Bahamas Family Vacations - Family Adventure Travel - Small Hope Bay
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Families are an integral part of the Small Hope way of life. Four generations of Birches have lived here, and two generations have been raised here. Five family members currently have homes here; and although the rest of us are spread out around Nassau, Florida, Oregon, New Jersey, Maryland, French Polynesia and Norway ... we do flock back here periodically to come together and play as family.
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And we hope you will do the same.
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Small Hope is ideal for family gatherings. It is small, secluded, and very informal. Everyone knows everyone on a first name basis. There is plenty of space in which to roam, and lots of places to gather.
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We have a beach patio, hammocks under the palms, a dock for stargazing, a pine grove and lots of beachfront. Furthermore, our all-inclusive rates allow the whole family to relax and enjoy without worrying about keeping tabs on spending. This is the perfect place for a real Bahamas Family Vacation!
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The ocean is the medium for family recreation at Small Hope Bay, and snorkeling and diving are among the central activities. We have two beaches to explore, and the topography includes shallow bays, tidal pools, and a gentle lagoon dotted with patch reefs. Snorkeling, windsurfing, sailing, and kayaking are easy to do right from shore, and we have all the equipment!
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One mile offshore is the Andros Barrier Reef, one of the largest and most pristine reef systems in the world. The shallows of the reef are in the 10-15 foot depth range, and provide myriad snorkeling sites. We have a snorkeling excursion by boat every day to the reef. For divers, the reef offers coral gardens, walls, caverns, and blue holes. Reef shark, dolphin, turtle and ray are commonly sited.
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If you don't know how to dive, we'll teach you. Discover SCUBA instruction is complimentary to all guests and their children ten years and over. In one afternoon we'll teach you to SCUBA dive; then we will take you out diving.
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Anyone in reasonable health can SCUBA dive. It's less stressful on the body than a game of tennis, easier on the knees than downhill skiing. SCUBA is a sport the whole family can enjoy together. It's intimate. It's adventurous. It's educational. And it's fun.
For the under ten set, we can offer Bubble Maker SASY lessons, a surface SCUBA experience designed expressly for youngsters.
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On shore, families can enjoy the natural world of the Andros landscape. Andros is an extraordinary tropical wilderness. We encourage our guests to explore it. We have maps for nature trails, birding paths, and bike routes that allow you to explore the area around Small Hope on foot or by bike, independently and in your own time.
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In addition, we have Young Rangers and Young Naturalist programs for kids. These are self-guided nature trips that allow kids to explore and learn about the environment around Small Hope Bay. We also have a games room, a ping pong table, a swing set, and bikes.
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By arrangement, we have experienced child care persons who can watch over and entertain your children during the daytime or evening hours for a nominal charge.
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Babysitting for 2 to 7 year olds is complimentary between the hours of 6 PM and 8:45 PM. It is a Small Hope tradition that children under 10 dine at 6:30 PM in their own seating area in the Games Room. This allows adults time to enjoy the evening social hour and dine later in the evening, while young children enjoy supervised post-dinner activities. A nominal fee for private babysitting services will be charged for babies under two. Your preteen children may also eat in the games room if you like, it is your choice. (In 2009 we will change this policy to be complimentary babysitting for 2 to 7 year olds in the games room at dinner/cocktail time)
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Accommodations:
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Small Hope has 13 one-bedroom cottages and 4 two-bedroom cottages. There is no surcharge for extra cot service or cribs. During the summer months (June - Labor Day) we waive the 2 adult requirement for children to qualify for their reduced rate. Consequently, single parents can travel with their children without paying an extra single charge. Please see Rates for more information.
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