Andros Bahamas Vacations at Small Hope Bay Lodge

Small Hope Bay Lodge

Description:

Small Hope Bay Lodge provides Scuba diving and nature-friendly accommodations on beautiful Andros Island (Bahamas). The lodge was built by renowned diver Dirk Birch, world-record holder for diving 462 feet on compressed air. Birch recognized the recreational appeal of diving, becoming a pioneer of sport diving tourism in the 1960s. The Small Hope Bay Lodge reflects his embrace for the life aquatic.

The all-inclusive lodge offers guided scuba diving adventures to more than sixty dive spots around the island, including pristine coral reefs and warm blue- hole caverns. Diving expeditions depart twice daily from the lodge's private dock, and the on-site dive center stocks all the rental equipment required. For beginning divers, the property hosts training and certification classes. Additionally, The Small Hope Bay Lodge offers eco-tours of the subtropical wilderness for parrot and flamingo watching.

Check for hotel deals and availability.

Location:

Fresh Creek - Andros, Bahamas
The Small Hope Bay Lodge is located right on the beach in Fresh Creek on Andros Island, the largest island in the Bahamas. A coral limestone formation, Andros is dominated by thick impenetrable 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 and most unexplored 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.

Accommodations Available:

Lodge amenities are minimalist, as not to spoil the natural environment. Guest cottages are located on the beach and were hand-built from coral rocks and natural timbers. They are furnished with locally-made rattan chairs and large comfortable beds. The property offers no newspapers, keys, or TVs. Phones and faxes are only available in the office. The lodge fosters a collegial atmosphere among staff and guests. A large beachside patio and deck hosts summer-night barbeques and dinners. At Small Hope Bay Lodge, Guests appreciate the valuable expertise of master divers and the adventuresome spirit that comes with exploring the natural wonder of Andros Island and the Caribbean sea.

In Room Amenities:

Round-trip Andros airport transfers
Beachfront cottage accommodations
All meals, bar drinks, and beverages
Nightly conch fritter hors d'oeuvres
All hotel taxes
Also includes: Free Discover Scuba or refresher lessons for scuba diving and snorkeling, self-guided nature walks, windsurfers, Escape sailboat, kayaks, bicycles, and hot tub on the beach.
Gratuities applied at your discretion (4% guideline)
Roll-away beds and cribs (infant beds)

Restaurants/Dining:

Small Hope Bay Lodge features an all-inclusive dining plan. Breakfast is full American-style breakfast (eggs, bacon, hot cakes, fruit, etc.) or a Bahamian breakfast of chicken souse, boiled fish, steamed tuna, or corned beef plus continental fare. Lunch consists of a hot dish (curried chicken, smothered grouper, meatloaf...) plus full salads, sandwich bar, and dessert bar. Dinner features salad bar, dessert bar, plus choice of meat (steak, Cornish hen, chicken, pork chops, lamb, etc.) or a fish entree (grouper, snapper, etc.), or a bit of both, served with fresh Island vegetables and a side dish. Continental Breakfast is buffet and hot dishes are made to order and served from the kitchen. Lunch is a buffet. Dinner is generally a buffet, but if eating inside they generally serve from the kitchen once a week (usually on Steak and Lobster night). They also have Bahamian night once a week and barbeque at least once a week. Desserts are taken very seriously and as you know, there are no calories while you are on vacation. ;-)

For vegetarians there is fish and/or eggs. If you are vegan, then you will enjoy the salad bar and fresh cooked vegetables and rice. You are invited to consult with the staff to help meet your requirements. It is helpful if you contact the lodge in advance for any special dietary requirements.

Activities on Premises:

Diving, snorkeling - on the reef, from shore or with wild dolphins. Relax on the beach. Go fishing. Get a massage. Choose a book from the library and find a hammock. Hot tub. Bike to the Androsia Factory, or to an inland blue hole. Do some birding. Sail, Windsurf, Kayak. Take a nature walk. Or learn to dive (for free!)

Activities in Area:

Androsia Batik Factory - 3 Miles
Fresh Creek - 3 Miles
Lighthouse Club Marina - 3 Miles
Captain Bill's Blue Hole (Fishing) - 5 Miles
Andros Barrier Reef - 10-minute boat ride

Other Facilities:

For more than forty years, weddings have been a celebrated part of life at Small Hope Bay. Three generations of Birches have been married there. They'll bring a family warmth and tropical style to your Bahamas wedding day.

Get married on the beach in a simple ceremony by the sea. The competent staff at Small Hope Bay Lodge will arrange it all, plus host a reception for up to forty of your closest friends. All you have to do is show up!

They'll build you an arch of flowers, and make head wreaths, anklets, corsages and bouquets using blooms from the nearby gardens. They will decorate the outdoor patio with colorful Androsia fabric, ferns, and flowers and let the sea provide its own magnificent backdrop.

They'll arrange the paper work and contact the appropriate officials to perform the ceremony. They'll host your reception, serving up tasty hors d'oeuvres of island specialties: conch fritters, grouper fingers, curried chicken wings, and more. An elegant tropical-style wedding cake, and sparkling champagne complete the celebration, that usually rolls right into the dinner hour at Small Hope Bay Lodge.

Getting There:

Andros Town Airport (ASD): Approximate driving time is 10 minutes and distance is 5 miles.
From the airport, guests can take taxis and hotel will pay fares upon arrival.

Prices and Availability:

Standard rooms, as described above run from $189 - $209 per person, per night, depending on the time of year and the type of room. Special dive and snorkel packages are available as well as reduced rates for children. Our hotel reservations system lists the various room options for the time period you intend to stay. Any Internet or seasonal specials will be highlighted.

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