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Lorraine & Vic Budnick:
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“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! The people make Small Hope an outstanding adventure and truly memorable. Can’t wait to return.” –Lorraine & Vic Budnick – budnick@sbcglobal.net
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Ben & James Womble:
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“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
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Dive instructor, Heather Wisnieski:
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“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
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Geo Caching at Small Hope Bay Lodge
May 25-29th 2009
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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.
Nick’s Email – Nick.Hamilton@rci.rogers.com
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Small Hope welcomed back Tom, Reed, David, and Ted
May 28th-31st 2009
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“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. Service from everyone is like staying with family. Coming back next year.” – Tom Reed - tsreed@gmail.com
“Since I’ve been here I haven’t worn shoes, set an alarm clock or eaten a bad meal. Spectacular diving. No wonder I keep coming back!” – Reid Ashe - Rashe@mediageneral.com
“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. I look forward to adding to my welcome back T-shirt collection.” – Ted Nelson
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Bayless Family – Joe, Donna, Sophie and Jen
July 8th-15th
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“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”!!!!!
I was able to join them this year and we had an incredible time. We spent the majority of the time scuba diving the amazing sites. In a week, doing an average of 3 dives a day, we did not go to the same site twice. The dive staff is very professional and we felt comfortable letting our daughters go diving without us a couple of times.
We spent 2 days bone fishing as well and had a wonderful experience. Andros has some of the best bone fishing in the world.
If you want a relaxing, comfortable, enjoyable vacation, Small Hope Bay is the place. We plan on returning in the next 2 years!”
- The Bayless family - joedonna@sbcglobal.net
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TED, JOHN, DAN & JOHN
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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.
Hands down, the week at SmallHope Bay Lodge was the most fun , the best diving, and the most professional and friendly staff we have ever encountered. Congrats to you all for being part of, and running such a great operation.
Ted Staley
John Marlow
Dan Schettler
John Schaumburg
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Geoffrey and Elizabeth
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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.
The peaceful and friendly environment gave us a very relaxing and refreshing wedding occasion.
Sincerely,
Geoffrey and Elizabeth
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KARINE et PATRICK
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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!"
Tom and Stacie Brooks email:
tomstacie@att.net
Stayed Feb. 2008
"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."
Anonymous Guest
Stayed Late January 2008
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.
Whit Anderson, email:
Stayed January 2007
Our best family vacation to date. No question about it. From minute one we felt welcome and comfortable. The food and service was fabulous and the location idyllic. We are already pulling out our calendars to plan our next trip back.
Mike Burns, email: mfburns271@yahoo.com
Stayed February 2006
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, email: goosedoc@tritel.net
Stayed Feb 2006
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, Amhert, New Hampshire
Stayed March 2004
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, Fort Lauderdale, Florida email: deepdvr430@aol.com
Stayed January 2004
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.
Tam Stewart, Goshen, VT email: eb1@together.net
Stayed with his family - March 2003
"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."
Gary & Angela Nech (Los Angeles, California) email address: gnech@ceoexpress.com
Sergey Zhukov (Moscow, Russia)
Vitaly Oplachko (Odessa, Ukraine)
Visited February 2003
"Dear Friends,
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."
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".
"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".
 Ken & Janet Sherman
Boise, Idaho
Visited 1999
"Before we left Small Hope, we were already planning and lookingforward to our next visit... We believe that your Specialty dives and the quality of your dive operation make Small Hope Bay Lodge a premier diving resort and in the top 1% in the world! We are very happy to have found your little paradise."
JStewartMD@aol.com
Avon74@aol.com
"We wanted to thank you again for a great vacation. It was just what we all needed. You made us all feel very much at home, and we could not have asked for a better way to get Jacob started scuba diving."
zigby@ibm.net
"A lawyer who sings underwater! Just ask him!"
 mcdonald@coredcs.com
"We loved our visit and dream of returning soon. I had my first dive experience with (Divemaster) Skeebo and it was great! (KZ, Montreal)"
Thermann@SSD.com
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."
bojean@logantele.com
First they came as a couple; now they do family reunions here! Last reunion, 20 people, three generations, in summer of 1998.
slavin1@charter.net
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!"
 John@avtcomm.demon.co.uk
"The food was fantastic, the hospitality great, and it felt like coming home again. I am only disappointed that we were unable to land the shark we hooked up with in the Joulters"
SBIGHT4@aol.com
Loves Andros. Loves those caves. This guest only does the Specialty Dives when he visits!
cheusel@earthlink.net
She and her "crazy" girlfriends come every year--and really keep us laughing.
To see more reviews of Small Hope Bay Lodge read unbiased opinions at Trip Advisor and Wheretostay.com.
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