Hellos and Goodbyes at Small Hope Bay Lodge, Andros Island, Bahamas

As the Holiday Season approaches, we greet a lot of friends, old and new seeking shelter from the winter cold. Guests enjoy not only the warmth of the staff and Lodge, but also the comfort of their favorite scuba diving spots. Recent favorites include The Great Blue Hole ( also called King Kong’s Cavern) and Dianna’s Dungeons; sites that highlight the diversity of Andros Island diving.

So named due to their deep blue color when viewed from the air, Blue Holes are a signature feature of Andros Island geology and scuba diving. Occurring inland and offshore, Andros has more Blue Holes per square mile than any other place in the world. The Great Blue Hole, just a short boat ride from the Small Hope Bay Lodge, is a favorite off-shore site for divers. Diving the Great Blue Hole doesn’t require lights or special equipment, and while not constrictive, has the feel of a cavern dive.

You’ll enter the Blue Hole at forty feet along an ancient waterfall, then pass through a huge swim-through as you begin a slow tour around the collapsed roof of the Blue Hole. Be ready with your camera as divers create dramatic silhouettes in the Sky Light Room. Huge boulders and enchanting lighting lead the way to your exit up an ancient riverbed. You just dived the King Kong Cavern!

In sharp contrast to the geological features of the Great Blue Hole, Dianna’s Dungeons is a riot reef life. You may follow your dive guide through the wide, well-lit but twisted corridors of color plunging through the false wall or strike out on your own along the crest of the reef enjoying the gently swaying soft corals and congregations of reef fish. The summer season brings Bar Jack and other predators looking to snack on the silversides that swarm the swim-throughs.

As for “Hellos,” guests have made several recent sightings of an eight-foot hammerhead shark cruising some of the shallower sights. We’ll have to wait and see if she is a resident or one of our new favorite guests. If she sticks around, we’ll need some suggestions to name her!

On the bittersweet side, we are saying “until we meet again” to popular dive masters Nick and Brittany who are returning to Britt’s hometown of Seattle. We know all our friends and guests will be missing them. Good Luck, Nick and Britt, from the Small Hope Bay Lodge family! Pin It Now!