Andros Lighthouse Yacht Club & Marina
Historic 1950s yacht club on Fresh Creek with legendary hospitality and gateway to the Andros blue holes.
Andros Lighthouse Yacht Club & Marina stands at the junction of Fresh Creek and the Atlantic Ocean, marked by a historic 107-year-old lighthouse that has become the symbol of Andros Island. Founded in 1951 by Swedish industrialist Alex Wenner-Gren, this full-service yacht club quickly became a magnet for celebrities and royalty, including Ernest Hemingway, whose frequent visits inspired the naming of the on-site bar.
Today the fully refurbished marina continues its nearly 75-year tradition of welcoming cruisers exploring the largest yet least-developed island in the Bahamas. With 28 slips accommodating vessels up to 100 feet, a dedicated fuel dock, and direct access to the world's third-largest barrier reef and mysterious blue holes, it remains the premier staging point for exploring Andros.
Marina facilities and services
The 28-slip marina can accommodate everything from centre consoles to 100-foot mega-yachts, with drafts up to 9 feet at high tide and a 7-foot entrance depth at low tide. A dedicated fuel dock with high-speed pumps operates daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., dispensing both diesel and gasoline.
Shore power is available in 30, 50, and 100 amp service, including single and three-phase options. Fresh water, ice, bait, laundry, and cable TV round out the marina amenities. The Captains Cabin General Store stocks essentials, and complimentary WiFi serves registered guests in the clubhouse.
Hemingway Bar and accommodations
The Hemingway Bar pays tribute to the legendary American author who frequented the yacht club during the 1950s and 60s. Walls adorned with maritime memorabilia and vintage photographs tell the story of the club's golden era when it entertained royalty and Hollywood stars.
Twenty air-conditioned rooms in the yacht club and bungalows offer private outdoor terraces overlooking the harbour. The Calabash Restaurant serves Bahamian and international cuisine, while the outdoor swimming pool provides respite after a day exploring the barrier reef.
Gateway to Andros adventures
Fresh Creek's location makes it the ideal base for exploring Andros's extraordinary natural attractions. The on-site dive shop organizes excursions to the Andros Barrier Reef — the third-largest in the world — and to the legendary blue holes that dot the island's interior.
These blue holes lie along a massive fracture system running from the Tongue of the Ocean through the land and across South Bight, harbouring rare cave fish and shrimp found nowhere else. Note that fishing is prohibited in the marina and surrounding Andros National Sea Park waters.
Getting there
Andros Lighthouse Yacht Club is located in Fresh Creek (Andros Town) on Central Andros, accessible via the Tongue of the Ocean from Nassau (approximately 35 nautical miles west). San Andros Airport receives flights from Nassau, with ground transport available to Fresh Creek. For cruisers approaching from the east, the historic lighthouse provides a clear landmark at the creek entrance.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I explore blue holes from Andros Lighthouse Yacht Club?
- Yes. The marina's dive shop organizes guided excursions to the famous Andros blue holes, which harbour unique cave-adapted species. These geological formations along a massive fracture system are a major draw for adventurous divers and snorkellers.
- What is the history of Andros Lighthouse Yacht Club?
- Founded in 1951 by Swedish billionaire Alex Wenner-Gren, the yacht club became a glamorous retreat for celebrities and royalty. Ernest Hemingway was a frequent guest, and the Hemingway Bar honours his connection to the club.
- Is fishing allowed at the marina?
- No. Fishing is prohibited in the marina and from docked vessels. The surrounding waters are part of the Andros National Sea Park, where all fishing is banned under Bahamian law.