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About Andros | History | What's Up | Philosophy | Family & Staff | Scuba Diving | Activities | Articles
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Andros Island, Bahamas - Small Hope Bay Lodge Testimonials & Reviews
Please feel free to E-Mail any of our guests below - Click on any of these pictures to see a larger image
Also visit our video testimonials at 
Trip Advisor Reports on Small Hope Bay Lodge
| Rob, Connie, Oscar and Rowena Jan 2012 |
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| Are we coming back, you bet! |
If you're looking for somewhere to enjoy the sun and sea that is a little off the beaten track (ie. nowhere near any modern mega-resorts), you've found it. Small Hope Bay Lodge has enough visitors to be sociable and fun (but not rowdy), but few enough that there are many opportunities and locations to find peace and quiet. If you're looking for somewhere to SCUBA dive, whether you are new to the sport or a well seasoned pro, you've found that too. They have some incredibly varied sites (blue holes, caverns through which you can surface, reefs, walls, wrecks, sharks, dolphins) and the dive crew are fantastic. This place keeps visitors coming back, and keeps the staff there. We met people who have been going regularly for 30 odd years and most of the dive crew, who are from all over the world, have been there for many years. Everyone is extremely laid back and unpretentious. Jeff, the owner, is always around and knows everybody. Mike, the general manager, has been there forever and makes the most amazing margaritas. The food is great, the rooms clean and comfortable, the showers hot and the lodge has different sitting areas for chilling, chatting or playing board games. We could have gone to Atlantis in Nassau and stayed on the 20th floor, with a huge choice of restaurants, casino, nightclub and water park ... but WHY ?? At Small Hope Bay Lodge, we lived on the beach and had the entire Atlantic to play in !! Of course we're going back. We booked our next visit before we left :)
rob.pullan@gmail.com
| Lowery and Ashley Jan 2012 |
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| Relaxing Holiday |
Our experience at Small Hope Bay Lodge was so relaxing. We loved the understated laid back environment that facilitated great social energy and camaraderie with other guests. The facility was well maintained and the grounds were beautiful. We would highly recommend it!
| Sophie Grégoire-Trudeau Jan 2012 |
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| Family Holiday |
Un endroit de rêve. Un séjour rempli d'aventures et de sérénité sous les palmiers....Un second chez-soi...Un chalet sur la plage...Plongez avec les requins ou dans un bouquin! Tout y est. La beauté dans la simplicité; Small Hope Bay.
| Randy Carter Jan 2012 |
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| Diving |
Thank You, Erin & Fede, Jeff Mike, Joe, Mel, Davis, Dennis and everyone else I missed, for being so friendly patient, flexable and most of all putting up with us. And always having a great attitude.
I had such a great time. Everything from the staff, food, diving, accommodations was more than I would have ever expected. Hot water alone would be good enough for me.
I had so much fun diving day after day. It is hard for me to wrap head around the fact that I am back in a place that could never give you the attitude or state of mind like being there and doing the things I did while there. Thank all of you for the adjustment. P.S. I can't laugh at the parkas no more I'm in a coat everyday now. I miss everyrone and everything about Small Hope,
Randy
| Gerry Fine Jan 2012 |
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| Fly Fishing |
I have travelled around the world to fly fish for over 20 years and Small Hope Bay Lodge is a wonderful fly fishing destination. The guides are expert and the Andros fishery is world-class. The staff handled all of my arrangements with meticulous care; I only had to show up and cast my rod. At the end of the day, I got to return to a wonderful environment and great people with a sore arm from all the fish I caught. I have fished at other lodges on Andros, but Small Hope Bay will always be my first choice.
Hope to see you soon!
Gerry
| Jim and Jane Fawcett May 2011 |
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| Snorkeling |
Our snorkel experience was FANTASTIC! Not crowded. There are crystal clear waters. The corals are healthy, colorful and there is a wide variety. There is courteous, helpful staff. There is an easy entry into the boat from very safe and substantial dock. Also easy in and out of boat at snorkel sites (good strong ladders on boat). Enjoy a different site location each day with a wide variety of bottom structures and fish.
This is a most relaxing place. No news of what’s going on in the world. We enjoyed our fellow guests and all their stories. We have to come back.
| Christina, Katelyn, Stephanie Buehler May 2011 |
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Small Hope Bay is a very beautiful, laid back, rustic, quintessential place. At Small Hope Bay Lodge you immediately feel like family. This is a place where you can truly relax to the depths of your soul! Once you start visiting you will automatically plot you return. We’ll be back- it’s a promise!
| Pierre-Andre & Estelle |
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| France |
We discovered SHBL in a catalogue of tours in France, in which we were looking for a place to satisfy our passion for scuba diving.
We found here a welcoming spot, the team is particularly friendly, and took us under their wing.
Especially Melanie, who came immediately and put us at home chatting with us (which was not easy with our evolved little English).
The atmosphere is very family, and everyone loves to meet in the late afternoon, around 6.30pm for a chat about the day's events and what the plan is for the next day
But what we found most enthusiastic are the dive sites, through which we could see many species of fish, fields of magnificent COARL , and even sharks!
We also regales us with good food 'house prepared', which allowed us to improve our `positive buoyancy'
For those who do not dive, the site is very quiet, it allows you to recharge.
So if you are looking for a place to mingle, quietude, diving, and relaxation, look no further, and come to SHBL
Pierre-Andre & Estelle
pagouge@numericable.fr
Jason & Lena
After several hectic months of wedding planning, we scrapped our more elaborate honeymoon plans and decided, "Let's just find a secluded tropical island and RELAX!"
We picked the Bahamas because they're relatively close, and we picked SHB because of their activities (snorkeling, diving and bonefishing), their nicely priced honeymoon package, their very positive reviews on tripadvisor.com, and the fact that they seemed more authentic and less "touristy" than most places.
How you've enjoyed your time here at Small Hope?
It was a perfect blend of relaxation and entertainment. We usually did two really interesting things every day, with just the right amount of time to unwind in between. Neither of us had ever SCUBA dived before, but we had a wonderful time learning the basics here and will definitely be continuing to certification in the future. We also had fun bonefishing, snorkeling, kayaking, and taking romantic walks along the breezy, moonlit beach.
How have you been treated by the staff and instructors here?
They made the experience. It's incredibly cliche to say this, but you really do kind of feel like family after a few days here, and know the other staff and guests on a first-name basis. There's great personal service for everything we needed, from everyone up to and including the owner, Jeff.
Being a first time diver, I did not feel comfortable going under the water, the instructors were VERY patient and gave me the confidence to try and keep trying until I finally succeeded and got to enjoy a beautiful coral reef for the first time.
Also, Chef Renaldo is a culinary god!
How did you like the facilities?
They're perfect for the atmosphere here: rustic in a good way, and very comfortable.
| Matt |  |
| Montana, USA |
SHBL is a way of life more than a place. I had a very nice time there, even as a single traveler. At first I was concerned the setting might be too oriented toward families and couples - but I was wrong. The friendliness of the staff, plus the unpretentious style of the lodge and cabins, makes everyone feel welcome. This is one of those rare settings where everyone can simply be who they are.
The dive guides were great. Thanks Aidan, Dennis, and Joe!
The office and lodge staff were also great. What the facilities (thankfully) lack in glitz, it makes up for in the relaxed daily schedules, good food, nice beaches and low-key evening socials.
Yes, the chair in my room broke, yes the bike died, yes I got seasick, but yes...I'd go back in a heartbeat! I say that after having seen many lodges and live boards.
It is no wonder there are so many repeat customers. Thanks for a wonderful stay. See you next time when hopefully my wife or brother will also be along!
~ Matt, up north in Montana
| Julian & Carolyn |  |
| England |
Small Hope Bay Lodge is that rare find, a place where you are instantly at home, chatting to people as if you have known them forever and setting off on adventures together.
Not being a diver I was unsure about staying at a 'diving resort', but there are plenty of places to snorkel or walk or just laze in the sun.
Beware of the cocktails they are just too delicious as is the food, breakfast is an endless feast.
Julian & Carolyn
| Eric & Myriam |  |
| France |
We have found a little piece of paradise here at Small Hope Bay Lodge.
We have found all the staff very gracious and helpful. It felt like one big family.
Small Hope Bay Lodge feels like a home away from home. We have spent two weeks here and words can not fully describe the feeling of Small Hope, from the peacefulness of the bay, to the relaxing and in formalness of the whole place. Small Hope is very different to big resorts in Nassau in a good way.
I (Myriam) really enjoyed the diving especially the Blue Hole dive and the Shark Emporium dive, as it was a lovely display of seeing these magical creatures in there natural enviromnet and the gracefulness of watching them feed.
Eric was is a keen fisherman, and enjoyed bone fishing in the mangroves, along the beach , and with one of Small Hopes fishing guides. Eric also met Giles a return guess and they many hours talking fishing and fishing. Giles was kind enough to give Eric some pointers on bone fishing.
| Jim & Liz |  |
| Eureka, CA |
We both had a great time at Small Hope Bay Lodge! The place itself is amazing but what adds even more is THE STAFF!!! I can't begin to say enough about them. They are all so friendly and multi-talented, extremely nice young people to help you enjoy your stay at Small Hope.
We mostly snorkeled, relaxed, ate very well, went to Captain Bills Blue Hole and played cribbage!! Did a lot of hammocking as well!
Fantastic reefs, with great visibility, teeming with fish of all colors. From the divers we talked to they all said the dives were fantastic! You must do the Shark Emporium Dive or snorkel as I did a memorable experience to be sure!
Kudos to Jeff for offering the opportunity you enjoy Small Hope Bay Lodge, for being such a friendly, gracious host!!
Thanks to all Jeff, Nicky, Mel, Loren, Aidan, Leyna, Antonio, Joe, Bhurna, Austin, Abba, Dennis And thanks to Renaundo and ALL of his kichen staff for the great meals!
I know I've left some out by mistake but you get the idea!
Come to Small Hope Bay Lodge
bbdadeka@aol.com
lizsmith520@yahoo.com
| John & Inger Liv Hill |  |
| England & Norway |
This is our first visit to the Bahamas. When researching before planning the trip. We soon found out that we should go to the Out Islands to see the real Bahamas (had a couple of days in Nassau on the way here and saw that was not what we came for).
Which Out Island to visit?
We used trip advisor forums for initial research and found Andros and Small Hope Bay Lodge was one of the highly recommend destinations, so after checking it out further via number of other internet resources decided to come here.
Has it lived up to our expectations?
Absolutely at no other place we have visited in Europe, Africa, Asia or America have we seen such focus on giving the guest exactly what they want with such friendliness and dedication.
The accommodation is everything you need (not fancy but perfect for the location) The food is exceptional not one single meal was a disappointment.
During our stay we have received excellent snorkeling instruction including bits like how to clear your mask and how a woman should put her mask on without getting her hair under it. The snorkeling from the boat is excellent with sites less than 20 minutes out on the boat big difference compared to the Red Sea.
We are not divers but our daughter is and we have already promised her a trip here with us when she graduates from university.
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Brothers: Alex, Bryant, & Nick |
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Our first diving experience was at Small Hope Bay Lodge in 2003 on a family vacation. We did the Discover SCUBA course and were immediately taken with diving.
Soon after that trip my brothers and I received our Open Water SCUBA certification and have since taken trips to the Florida Keys and Mexico; however we have yet to find an experience that could compete with the one we had at Small Hope.
When we were putting together a diving trip for the youngest brother Nick's graduation in 2010 we knew that we wanted to be back at SHBL. In the six years since our last visit, not much has changed, but everything we loved when we were kids is still here, the cabins tucked right next to the beach, the extreme variety of diving (wall, reef, Blue Holes, wreck dives), great conversations with the other guests at the communal dinner every night and an attitude among the enthusiastic staff of making sure every guest feels at home.
As you fall asleep at night listening to the waves on the beach you can't help but feel like you aren't at a resort but rather a good friends place in the Bahamas, and of course you always wish you could stay for one more night.
-- Alex, Bryant & Nick Boucher
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Nick, John, Lizzie & Tory |
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| Scotland, UK |
We originally came to Small Hope Bay Lodge only to snorkel, because Nick had seen the resort in "1000 Places to see before you die!"
To begin with we were not sure if the children would enjoy it, but as it turned out we have all had a wonderful time.
The adults in particular liked the snorkeling, the food and the company. Lizzie (12) loved snorkeling, diving, Captain Bills Blue Hole and Rex Small Hope's dog.
John (16) thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to learn to dive and the company in the evenings.
-- Nick, John, Lizzie & Tory
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Jonathan Rosen MBA Candidate, Kellogg School of Management |
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I had just gotten finished with leading a one week dive vacation on Nassau for 20 incoming MBA students, and was looking to find a place to relax and do some more challenging diving than the "cattle car" shops on Nassau could offer. I had recently read about the Blue Holes of the Bahamas in National Geographic, and was looking for a dive operation that could take me to some of these sites. I was delighted to find that Small Hope Bay offered inland Blue Hole diving experiences, and after doing some research on the ScubaBoard forums and finding overwhelmingly positive reviews, I decided to book a 4 night stay.
I was travelling alone, so I was a little concerned that I would be pretty bored when not on the dive boat. However, I was welcomed in by the staff and guests and made to feel right at home. After looking through the specialty dives offered, I decided that I wanted to try for a deep dive to 225 feet. The staff planned out a series of dives that would allow me to test my limits and get to the point where I could execute that dive safely and with confidence. Small Hope Bay allowed me to grow as a diver by reaching new depths (literally) and introducing me to the world of technical diving.
This is also a great place to relax, enjoy some good food and booze, and take in the beauty of Andros Island. Overall a great vacation, and I will definitely be back in the future.
-- Jonathan Rosen:
rosenjon2@gmail.com
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The Mitchell Family San Francisco, CA
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We arrived at Small Hope Bay Lodge as novice divers and after one week, we feel like seasoned veterans, from the professionalism and expertise of the dive staff, to the friendliness and attentive service of the entire Small Hope Bay family. Our first stay was wonderful and it won't be our last!! Until next time, thank you for a relaxing and exhilarating vacation. We came away from Andros with irreplaceable memories and a new passion for diving!!!!
-- The Mitchell Family (Jeff, Lisa, Katie & Abby)
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"We traveled to Small Hope Bay Lodge for the second time last Christmas (2009), our previous trip being Christmas 2007.
When I asked the family where they would like to go if we went away they simply said "Small Hope", no discussion, no debate. I started to wonder why two teenagers and my wife and I should like this place so much; Certainly there is the diving and snorkeling - the fantastic reef and the infamous Bone fishing but the most compelling reason seems simply to be the atmosphere created at Small Hope. On both trips we have made great new friends from other parts of the world and shared the pleasures of this place with other guests. Small Hope is simple with few frills but the most wonderfully relaxed place on earth, amazing service and fantastic food - oh and a good party from time to time too!
Small Hope boast that guests are treated as part of the family and use a strap line of Rest - Relaxation - Rediscovery; put simply that's the way it is; it does what is says on the tin. As a fellow guest and I discussed after his dive and my fishing trip one afternoon "there are few places like this left in the world". Praise does not come more highly.
Its a long way for us to come from the UK but worth every minute. We will be back.
If anyone wishes to contact me with any questions I will happily share more details of our experiences with them; Email me: richard.potter4@btopenworld.com
Friends, hope to see you again soon and thank you for another fantastic holiday."
-- Richard, Rachel, Steph and Tom
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Chris Chapin |
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Last month I had the pleasure of returning to one of my favorite places on the planet Small Hope Bay Lodge. I have been here several times with friends, business associates and different family members.
We never tire of the warm welcome and family atmosphere which we feel as soon as we arrive.
If one wants to truly get away from the mainstream of vacation destinations this is your place in the sun! It is a place that is off the beaten track yet it is only fifteen minutes from Nassau or roughly an hour from Fort Lauderdale.
Over the many visits we have seen many species of fish, rays and turtles. The clarity of the water is unmatched and we have visited many places in the southern climes. The other attraction not to be missed by diving enthusiasts is a trip to one of the blue holes which are located in the interior of the island. The dive staff are extremely knowledgeable, helpful and last but not least, not without a sense of humor.
Another great tradition is the evening conch fritters, which are to die for, served outside under the stars. Absolutely the best! I would be remiss in not mentioning the great desserts served up by chef Renauldo and staff.
One thing that any visitor should try is the fishing available here, one can experience deep sea, reef and superb bone fishing all within a short boat ride of the resort. I try to make a point of getting in at least one day of fishing while visiting. The staff guides can usually seek out where there is some good action. Jeff, the guide I was out with this trip, was helpful and I must say diplomatic when I tried my hand at fly fishing! If you go to the fishing link on the Small Hope web site you can see some of the bone fishing action there.
Jeff and staff please keep up the great work you do and please never change your philosophy of making everyone feel so at home and part of the family! If any guests are looking to communicate with me directly please feel free to make available my e mail address which is c.chapin@mutualtransportation.com
Cheers!
Chris Chapin
"Small Hope Bay Lodge is a very Friendly, accommodating, and inviting resort to enjoy a relaxing time off with an unforgettable wonderful setting the whole family can enjoy" - Grace Barrett, age 11
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The Barrett Family |
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"The Magic that sets Small Hope Bay Lodge a part is a tranquility that comes about from different angles. First, and at the core of everything, is the owner/operator, Jeff Birch, who both genuinely cares that every person who visits feels at home and that everyone has the best experience possible diving (extra thanks to Ashley and Danielle). This accomplished though an ideal setting and a great crew of people (extra thanks to Mike). Every meal was delicious, the rooms are very comfortable and the maid service was very good. The beach is beautiful and the dock is a great spot to just enjoy"
-- The Barrett Family
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Sonya Preudhomme |
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I was a solo diver with limited experience, looking for a nurturing dive environment where I could gain the practical knowledge and confidence I lacked. I decided on SHBL as part 2 of my dive vacation but did not sensibly plan how I would get there from my first destination, Aware of my dilemma, Jeff Birch, Very Graciously offered to pick me up as my best other option would have been taking 2 planes approximately 8 hours apart.
Instead of showing my appreciation my first words to him were "where is the rest of the plane", when he showed up in the single engine cessna 182 pictured on the website. Wondering if it would be safer to swim to the lodge, I eventually boarded the plane and there began my relationship with the soothsayers of SHBL. Sometime after takeoff Jeff convinced me to open my eyes and something shifted at that moment. I don't know whether it was his calm demeanor or the the beautiful scene spread out below me, probably a bit of both, but my fear of flying in that "pint sized plane" was replaced by my gratitude for the sublime experience.
One by one, my fears were challenged. While diving, Ashley calmly and unhurriedly coaxed me through caverns that I had initially refused to enter. I set my depth goal at 90 feet and achieved 185. WOW!!! I dove with sharks, and the Back of the Blue Hole is an under water experience that I doubt I will ever surpass. But that's OK, as long as I get the chance to do it again.
I had a personal underwater guardian angel in Alex, always there when I needed him. And Danielle was the angel on land. I began my underwater photographic experience with the advice and guidance of Loren.
"Thanks so much, Loren." Chef Renauldo went beyond expectations to accommodate the special requests of his guests. My inability to tolerate those weight belts was no problem for Amanda whose technological prowess had her whipping up an alternative in no time. Tonya is fun and spirited and Moose exhibits such calm and competence that I basically stuck to him like glue during my 185' dive. I hear Mike is "the man", but I didn't have the pleasure of diving with him. Looking forward to it in the future. Congrats to dive master Dennis, who I also look forward to diving with.
The guests are at least as lovely as the staff and interns. The British Padmores and the Mississippi McCalls really went out of their way to embrace a solo traveler and I look forward to seeing them again in the future. What great luck that there was another solo diver, Wes, that became my dive buddy for the rest of the trip.
When I compare my dive competence and level of comfort pre SHBL to post SHBL I can hardly believe it. These people are nothing less than bonafide Dive Whisperers!
I highly recommend Small Hope for a fantastic dive vacation and don't forget to bring your "extra baggage", I am sure you will leave a lot lighter. I did.
Thank you Jeff and the entire Small Hope Staff!
Sonya Preudhomme
@SHBL July 2009
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The Khani Family |
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"We've been coming to SHBL for about 20 years, and regardless of weather, time of year, or Jeff Birch's mood; the diving, relaxing, and partying is always amazing and we will continue to be SHB guests for eternity."
-- The Khani Family JMKOGE@FSV.Edu
"Couldn't imagine a better way to celebrate our 30th anniversary! Sun, palms, sand and the most incredible azure water for living in and by the water! -- Lorraine & Vic Budnick - budnick@sbcglobal.net
"We the Wombles, Father and Son (17), spent our first 5 days at Small Hope Bay Lodge. Our activities included bone fishing and diving. We dove 2 days and fished 2 full and 2 half days. Those were wonderful days. Nothing else compares to floating the flats at Red Bay, except maybe the beauty of the coral. The evening fellowship and the meals served to top off this heavenly place. Thank you Small Hope Bay Lodge! We love you!" -- James and Ben Womble - belvi@aol.com
"Small Hope is awesome. The staff contributes to the type of vacation one is seeking the diving is amazing! The food is great! The resort is the best of rustic chic one can imagine! I highly recommend Small Hope as a vacation and dive destination! One arrives a stranger and leaves in the feeling of family. Thank you!" -- Heather Wisnieski - heathers@rock.com
Long time guest Nick has helped Small Hope Bay Lodge enter a world of high tech intrigue -- geo caching. Geo caching is a fun and high tech treasure hunt using GPS technology. The hider of the cache takes a container and hides in it a log and maybe some goodies and then mark the location of the cache with their GPS. They then post the coordinates and maybe some hints and encrypted clues on sites like geocaching.com for others to download so they can go search for the treasure. Nick created the first caches on Andros a couple of years ago and this year, he has trained us to do caches of our own. You can find the coordinates for one of our caches and get more information on Geocaching.com.
"Small Hope Bay – been visiting for 30 years, each visit better than the last. Their food, diving, and lodging is the best in the Caribbean. "Since I've been here I haven't worn shoes, set an alarm clock or eaten a bad meal. Spectacular diving. "What makes Small Hope Bay Lodge different from other Caribbean resorts/lodges/beach bars is the camaraderie in the lodge with the staff. They say there is a Small Hope family and it is true. The "welcomes" and the "welcome-backs" are sincere. And, it is close- a short trip for us. The world is blessed by the Birch Family heritage." - David Henry - davidhenry76@hotmail.com "Great Mornings! Diving is a wonderful easy effort. A short boat ride to spectacular dive sites. A plenty of hammocks and fabulous conch fritters! The staff makes us part of the family.
"My husband and 2 daughters first visited Small Hope Bay 3 years ago. At the time my husband and oldest daughter were both scuba certified. Our youngest daughter was 11. She did her scuba certification classroom work before arriving at Small Hope Bay and completed her certification open water dives with the professional dive staff at Small Hope Bay. My family had such an incredible time with the Small Hope family and guests that when asked where they wanted to go for vacation this year, they stated “Small Hope Bay"!!!!! - The Bayless family
Each year, our group of four divers has visited a new dive location for 25 years. We have been just about everywhere in the Caribbean, Central America, Mexico, Costa Rica and Panama.
Dear Jeff Birch, We enjoyed the "Plunge Into The Past" tour, with the information given along the way. The well-marked nature trails were a real pleasure as were the lovely beaches. Sincerely,
Merci à toute l`équipe de SMALL HOPE BAY LODGE qui nous a permis de vivre une semaine de vacances inoubliable. Ce que nous avons particulièrement apprécié ici ? la formule sans télévision ni téléphone qui invite à la détente et encourage la socialisation autour du bar à la fin de la journée, la formule 'all inclusive' même si notre foie en a un peu souffert, l`hospitalité et l`accueil particulièrement chaleureux de l`ensemble du personnel local ou international, les plongées spéciales parmi lesquelles 'stargate blue hole (ma plongée favorite), shark emporium et Over the wall', la limpidité et la température de l`eau même à cette période de l`année (24 degré jusqu`a 60m !)', la diversité de la faune sous-marine et la beauté des coraux KARINE et PATRICK
Dana and I first visited Small Hope Bay Lodge in 1999, the year after we were married. We chose it because we tend to shy away from the "mega-hotels" and prefer a simpler, close-to-nature approach to vacationing, with an emphasis on diving. We had a wonderful week, including my favorite dive of all time, featuring an up close and personal encounter with an enormous loggerhead turtle that came close enough to touch. At the time, we didn't have children yet but saw several other families with young children and told ourselves, "let's remember this place for later, when we have kids!" Fast forward to April 2007, when we returned to SHB with our two young daughters, my mother, and my brother. SHB did not disappoint! From the first class dive staff, to the delicious al fresco meals, to the evening babysitters and family-friendly atmosphere, we thoroughly enjoyed our week at SHB, as did several other families we met that week – so much so, that we all reserved again for April 2008! We love the peace and quiet at SHB, the friendly staff, the protected beach that is great for swimming and snorkeling with the kids, and the feeling that we truly "get away from it all" during our time on Andros. One of the best things about SHB is that it has remained essentially the same since our first visit in 1999 – an unpretentious and relaxed home away from home that we know will be there waiting when we come back next time. Will we return again in the future? As SHB's "Dive Master Extraordinaire" Skeebo Frazier would say: "you better belieeeeve it!" hedmonds@roadrunner.com
Tom and Stacie Brooks "Perfect getaway for relaxation, snorkeling, biking, walking, visiting the batik factory in town, or just reading a book on the beach. Cottages are directly on the beach with plenty of hammocks and outdoor seating. Divers will enjoy the dive trips (we are not divers, but we were never made to feel "out of the loop"). If you can't live without your television, in-room phone, computer, mini bar, then maybe Small Hope Bay is not for you...but, if you want good food, open bar, friendly staff, personalized service, and interesting people, come to Small Hope Bay Lodge. Most properties forget all about you as soon as you check out, but not this resort. When Jeff Birch (the owner) heard that our plane back to the states had been delayed, he personally brought conch fritters, sodas, and beers to the airport for us. Later, when we were still at the airport (after about 4 hours), he brought out pasta and other food to be sure that all his former Small Hope Bay guests had a great dinner. We have traveled to over 40 countries, but we have never gotten service like that! Visit Jeff and his staff! We certainly will be back." tomstacie@att.net Anonymous Guest We loved the beach and the proximity of the cottages to the ocean. We loved just walking out the door and having the beach and ocean right in front of us. The grounds were very well kept up. We loved the family style dining. We met and had wonderful conversations with people from all over the world. What a plus! That would never happen at a big hotel. We would definately visit Small Hope again. Stayed Late January 2008
Our best family vacation to date. No question about it. From minute one we felt welcome and comfortable. Mike Burns We enjoyed the availability of bikes, kayaks, sailboats and sailboards to complete the beach experience. All operations were run in an exemplary manner. We enjoyed all the assistance from the staff when approached about anything. The fishing guides were excellent, knowledgeable, and put us onto fish each time we went out (3 days). They instructed us on what to expect, how to react and answered all questions we had. I thought it was a very good experience, allowed us to have an outer island experience which is what we were looking for. All activities were well run. The food was excellent and diverse. We had choices at each meal so you could select something to your liking. I especially liked the quietness of the location, which allowed you to relax and enjoy a real beach experience or select an activity to your liking. I thought it was a real value and everything I was looking for. Ted Ajax We were impressed by the courtesy, efficiency and attentiveness of all your staff. We were particularly impressed by the professionalism and safety conciousness of all of the diving staff. In addition, LaToya, Judy and all of the office and culinary staff deserve special commendation for thier courtesy, hospitality and great service! We found Small Hope Bay Lodge to be the perfect blend of relaxation and outdoor activities in a down home and very congenial atmosphere. The relaxed atmosphere belies the fact that it is obviously very well run. We'll be back! We particularly enjoyed learning about native cultures, food, etc. Having a Bahamian offering in addition to the regular breakfast choices as well as a "Bahamian night" was great! Greg Smith It was great to return to SHBL after 30 years. I made my first dive here on that trip in 1974 and have been diving ever since. This year I introduced my 10 year old son to diving through the Discover Scuba program. We had a wonderful trip with special memories for the whole family. Jon & Stacy Schneiderman We just returned from our wedding/honeymoon at Small Hope Bay. Words cannot express what a wonderful time we had. Sure the accomodations, meals, service and diving were all top notch. What separates Small Hope Bay from other resorts is that while we arrived as guests, we departed feeling more like we were leaving family. SHB is a very special place, and while we have travelled extensively throughout the Caribbean and Bahamas, we are counting down the days until our next visit. I have been actively involved in the dive industry for over ten years and have extremely high standards for dive resorts and dive operations. SHB exceeded all of those standards, and raises the bar for other operations to follow. Special kudos to Jeff, Nicole and Victoria for making our wedding memorable and hassle free. You guys were great! See you again real soon. deepdvr430@aol.com Tam Stewart Goshen, VT "I've been coming to Small Hope Bay Lodge with my family for over thirty years, and every time we visit something gets better. Sometimes it's little things--such as Eddy's incredible landscaping--and sometimes it's big stuff--like the impressive new dock. But there's always something to look forward to and discover. In the end, of course, it's the extended Birch family that makes all the difference, and the way they take you in. My grandfather first visited Small Hope many years ago, and now his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren continue to return annually. The place, the people, the traditions, are very much a part of our lives, and we intend to keep it that way for generations to come." eb1@together.net Gary & Angela Nech Our group had an excellent time staying at Small Hope Bay Lodge and getting pampered with such outstanding service from all at Andros Island. Thank you lots, everyone. You made it such a memorable holiday. I am certainly recommending you to all our friends. Staying and diving with you was millions of times better than our stay on Bermuda, Thailand or Hawaii, and we saw so many more interesting and wonderful things with experienced dive-guide, Moose. Your team are very efficient and excellent, good service-mind and helpful at the same time. Thank you ALL for your hospitality. We'll definitely meet again. P.S. Thank you very much for sending me my mask & BCD pocket. I really appreciate it." gnech@ceoexpress.com
Myriam - "Our entire family enjoyed celebrating Christmas and ringing in the New Year at Small Hope Bay Lodge. The relaxed atmosphere; the diverse and interesting guests; and the friendly staff have all been wonderful. Most of all we have enjoyed diving with the exceptional dive masters (Mike and Jean-Paul) who introduced us to this sport while making it both fun and safe. they are responsible for getting us hooked on this beautiful sport". Peter - "The stay here has been wonderful. The staff helped make it so with their dynamism. Each member was quite interesting on their own, but their interactions had a lot of synergy. The variety of guests was enjoyable and it is nice to see the same variety partially reflected in the staff. I'll have to come back to this wonderful location with my partner sometime". Myriam and Peter Khoury and Family
"After spending 4 years searching for a destination that we felt we could revisit, we found Small Hope. It is somewhere that we feel comfortable, can kick back, and feel 100% relaxed! After visiting for over 11 years -we will still be coming here all our lives! The Small Hope families really know about the hospitality industry so that when guests arrive they feel as if they are at home-but without all the work! Small Hope has a culture, an ambience, which allows you as a guest to have a unique experience whilst enjoying the land and the marine environment. When you leave, you have a sense of ownership as during your stay you been welcomed into the family. It is easy to meet everyone here – people let down their guards and enjoy everyone's company as they really open up and let out their true selves. We have met friends here that are everlasting. It's a place where you meet people for who they are not what they do. Small Hope is the kind of place that when you leave, you leave a part of yourself behind and take a piece of Small Hope with you in your soul". misstalltails@earthlink.net
"We loved our visit and dream of returning soon. I had my first dive experience with (Divemaster) Skeebo and it was great! (KZ, Montreal)" This guest visited us for the first time in 1968. In 1998, on his 24th visit, he got married at Small Hope. "I wanted to get married barefoot surrounded by old friends. Doing it at Small Hope more than fulfilled my expections." First they came as a couple; now they do family reunions here! Last reunion, 20 people, three generations, in summer of 1998. This couple first visited us in 1975. In 1998 we certified their youngest child! "Although we've been diving all over the Bahamas and Caribbean, Small Hope is the only resort we've been back to. And this trip was our tenth time!" slavin1@charter.net
To see more reviews of Small Hope Bay Lodge read unbiased opinions at Trip Advisor and Wheretostay.com. |
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Last Updated - March 2011
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