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Small Hope Bay Lodge

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The Lodge: Small Hope Bay Lodge is an informal holiday resort that focuses around the central lodge built of coral rock and Andros pine. Comfortable couches and throw-pillows create a friendly home-like atmosphere. The Lodge houses a dining area, lounge/bar area, game room and reading room.

There is also a small boutique on the premises, a separate building for office administration and guest services and a staffed laundry facility. There is an outdoor patio bar and dining area for summer-night barbecues.

There are no phones (one phone/fax for guest use in the office), no newspapers, no TVs, no keys. Emphasis is on a natural environment with relaxing, low-impact lifestyle. There is no dress code -- bare feet, T-shirts, sarongs, anything (except neckties) is acceptable.

Rooms: Twenty cottages located directly on the beach, each handbuilt of coral rock and Andros Pine with overhead ceiling fans, locally made furniture, decorated in Androsia Batik fabrics, and all with a view of the sea. Each has private toilet/shower facilities and is fully tiled. King-size beds and single beds are available. There are four two-bedroom cottages for families, as well as a special "honeymoon cottage." All are shaded by palms and located on the Bay. To the north of the cottages is a separate swimming beach.

The Owners: Small Hope Bay was built by Dick Birch, who left the snows of Canada for a new way of life. Dick opened Small Hope Bay Lodge in 1960 with four cottages and started a diving legend. His record for deep diving on compressed air to 462 feet remains unbroken.

Many great names, from prime ministers to photographers, learned to dive at Small Hope Bay. The Birch Family continues to operate Small Hope Bay Lodge as a small hotel with just 20 cottages on the beach.

Andros Island, some 2300 square miles in size, is perhaps the largest tract of unexplored land in the Western hemisphere. A coral limestone formation, Andros is dominated by thick inpenetrable bush, sliced in pieces by inland waterways, and edged by mangrove swamp. To the north are hardwood and pine forests--including Andros Pine, Mahogany (Madeira), Horseflesh, and Lignum Vitae; along the east coast are the fishing and diving grounds of the Andros Barrier Reef. On the West Coast are the pristine fishing flats of the Great Bahama Bank.
 

The Andros Barrier Reef, the third largest in the world and the second largest in the western hemisphere, stretches 140 miles along the east coast of the island and rims the Tongue of the Ocean, with its 6,000-foot drop-off. Additionally Andros abounds in Blue Holes (underwater cave systems)--which have been the scene of some of the deepest underwater cave explorations in the world.

There are more than 40 known species of wild orchids on Andros, as well as endemic and migrating bird and butterfly populations. Other wildlife includes iguanas, wild boars and land crabs. Andros has a population of approximately 10,000 people, most of them residing in small towns located on the eastern coast. The island itself is the great provider, with the main occupations being fishing and farming. In addition, the island has long traditions in boat building, straw work, and wood carving.

Diving on Andros

The Bahamas Andros Barrier Reef is the third longest reef system in the world and Small Hope Bay Lodge has been exploring it for over forty years. No one knows it better! What makes the reef so unique is not just its size -- but its variety of formations. Small Hope Bay Lodge has over 60 different dive sites in its dive schedule.

We've been taking divers to the best sites along this incredible barrier reef since 1960, when double-hose regulators were state-of-the-art and before BCs were invented.

The Diving Facility Small Hope, with just twenty cottages, has three dive boats, four instructors and two divemasters on staff. Average boat time is 15 minutes; average water temperature is 24 degrees C / 78 degrees F.

Dive boats visit three sites every day, four if there's a night dive. With over 60 different sites, very seldom would you get a repeat dive during your stay.

For beginners, the Lodge offers complimentary introductory lessons, as well as complete Open Water Certifications. Divemasters accompany every single dive, and our videographer accompanies most dives. Both the PADI Open Water Course and Advanced Open Water are offered regularly. We also offer SDI and NAUI training and referrals are gladly accepted from all certifying agencies.

Small Hope's Dive Program:
Small Hope Bay Lodge offers two kinds of diving: 1. Regularly Scheduled Dives: Our boats go out twice a day, every day, and visit three sites. Depths range from 15-foot shallow reef dives, to 50-foot coral gardens, to 90+-foot wall or cavern dives. Dive site selection is geared to participants' abilities and preferences and aim to show the widest variety of sites. Depending on our guests we run a seperate boat usually in the afternoon for snorkelers and shallow divers. Divemasters plan and accompany all dives. All divers must demonstrate mask and regulator clearing skills before diving with Small Hope Bay Lodge. Costs are $45 for a one-tank dive, $55 for a two-tank dive (morning option) and $50 for a night dive.Specially priced all-inclusive dive packages are available.

2. Custom-tailored Specialty Dives: This option affords the individuals or small groups the opportunity to have their own boat and divemaster to explore the reef and walls of Andros. Participants can choose sites and work with divemaster in planning the dive. Ideal for computer diving. Also available are one-on-one advanced dives to some of the best blue holes and wall spots on Andros. Due to the nature of some of these dives, participation is limited to two divers maximum. Cost is $125 per person; $85 each for two or more. Custom-tailored Specialty Dives are not available as part of a regular dive package. A videographer accompanies most dives, custom-tailored and specialty dives upon request. Nightly viewing of the day's adventures are shown after dinner.


 

Snorkeling
For snorkelers Small Hope offers daily boat trips to the reef, visiting different sites each day at depths ranging from 10-20 feet. The Lodge also offers a special excursion called a Snorkel Safari on Fresh Creek, where often wild dolphin are spotted, and there exists a chance to swim with them in the water. Small Hope also offers snorkelers a chance to join divers on the Shark Observation Experience. In addition, one can find enjoyable and varied snorkeling from shore-ranging from the hiding areas around the dock to patch reefs off the beach to creeks through the mangroves. Maps are provided, outlining the best areas, and Dive Propulsion Vehicles are available for rent. Small Hope Bay Lodge offers weekly slide shows and has a reference library for marine identification. Small Hope Bay Lodge is a participant in the Jean-Michel Cousteau Out Island Snorkeling Adventure and the Cousteau Ambassadors of the Reef Program. Click here for more information about "Snorkeling From Shore." Snorkel with Dolphin in the Wild; Small Hope's Safari on Fresh Creek A chance to snorkel with wild dolphin highlights a most popular excursion at Small Hope Bay Lodge called "A Safari on Fresh Creek." In addition to playing with dolphin, participants get an opportunity to view the inland wilderness of Andros, called by some the largest unexplored tract of land in the western hemisphere. It is a true outback--home to a wealth of bird life, the famed bonefish and the mysterious blue holes. "This excursion gives us a chance to show guests another part of our island, so they can better appreciate the complexity of our ecology. It is an unique and informative outing that the whole family can enjoy," says Jeff Birch, manager of Small Hope Bay Lodge. The boat trip travels from the Small Hope dock via the sheltered lagoon into the mouth of Fresh Creek to journey part way up this 20 mile waterway, past the Fresh Creek Lighthouse and Marina, and the Government docks where the mail boats deliver supplies. The boat heads west under the Fresh Creek Bridge, to enter the shallow water home of the world famous bonefish. If you have "the eye" you'll spot the schools of these gray ghosts, as well as needle fish, southern stingrays and eagle rays. The boat cruises past the Monadnock, a sunken New York ferry. The half submerged barge now provides nesting grounds for owls and other birdlife above the water, and mangrove snapper below the surface. Accessible only by shallow draught boat, and with absolutely no hint of human development, this pristine tidal river is an important building block of the Andros Barrier Reef. It is a maze of channels and mud flats, a true outback, home to heron and hawk, schools of bonefish, eagle ray, and even wild dolphin.

Says Jim Sollars, former divemaster at Small Hope: "If we are lucky, we will spot them and even have the opportunity of snorkeling with them. It is an incredible experience. These dolphin are wild, but they seem to enjoy the company of humans and happily swim with us. They spin and roll and come very close... "We respect them and do not pet, touch or feed these wild animals. We simply enjoy swimming with them for as long as they are here," he says. Small Hope offers the afternoon excursion once or twice a week, depending on demand. Cost is $45 for adults, $15 for children under 12.

RESORT AMENITIES:

The central lodge features a dining area, lounge/bar, games rooms and reading room. There is also a small boutique on the premises, a separate building for office administration and guest services and a staffed laundry facility.
 

ROOM FEATURES:

The 20 casual style cottages are individually hand-built out of coral rock and Andros Pine and are located near the waters' edge . The rooms overhead ceiling fans, locally made furniture decorated in Androsia Batik fabrics, and all with a view of the sea. Each has private toilet/shower facilities, and are fully tiled.  King-size beds and single beds are available. There are four two-bedroom cottages for families, as well as a special "honeymoon cottage." All are shaded by palms and located on the Bay. To the north of the cottages is a separate swimming beach. No telephones and TV's in the room.

WHAT-TO-DO:

Small Hope Bay Lodge in an eco-friendly resort renowned for its diving and bonefishing. Immediately off the coast of Andros is the 142-mile long Andros Barrier Reef, the third largest in the world. Dive sites include coral gardens and caverns, wreck dives, ocean blue holes, and wall dives.

Dive package includes: 3 dives daily plus use of tanks/ belt/ mask/ fins/ snorkel. BCD $8.00 Regulator and wet suits are $4.00 per boat trip. One night dive is included, night dives are offered twice weekly (6 divers min.).

Snorkeling package includes:  Paragraph 1, plus daily morning boat trips to reef and unlimited use of equipment for snorkeling trails from shore.

Optional Activities: Shark Observation Dive $85.00, Custom-tailored Specialty Dives $125.00 (one diver with the dive master, for experienced divers only, computer diving, deep and cave diving, advanced booking recommended).

Fishing:  Andros Island, with its hundreds of miles of inland flats, has long been recognized for its world-class bonefishing. Small Hope Bay Lodge has its own 16-foot Dolphin and the services of Guide Prescot Smith. Bonefish boats hold up to two fishermen plus guide. Reef fishing and deep sea fishing (for up to four people per boat) is also available.

Bone Fishing half day $200.00 (full day $325.00) for 2 people incl. Local guide, boat, gear  (Advise in advance if fly caster or spin caster),

Reef fishing $220.00 for half day ($380.00 for full day) up to 4 people includes local guide, boat and gear for grouper, snapper, trigger, mackeral.

Deep sea fishing is $275.00 for half day ($480.00 full day) for 4 people including local guide, boat and gear for kingfish, wahoo, barracuda, yellow fin tuna and dolphin. Packed lunch included for all full day trips.

5 day certification Course is $310.00 p.pers., Open Water Referral is $150.00 and Nitrox Certification is $150.00

Fresh Creek Safari (in search of wild dolphins) $45.00 for adults and $15.00 for children 12y and under

Shark Observation Snorkel: $25.00 per person (adults or children) and individual snorkel trips are $15.00. Snorkeling/Shallow Dive with Dive Propulsion Vehicles add $35.00.

PRICES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE.

HELPFUL HINTS:

Children and Teen prices only apply with 2 full paying adults in the same unit. Children 11y and under eat evening meals at Kids Table in Games room at 6.30pm.

Bahamasair offers twice daily service to Andros Town generally around 6.30a.m. and 2.30p.m.  Alternatively, the hotel offers a charter flights (2 person minimum) from Fort Lauderdale to Andros Town.

This property is for the more informal traveler interested in excellent diving, bone fishing, reef and deep-sea fishing. Guests can enjoy the use of wind surfing, laser sailboats, kayaks, hot tub, bicycles, snorkeling equipment, free introductory scuba lesson and self-guided nature walks included in their hotel rate. Breakfast, lunch & dinner, bar and beverages, nightly conch-fritter hors d’oeuvres and airport transfers included! 

Small Hope Bay Lodge Rates

all-inclusive resort!

Our Rates Include:

  • Round-trip airport transfers
  • Beachfront cottage accommodations
  • All meals, bar drinks, and beverages
  • Nightly conch fritter hors d'oeuvres
  • All hotel taxes and service charges
  • Also includes: Free "intro" or refresher lessons for scuba diving and snorkeling, self-guided nature walks, windsurfers, Escape sailboat, kayaks, bicycles, and hot tub.
Daily All-Inclusive Rate
  
Daily All-Inclusive Rate
 July 1, - December 20,
April 28, - December 20,
  
December 21, - April 27,
Adult $175.00   Adult
$185.00
Teen, 12-17 years $100.00   Teen, 12-17 years
$100.00
Child, 2-11 years $75.00    Child, 2-11 years
 $75.00
         
Daily Dive Package Rate
  
Daily Dive Package Rate
Adult Diver

$235.00

   Adult Diver

$245.00
Teen Diver

$190.00

   Teen Diver

$190.00
         
Weekly Dive Package Rate

8 days / 7 nights

  
Weekly Dive Package Rate

8 days / 7 nights
Adult Diver
$1,500.00 ***
   Adult Diver
$1585.00 ***
Teen Diver
$1,240.00
   Teen Diver
$1,240.00
         
Daily Snorkel Package Rate
   Daily Snorkel Package Rate
Adult Snorkel Package

$195.00

   Adult Snorkel Package
$205.00
Teen Snorkel Package

$120.00

   Teen Snorkel Package
$120.00

*** Seven night dive package reflects discount!

Dive Packages
Dive packages include all the inclusions of the non-diver rate, plus three dives a day and use of tanks, weights and belt. Night dives (six divers minimum) are offered twice weekly and one night dive is included for divers on seven-night dive package. Dive boats go out twice daily, for two-tank dive in the morning and one tank dive in the afternoon. Divemaster plans and accompanies all dives.

  • Dive packages may be configured for any length of stay.
  • On stays up to seven nights, all nights must be at Dive Package Rate except final night, when rate reverts back to Daily Non-Diver Rate.
  • On stays of more than seven nights, guests may combine Non-Diver Rates with Dive Package Rates, as long as at least six nights are on Dive Package.

Snorkeling Packages
Snorkeling packages include daily boat trips to the reef, and of course, snorkeling trails from shore.

  • To configure for snorkel packages, multiply number of nights by the daily Snorkel Package rate, except final night, when rate reverts back to Daily Non-Snorkel Rate.

Adult Rates

  • Adult rate based on per person double occupancy. Single travelers have the option of enjoying a private bedroom with a share bath in a two bedroom cottage, or paying a $45 a night surcharge for private bedroom with a private bath.

Children and Teens:

  • Except during months of June, July and August, children and teens must be with two full paying adults to qualify for rate.
  • Children 11 and under eat evening dinner meal at Kids table in Game Room. Complimentary babysitting is provided from 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm for 2-11 year olds. Individual sitters for infants are easily arranged at a nominal fee.
  • We have a limited number of two bedroom cottages for families with children. Cribs and extra cots available at no extra charge.
  • Resort course instruction and SCUBA certification is available to children ten years and older. SASY equipment (for a surface SCUBA experience) is available to kids 8 years and up.
  • See our Family page for more information.
SCUBA Diving & Snorkeling  
"Small Hope Bay Lodge offers what is reputed to be the third biggest barrier reef system in the world, and some of the finest of all Blue Hole diving into immense underwater cave systems. Then there is the famous wall, beginning at 22m and plunging down into the Tongue of the Ocean, a dive I shall never forget."
--Bernard Eaton, Diver Magazine, March 1996
(published in the UK)
Individual SCUBA Dives
Includes tanks, weights & belt		   Individual Snorkels
Including safety vest on request
Morning 2-tank boat dive $55.00   Shore exploration

 Free
Morning 1-tank boat dive $45.00   Reef boat trip (with shallow divers)

 $25.00
Afternoon 1-tank boat dive $45.00   DPV Rental for Snorkeling

 add $35.00
Night 1-tank boat dive $50.00   Shark Observation Snorkel

 $45.00
Shark Observation Dive

$85.00

   Snorkel Safari on Fresh Creek - Adult

 $45.00
Nitrox fills $10.00   Snorkel Safari on Fresh Creek - Kids under 12

 $25.00

 

Snorkeling and SCUBA Instruction
Fees do not include required dives or equipment rental
Snorkeling Lessons Free
Introductory SCUBA lessons Free
Introductory SASY lessons for kids Free
SCUBA Open Water Certification Course, 4 days $250.00
Open Water Referral $150.00
Nitrox Certification (must pay for Nitrox fills)

$150.00
Advanced Open Water Certification $150.00
Other Certifications offered based on staff availability Call to check

 

Custom-Tailored Specialty Dives
Customized diving - just you and the divemaster. For the experienced diver only. Multi-level dive profiles. Blue holes, over-the-wall night dives, cavern exploration, computer dives, wall cruising with DPVs and more. Rates per diver. Advanced booking recommended. Exhilaration guaranteed!
One diver with private divemaster
$125.00
Two or more divers with private divemaster
 $85.00

 

Rental Equipment
Fees are per boat trip except where noted		  
BCD

$8.00
Regulator

$4.00
Wetsuit jacket/shortie $4.00
Mask with corrective lenses  $2.50
SASY equipment for kids $20.00
Dive Lights (Free on scheduled night dives) $5.00
Mask, Fins, and Snorkel (for duration of stay) $12.00
UWATEC Dive Computers (per day) $12.00
Fishing
"Experts rate Andros, with its innumerable sandy flats, cays and channels, as one of the world's great locations for the Albula vulpes, or white fox... Suddenly my guide stops poling and half-whispers, "Three-o'clock. Tailing. Twenty yards." A large school of bonefish, weighing perhaps three to five pounds each, heads in our direction."
--Charles Greenfield, Travel & Leisure Magazine, October 1996

 

  Bonefishing

Up to 2 people. Includes local guide, boat, gear (advise in advance if fly or spincaster) and packed lunch for full-day trips.
Half Day

$250.00
Full Day

$375.00

 

  Reef / Deep Sea Fishing

Up to 4 people. Includes local guide, boat, gear and packed lunch for full-day trips. Reef gear for grouper, snapper, trigger, mackerel, etc. Deep sea gear for kingfish, wahoo, barracuda, yellow fin tuna, dolphin, etc. Deep sea fly fishing available.
Half Day
$250.00 / $300.00
Full Day
$420.00 / $500.00

Weddings
"She said 'Yes!' We'll be back soon."

--Guests D.N. & J.W., Oyster Bay, New York
Bypass the commotion and treasure the occasion. Exchange your vows on the beach under an arch of native flowers, custom built for your ceremony.
Package includes bridal bouquet, flower crown and/or anklet, custom-made video, small reception, wedding cake and champagne. Commissioner's or preacher's stipend is extra. We'll help with the paperwork and arrangements.
Per couple

$400.00

 

Honeymoons

All-inclusive package includes roundtrip airport transfers, welcome drink, beach front cottage, breakfast, lunch and dinner, bar drinks and beverages, nightly conch fritter hors d'oeuvres, all hotel taxes and service charges, plus:

  • A special gift in your honeymoon cottage.
     
  • Breakfast in bed - every morning if you like!
     
  • Two free SCUBA diving excursions each, or up to four free daily snorkeling excursions by boat each.
     
  • Picnic lunch with wine at a secluded cay.
     
  • Souvenir video.
8 days/7 nights per couple

$2,500.00
5 days/4 nights per couple

$1,440.00

Cancellation Policy

If you are not able to make it, we are very sorry that we will not be seeing you:

 

  • For cancellations within 2 weeks of stay, your deposit will be donated.
  • For cancellations with more than 2 weeks notice, but less than 60 days, your deposit will be held for a future stay, because we would like to see you soon.
  • For cancellations with over 60 days notice we will refund your deposit in full (even though we would still like you to pay us a visit sometime).
  • This policy does not apply to groups.

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