a road that crosses remote terrain through pine forest and low scrub. The journey itself is part of the experience, passing through landscape that feels genuinely wild and untouched. A rental vehicle is strongly recommended, as there is no public transportation.

The village welcomes visitors warmly, and artisans are typically happy to demonstrate their craft and discuss their heritage. Some homes display baskets for sale, and visitors can often watch weaving in progress. The pace is unhurried, and spending time in conversation reveals the depth of history and pride that defines this community.

Beyond the Baskets

While basket weaving is the most visible craft, Red Bays artisans also produce wood carvings, including traditional figures and decorative items. The surrounding waters offer fishing opportunities, and the western coast of Andros provides a perspective on the island dramatically different from the developed eastern shore.

The settlement's isolation means facilities are extremely limited, with no restaurants, shops, or tourist services. Visitors should bring water, snacks, and everything else they might need. This lack of infrastructure is part of the appeal, offering an encounter with authentic Bahamian life that has become rare in the modern archipelago.

Getting there

Red Bays is accessible by road from Nicholls Town in North Andros, a drive of approximately 14 miles through remote terrain. A rental vehicle is essential, as there is no public transportation. The journey takes roughly 30 minutes on roads that are mostly paved but see little traffic. Visitors should bring all necessary supplies, including water and snacks, as the village has no tourist facilities. Day trips from Fresh Creek or Andros Town can incorporate both Nicholls Town and Red Bays.

Frequently asked questions

Can you buy baskets directly from artisans in Red Bays?

Yes. Many artisans display baskets for sale at their homes, and visitors can often watch the weaving process while selecting a piece. Prices are negotiated directly with the weaver. Purchasing on-site ensures authenticity and supports the community economy.

Is Red Bays safe to visit?

Red Bays is a peaceful village that welcomes visitors warmly. The community is small and close-knit, with no crime concerns for tourists. The main practical consideration is the remote location, which requires a rental vehicle and advance preparation.

What is the connection between Red Bays and the Seminoles?

Red Bays was settled by Black Seminoles who fled persecution in Florida during the early 1800s. These were descendants of escaped African slaves who had allied with the Seminole Indians. They brought cultural practices, including basket weaving techniques, that originated in Africa before the slave trade.