Private Pilots, Sun n' Fun Fly-In, and Small Hope Bay Lodge

For decades Small Hope has been a superb resort for private pilots! In fact, the Small Hope founder, Dick Birch, was a pilot. And his son, Jeff, now the owner/manager, is also a pilot. We have an international airport just minutes away from us, making getting to and from the resort a piece of cake!

We also offer a Private Pilot package, perfect for those flying to the Bahamas for a weekend (or more), or doing some island hopping.

We have regular specials just for private pilots too! We have an Island Hopping special, and a $300 Fee Credit, both of which make the incentives to fly down to Small Hope too good to pass up!!!

And beginning the evening of Wednesday, May 6th, 2016, Jeff Birch will be representing Small Hope, Andros Island, and the Islands of the Bahamas at the annual Sun n' Fun Fly-In in Lakeland, Florida.

Stop by and say hi if you are in the area. See what specials we are offering for the show! Or just fly down to Andros and come visit us at Small Hope.

Once you get here we have diving, snorkeling, fishing, nature tours, or just relaxing on our gorgeous beach! There is something for everyone!!!!!

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The Story of Dick's Tree, by Rosi Birch

Small Hope has such a beautiful and long history. There have been so many stories of love, loss, friendship, humor, and adventure here. Some of these stories stretch back over generations and several decades.

One such story is how Dick's Tree became known as Dick's Tree. Click here for the story, written by Rosi Birch, Dick's wife at that time.

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Beautiful History of Small Hope . . .

In 1960, on Christmas day, Small Hope Bay Lodge opened the doors to our first guests. We started (and are still continuing 55 years later) as a small, personal lodge, with an emphasis on enjoying the natural surroundings we are blessed with, and developing lasting friendships while here.

The Birch family, that started Small Hope, has grown and evolved many times since that day, and continues to grow. But the things that never change - the laughter, the adventure, the fun, and the commitment to giving our guests a taste of the Real Bahamas!

Check out some of our history in photos . . .

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Happy Independence Bahamas!

 Bahamas 42nd Independence

After 325 years of British rule, the Bahamas became independent on July 10th, 1973. The Birch family witness history as the Union Jack (British Flag) was slowly brought down, and the Bahamas flag hoisted. The colours each with a meaning; Black for the strength of the people, gold for the sun, and turquoise blue for the surrounding sea, represented the sovereignty of what would be become The Commonwealth of The Bahamas.  

It was a moving moment for all who witness and patriotism flowed in the blood of every man as they song the Bahamas National Anthem: March on Bahamaland.

Small Hope Bay played a pivotal role in the achieving of independence in the Bahamas. The first two secret conclaves of the Progressive Liberal Party (the party that led the Bahamas into independence) were held at Small Hope Bay Lodge. The activities of this meeting started a series of major historical events that would lead to Independence in 1973.

We would like to wish the Bahamas a Happy 42nd 

Independence!!!

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A Blast from the Past!

Small Hope Bay Lodge first opened in 1960! That means we are now in our 54th year. 54 years of exploring our reef, of conch fritters, of hanging with our guests at the bar. Here are some of our "old school" photos from back in the day!

Early scuba lessons

Tiki boat, one of our many boats thru the years

Our old zig zag dock

Moose and Elizabeth, friends for years

Past divemasters, Alec and John

Another boat with Dick Birch at the helm

Dick Birch

Yep, we used to limbo!

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Celebrating Forty Years

Celebrating Forty Years at Small Hope Bay Lodge!

   2012 marks the 40th year that Irene, one of our beloved chefs, has been with Small Hope Bay. While now a days Irene can always be found in the kitchen whipping up Small Hope favorites such as her conch chowder or her famous kidney bean soup (recipe to come) that was not always the case. Irene first came to Small Hope as a babysitter. She made her transition into the kitchen after a desperate Dick Birch had a dining room full of guests and no chef to cook for them! So it was Irene to the rescue!  Cooking had always been her hobby but after that first dinner of white rice and steamed pork chops she made it her career, or rather Dick did as he refused to let her leave the kitchen claiming that her cooking was just too darn good!

Irene in her Chefs

When asked about some of her favorite memories she says "please, with all the memories I have I could write a book about Small Hope, and it'd be a good one too"! She laughs as she recalls a particular time years ago when she would watch Jeff Birch and his cousin ride home from school on Marquita, the family donkey. 

While picking the favorite of her memories would be impossible do, Irene says she loves working for the Birch family, first Dick and now Jeff. Small Hope Bay is her home and she couldn't imagine being anywhere else. This works out great for the rest of us here at Small Hope as Irene is an irreplaceable member of the family and Small Hope would not be the same without her! 

Thanks Irene for all that you do! 

Forty years and still going strong! 

We love you!

              

Irene and Shonnel

             

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Bonefishing time on Andros Island

This week at Small Hope beside enjoying some great diving, we have had some fisherman in as well!

Here is a few words from two fisherman that were visiting Garry and Phil.........

Bonefishing North Andros

Guide

Benry Smith

Locations

Fresh Creek and Mastic Point

Conditions:

Water- Gin clear

Wind-Day one 15-18 Kn

-Day two 25Kn

Fishing

Fresh Creek-many opportunities (shots)

- very scenic reef

Mastic Point -very large bay/flat with many areas to fish

based on wind and tides

Guide

Excellent!!!

-very knowledgeable with fishing

-eco guiding

-technique

-history

-conditions/where to fish

Small Hope Bay 

-Great

-food excellent

-room excellent quaint and comfortable

-outstanding people, ALL helpful!!

So if you are interest in bonefishing this coming season contact us shbinfo@smallhope.com or see our website for more details www.smallhope.com

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