It is a tree native to the Bahamas, but to us, Kamalame represents our two island properties, which stand out in their elegance and luxury. Although only an hour from Miami or Fort Lauderdale, they are a world apart. The islands are adjacent to the mainland of Andros Island, Bahamas. Commonly called "The Sleeping Giant," Andros is the largest island of the Bahamas, yet it remains largely unexplored and sparsely populated. Despite the isolated surroundings, Kamalame treats their guests to the utmost in amenities. Enjoy a gourmet meal surrounded by pillars of stone, or stroll leisurely down 3 miles of isolated beach. The solitude is perfect for those seeking a private and secluded holiday, without sacrificing comfort.
Sit on the beach, read a book, soak in a tub...or delve into the adventurous side of Kamalame. Explore the third longest barrier reef in the world, with a scuba tank or without. Practice your casting on the World's Best Bonefishing Flats. Test your wits against the great marlin, wahoo, and dolphin out in the deep sea. Or take a leisurely day exploring the Sleeping Giant and its natural wonders with your personal guide on an island tour.
An escape to Kamalame is a fabulous treat that we should all sample. Experience the Bahamas as you never have before; fish and dive the surrounding waters, savor magnificent meals, and relish supreme service in absolute comfort. Andros Island's world-renowned bonefishing, spectacular snorkeling and diving, and completely relaxing atmosphere accompanied by truly world-class accommodations at Kamalame make for the perfect getaway for discriminating travelers.
Villas, Suites & Rooms
Kamalame Cay is old-world, Caribbean graciousness delivered to you on a 96-acre private island estate. Kamalame Cay features a main Great House for living, gathering and dining; thatched-roof, beachside cabana; and separate villa suites with beautifully detailed guest rooms all with magnificent ocean views.
The Great House is a perfect gathering place for meals, cocktails, and fish tales. It is tastefully decorated with art and antiques from the owner's private collection; filled with comfortable oversized, furniture; and wrapped with an inviting verandah that offers a tranquilizing panoramic view of the sea.
Kamalame Cay, small and exclusive, still allows you to select from a range of exquisite accommodations, including suites and rooms. We offer complete villa suites and smaller intimate cottage suites all with large bathrooms, oversized soaking tubs/showers and sparkling ocean views from all the baths. Each of these suites is totally private, secluded under its own open cedar-shingled roof, with its own seaside garden around it. Miles of exclusive beach directly in front of each suite beckon the beachcomber.
Mahogany and Driftwood are our top of the line two-bedroom villa suites. These can be each configured either with 2 bedrooms and a living room, or used as 3 large adjoining bedrooms (and no separate living room) with each having its own wet bar and covered verandah. In the latter configuration, the center bedroom would have a larger area for sitting, and will also have a larger wet bar and 2 covered verandahs.
Pigeon Plum is our exceptional one-bedroom villa suite with a separate cozy sitting area, and a large wet bar and a wrap-around covered verandah stepping down to the beach in front.
Casuarina, Cocoplum, Wild Dilly, and Sapodilla North & South are our new octagonal cottage suites. Each of these precious buildings has one very large bedroom, with french doors opening wide to your own expansive sea view, spreading across three sides of the room, right in front of the bed. Designed for absolute privacy, these suites are perfect for total getaway and seclusion. Laze in a comfortable lounge chair, and watch the pristine water change colors all day.
We are also now offering Marina rooms that overlook the new marina, and are very well suited to the angler who wants fishing as the main focus. Here the bathrooms have only showers, for those who find a bathtub a nuisance. These are unique seaside cottage rooms with all the wonderful linens and details for which Kamalame is famous.
Silver Top is a very special 2-bedroom thatched-roofed villa suite perched on probably the highest point on the Cay, with the beach in front, and the calm of Blanket Sound behind. It is comprised of three thatched-roofed pavilions, with the support columns made of natural pine tree trunks and shutters of bamboo style doors made of smaller pine logs. Silver Top can also be configured with the living room converting to a third adjoining bedroom instead of a living room. Three adjacent walls in each of the 2 bedrooms, open up completely to marvelous views of a sparkling ocean. This is the epitome of the enchanted fantasy island.
Kamalame Cove
Discover the charm of this West Indian Plantation Style Home on it's own private isle of just over four magical acres, poised on a bluff between two azure coves with beaches of soft white sand, is a comfortable, sprawling, 4 bedroom, 5 bathroom home called Kamalame ("Kum-al-um-ee") Cove. Surrounded by the turquoise waters of the Bahamas, except for a finger of sand connecting you to the simple island life of Andros, lies this private, natural kingdom. It is an unspoiled place you won't ever want to leave.
Kamalame Cove is a magnificent 7500 square foot residence tucked comfortably into a secluded 4-acre isle that is now attached to the mainland of Andros by a narrow of sand. Nestled between its own two romantic, palm-fringed coves of white sand beaches, Kamalame Cove sits on a low rocky bluff, overlooking a pristine sea. Refresh in the beautiful aqua waters lapping outside your door or the 40-foot freeform swimming pool.
Abundant French doors and windows flash magnificent views from every vantage, and cooling breezes bring the sounds of the sea inside. A massive open-air great room offers spectacular views of the sea plus a separate wing of four elegantly appointed bedrooms each with their own ocean view and private bathroom (the master bathroom has a Roman tub and bidet).
Enjoy first-class dining; fine wines; and constant, caring service as a full staff (chef, head housekeeper, 4 assistants, groundskeeper, and guest-activities coordinator) care for your every need. A detached staff kitchen and separate (off-island) sleeping quarters for staff ensure complete guest privacy.
The casual elegance of this tropical island estate comfortably houses up to 8 guests.
Bonefishing
“Practice your casting on the world's best bonefishing flats”
Abundant is the word most use to describe the 2300 square miles of bonefishing flats on Andros Island. Every day is a good day for bonefishing and on a typical day, the average angler can land 5 - 10 bonefish on fly. Bonefish average a solid 4 pounds and many in the 9-pound-plus class are encountered: even larger bones work the flats' edges. There have been some permit caught in the Joulter Cays just north of Kamalame; however, these should be considered a bonus. You will find the flats around Andros Island a very impressive fishery.
Each day, two rods will be taken by vehicle to a proven fishing location (Joutler Cays, North Bright, or the untouched northwest side of Andros) where they will meet a guide with boat. If you favor a more relaxed pace or just can't stop fishing at the end of the day, wander out your back door into miles of productive flats where you can fish 'til your heart's content without a guide.
Bonefishermen will want an 8-or 9-weight rod (9 weights give you a better edge on windy days) and a good reel with 150-200 yards of backing. For flies we recommend Crazy Charlies in white, brown and pink; McVay Gotchas; white and chartreuse Clouser minnows; and some Del Brown Merkins. Don't forget your wading boots, polarized sunglasses, a good hat, and sunscreen.
Tarpon fishermen will want an 11-12 weight rod with a matching floating line and a good reel with 150-200 yards of backing. For flies we recommend any good selection of cockroaches or orange Keys-style flies will be fine.
Deep Sea Fishing
“Taste the excitement of the deep”
Whether you're a seasoned angler or looking for a new experience, you will enjoy a full day of exciting prospects aboard Kamalame's own 36 foot custom-built sport fisherman yacht, Gunshot. She has dual GM diesels, state of the art electronics, GPS navigation, air conditioning, and sleeping berths for up to four people.
Equipped for the serious fisherman, you'll find a color fish finder, a complete set of 30 lb and 50 lb rods, as well as a selection of spinning rods. All equipment and tackle are top of the line. The reels are all Penn International and the rods are custom made Biscayne Rods.
Find plenty of dolphin in the summer and wahoo in the cooler months. You've got a good shot at tuna and marlin, and for a change of pace you can try jigging in 600-1000 foot waters for red snapper with an electric reel. There is a variety of other large pelagic too!
The Tongue of the Ocean is a six thousand foot deep trench which lies 1.5 miles off the east coast of Andros, just a half mile past the third longest barrier reef in the world. This combination makes for excellent deep water fishing only minutes away from Kamalame Cay.
Scuba Diving
“Some of Kamalame's most beautiful sights lay just below the surface of the ocean! Shallow, deep, blue water... you have your choice of dive spots when you stay at Kamalame Cay.”
Andros offers incredible variety for divers from the near vertical wall dives with dramatic ledges and caves to shallow back-reefs that abound with reef fish and invertebrates. You're just as likely to find a tiny seahorse in the mangroves as watch a giant manta ray glide by through the deep blue.
It's hard to believe such fantastic diving has remained so unknown. Travel no more than 15 minutes away from Kamalame and relax at any of a dozen dive sites, all by yourself. The chances of seeing another boat (let alone another diver at the same site) are very slim.
Visit some of our most popular sites or go find your own spot. If you want to discover and name your very own site, simply let us know. We'll pick a depth, grab a mask, and find you your own spot.
Basslet Bay is an ideal training site located just six minutes away from the dock. It is named for the many fairy basslets that make the coral heads surrounding a sand pit home. If you haven't been in the water for a while, or you want an excellent shallow dive, ask to see Basslet Bay.
The Shallows is perfect for beginners and those who haven't been diving recently. Twenty-five to 30 feet of sand and coral make this an entertaining dive. Fish prefer these depths, so you'll see a lot of them here. Look for heads of brain and elkhorn coral. This is also great for expert diver who have to fly off tomorrow.
The Buoy is a great starting dive. At 45 feet, check out plenty of coral, fish, and the occasional silky shark. Look for Captain 'Cuda and get readjusted to your gear and weightless environment if it's been a while.
Snorkeling
“Unearth Hidden Treasures”
Snorkeling is an activity everyone can safely enjoy. Rest assured that all of your snorkeling will be right on the reef, with plenty of coral within an arms reach. Maybe you would prefer to enjoy snorkeling off one of your three private beaches where you can explore the surprisingly lively rocky shore or you can experience the thrill of a blue water snorkel over the 6,000 foot deep Tongue of the Ocean. We have everything you need, but you may be more comfortable with your own equipment.
Experience the incredible diversity of marine life in the shallow (0-15 feet) coral reefs of Andros Island. Explore on your own or let our experienced guides show you around some of their favorite sites. If you want to explore new areas and name your own site, just ask.
Just five minutes away, Staniard Rock has a truly spectacular circle of coral, it is easily the best snorkeling in the Bahamas. At low tide the tremendous elkhorn is exposed, and beautiful breakers crash over the reef. There is plenty of room behind the waves to explore a maze of coral heads. Keep your eyes out for turtles, nurse sharks, spotted eagle rays, and southern sting rays.
South Pass & Pigeon Cay is a great place for the less experienced (and guests with kids). There is a beautiful beach to relax on, and the patch of coral around the cay is very accessible, yet is in shallow water. A short boat ride from Pigeon is the core of the reef, where elkhorn coral is surrounded by heads of brain and star corals. This is a wonderful half to full day of snorkeling, using Pigeon Cay as a picnic base.
Blue Hole Cay is our closest oceanic blue. It lies in only five feet of water. The hole itself drops to ten, and is a safe haven for a lot of pufferfish, grunts, and snappers. Look also for abundant anemones, and sea hares are prolific in the spring.
Adjacent to Blue Hole Cay is Calabash Cay where you can relax on the beach and explore the surrounding waters that teem with fascinating invertebrates. Look in holes, turn over rocks, and check out the rocky shore for anemones, urchins, lobsters, and funky fish like high hats, flying gurnards, and scorpion fish. This is a nice beginner's snorkel.
North Pass & Saddleback Cay is perhaps the prettiest cay this side of the Andros. Ideal for a lunch stop, snorkeling right off the cay is incredible. At low tide the exposed sand bar on the west side has hundreds of sand dollars and incredible shells for the collectors. After lunch take the boat to North Pass and explore the reef itself. At fifteen feet there is the whitest sand, but the coral heads come up to within one foot of the surface for easy access and viewing.
Rat Cay is five minutes north of Saddleback Cay and boasts the most beautiful ocean blue hole you'll see. Huge parrotfish and snappers inhabit this hole, and it's not unusual to see a nurse shark or two. Explore around the whole cay and look for turtles and reef squid. This is a great to do in conjunction with a trip to Saddleback, or it can be done as a half day by itself.
Guided Tours
“Explore on your own or let one of our experienced guides show you around”
If you want to see mainland Andros, arrange to be ferried across and whisked away in a car with a personal guide. Each island adventure is unique and flexible. If we run across something cool, we'll stop and explore. If you want to see something in particular, just let us know. Pick what you're interested in and how much time you want to spend or leave everything to us. Plan to wear comfortable shoes and bring along your bathing suit!
Eco Tours
Andros Island is the largest and one of the lesser known of the 700 islands of the Bahamas. It is approximately 140 miles wide with approximately 10,000 people living in a few small towns along the eastern shore.
From a diverse assemblage of tropical plants to unusual geology, Andros offers abundant options for the nature lover. Explore the ecology on a variety of nature trails. Or spend a day visiting stunning sights such as Morgan's Bluff, the highest point on the island. Seek treasure in a cave or ponder the days of slavery while exploring ruins of slave homes. Search for invertebrates or start a Bahamian stamp collection. Examine life in the small, remote settlement of Red Bays, where basket-making and sponging are the main industries. There are many things to see on Andros--something new for each visit.
Water Tour
Learn the history of water on Andros. Explore oceanic and inland blue holes, see the water barge dock and the pumping reservoirs, view the groundwater trenches, and top things off with a reef snorkel (full day tour). This tour takes you to the North end of Andros and can be done as a full or half day tour.
Tramp Through the Woods
Explore places that few people ever see. Maidenhair Coppice and Rainbow Blue Hole are highlighted on this trip. See stunning "banana holes," gaze at a fascinating lagoon with massive orchids, and relax in a very remote fresh water hole. Make it a full day and include Jungle Pond where you'll need to keep an eye and ear out for hogs, Great Lizzard Cuchoos, and be stunned by the Pond itself. It's small, but don't get lost. In addition to a bathing suit and comfortable shoes, bring long pants and a long-sleeve shirt.
Andros Island, South
Explore Behring Point to Fresh Creek. Look at a beautiful old church, investigate the cemetery, check out a fascinating blue hole, then visit Androsia batik factory. Time permitting, we can truck back t Church's blue hole, the largest in the Bahamas and vastly different from the first.
Andros Island, North
Go back in time at Red Bays and splurge on the best baskets on Andros (they hold water). Search out sponges, smell the sponge dock, and investigate the woodcarvings. Go up to Money Point for an invertebrate search. At this tidal flat millions of creatures roam under rocks. Turn up a rock and see a whole new world. The choice is yours, snorkel in an ocean blue hole or reef before a freshwater dip in our most popular inland blue hole, Charlie's.
Kamalame Cay Nature Walk
Use the Cay to guide you on your own nature walk. Look for unusual shells, beautiful plants, and observe the fascinating layout of the cay. The ideal time to walk along the beach is at low tide. Ask for a picnic lunch (or one can be delivered to you) and spend a day enjoying the north shore. If you prefer, ask for a guided tour of the cay. There isn't a nicer island out there.
Scuba diving and snorkeling
There are vast, unexplored areas, criss-crossed by inland waterways and dotted with perfectly circular, natural inland pools known as blue holes. There are two types of these fascinating features on Andros: oceanic and inland. Snorkel (on your own or with a guide) above an oceanic "boiling hole" and gaze at the numerous reef fish enjoying the safe haven of the enclosed hole. Feel free to snorkel inland holes as well. They are perfect for a refreshing dip after a day of fishing or hiking.
The second largest barrier reef in the world (behind The Great Barrier Reef of Australia, and Belize's reef), is one of the world's lesser known. Kamalame lets you adopt the reef as your own...while you're with us, you will be hard pressed to run into another snorkeler or diver! Have lunch on your very own cay, snorkel on pristine reef, and don't be surprised to run into turtles, rays, huge grouper, and fascinating coral formations.
Locally known as TOTO, the Tongue of the Ocean is an unusual trench less than 2 miles off the east coast of Andros. It is unusual in that it dead ends to the south. At 6,000 feet deep, it makes for a spectacular drop-off at the wall. Starting at 90 feet in some places (and ending at 6,000), the vertical wall is a fantastic dive. Even snorkeling in the clear Bahamian water one can see the drop off into the deep blue. And while you're there, listen for the occasional pinging of submarines being tested by the Atlantic Undersea Test and Evaluation Center (AUTEC), a US Naval facility located on Andros.
Andros is the largest and one of the lesser known of the 700 islands of the Bahamas. Located just 35 miles west of Nassau and about 150 miles southeast of Florida, Andros is approximately 140 miles long and 40 miles wide, with approximately 10,000 people living in a few small towns along the eastern shore. There are vast, unexplored areas, cris-crossed by inland waterways and dotted with perfectly circular, natural inland pools known as blue holes.
Kamalame Cay is a sandy barrier island, separated from the mainland of Andros by a tidal inlet. It is at the end of the road in Staniard Creek, a quiet settlement of 100 people. Small grocery stores, island bars, and basket shops are separated by churches and coconut trees that line the town's two mile beach. Staniard Creek is located on the island of North Andros, 12 miles north of Fresh Creek.
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