Andros Town, Andros, Bahamas

Tongue of the Ocean Wall

The Tongue of the Ocean Wall is the eastern edge of Andros, where the Andros Barrier Reef — the third-largest barrier reef system in the world — drops vertically into a deep oceanic trench more than 1,800 meters deep. Divers cruise along the wall top in 20 to 30 meters with the abyss yawning to one side. Black corals, large barrel sponges, elephant ear sponges, and gorgonians decorate the wall, and visibility is typically exceptional thanks to the deep oceanic exposure. Pelagic action is consistent: Caribbean reef sharks patrol the wall edge, eagle rays glide along the contour, and large schools of horse-eye jacks gather in the blue. Turtles and groupers are routine. The wall extends for over 100 miles along Andros's eastern shore and is fronted by Small Hope Bay Lodge and other operators based in Andros Town. Wall conditions vary with tide and current; advanced training is recommended for the deeper drops.