Andros Barrier Reef

Andros Island, Bahamas

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Andros Barrier Reef, off the eastern coast of Andros Island in the Bahamas, the largest island in the archipelago, is the world's third-largest barrier reef, stretching over 190 miles (about 300 km) long and dropping from shallow waters near shore to depths exceeding 6,000 feet (1,800 meters) in the adjacent Tongue of the Ocean.

This vast living system supports thriving coral formations like elkhorn and brain corals, over 160 fish species including Nassau groupers during spawning aggregations, turtles, sharks, rays, and sponges, making it a premier destination for scuba diving, snorkeling, and blue hole exploration amid mangroves and bonefish flats.

Protected partly by North and South Marine Parks covering 8,500 acres since 2002, it remains relatively pristine despite threats like bleaching, offering unparalleled biodiversity visible from Andros' east coast settlements via boat access.