Things To Do on Andros Island, Bahamas . . .

Just because we are off the beaten track doesn't mean that there isn't plenty to do! Andros is an island adventure for the lucky few who come here . . .

Here are just a few of some of our favorite island experiences:

1. Scuba Diving - We are situated right next to the Tongue of the Ocean, a mile-deep trench. Needless to say, we got some great wall diving. But we've also got several blue hole dives, a shark dive, coral gardens, caverns, and wrecks! Excellent diving from beginners to masters!
2. Fishing - Andros Island is considered the Bonefish Capital of the World. Miles of pristine flats and waterways make this a bonefishing dream destination. But we've also got fantastic reef and deep-sea fishing too!
3. Nature Tours and Birding - Andros is also known as "the Big Yard" because we have miles and miles of pristine national parks and forests. We have hundreds of inland blue holes, lots of local and migratory birds, all in a gorgeous setting . . .
4. Sampling our favorite island dishes - Every Bahamas island has their own local flare, and Andros is no different! Come sample the Chicken Souse, or the "Fire Engine" Corned Beef. How about some Stew Conch, or Guava Duff? It's all here, and it's all delicious.
5. Listening to some Bahamian music - Nothing completes the island experience better than listening to a local Bahamian band play their favorite tunes! At Small Hope, we have a band play on our "Bahamian Nights", then we have a beach bonfire!!!!

Bonus:

6. Crab Fest! - June on Andros means a great party! Crab Fest brings people from all over the Bahamas, as well as other countries. The festivities include live music, games, crafts, and crab cooked over 20 different ways . . . .Mmmmm!

Come to Andros and build your own adventure . . . 

Pin It Now!

Excellent Birding on Andros Island

Many people travel to the Bahamas for many reasons. Our crystal blue waters, blue holes, fish species, and exotic terrain mean there are lots of activity option to enjoy. One of those activities is birding. Here is some information about birding on Andros . . .

Pin It Now!

Small Hope's "West Side Story"

The west side of Andros Island is a virtually unexplored and pristine oasis. It is miles of waterways and mangroves, estuaries and sand banks. At Small Hope we offer tours to this paradise for nature lovers.

We have several guided tours of Andros Island - half days and whole days, and to some of the beautiful natural attractions this island has to offer - but nothing compares to the West Side. This tour is unique since we have to go by boat rather than vehicle.

It is a whole day tour and starts early in the morning. We drive down to Cargill Creek where we get in to the skiff and start the ride through North Bight, the large waterway that crosses Andros. The tour includes bird watching, fishing, snorkeling, and sight-seeing. You can see the old sponging locations and you'll pass the historic Bang Bang Club, which worn down now, used to have guests like Al Capone! Some of our guests even spot dolphins on this trip!

Check out our guests' most recent trip to the West Side. Looks like they had a great lunch with some very fresh snapper! They also made a new friend - one of the rare iguanas we have on the island.

Pin It Now!

Get to Know the Staff: Meet Dennis!

Introducing . . . . 

the amazing, Dennis!

Dennis has been around Small Hope for many years. He is known by all as a wonderful, kind, and fun-lovingly man. Most people know him as one of our fabulous Divemasters, but few know that when he started at Small Hope he started in the maintenance department and didn't even know how to swim! Well, those days are long gone. He is now practically a fish - first person in the water on a dive, and last person out of the water. He is also now a PADI Open Water Instructor and has taught probably hundreds of men, women and children how to dive.

He is also our senior Nature Tour Guide and Audubon certified birding guide. He truly does it all here. So if you don't see him on the dive boat, maybe he will be mixing up your favorite cocktail, or pointing out  the elusive Bahama Oriole, or jumping with you in to Captain Bill's Blue Hole.


Fun Facts about Dennis:

# of Years at Small Hope: He celebrated 9 years at Small Hope in September of 2015

# of Kids: Four  (3 girls, and 1 boy)

Kids names: Denise, Denicia, Kendranique, and Xavier

Favorite Thing to do Outside of Work: Explore the nature trails of Andros.

Best Part about Working at Small Hope for him: Variety. You never know what the day will bring. Meeting new people, going on new adventures.

Favorite Food: Crab n' Dough

Favorite Color: Emerald Green




Pin It Now!

The Bonefishing Capital of the World!!!

If you are a serious fly fisherman there is a very good chance you have already heard about Andros Island. This is place to be for bonefishing. This large island, with our giant bights running through, and so many ocean flats to choose from, is ideal for the sport! Not to mention you probably won't see another soul around, just you and your guide all day!

This type of fishing is known for the challenge. Bonefishing is what we call "active hunting". This means you spot the fish (difficult to do since they camouflage so well with the water and sand), then you have to cast the fly just right (you can't cast it too far or the fish won't see it, but it can't be too close or the fish will spook); then, if the fish chooses to bite it is pound for pound one of the best fights you'll get!

It's no wonder bonefishermen are so passionate about it. Here are some Bonefish Facts.

We offer great packages for all levels of fishermen, and we have lots of different fishing spots to choose from. Check out our checklist of what to bring on your fishing trip.

Small Hope Bay Lodge is unique because we offer a multitude of fishing opportunities for beginners and experts alike. But we also offer activities (and inactivities) for other members of your group who may not want to bonefish all day!

Pin It Now!

The Wonderful Nature and Birding Tours at Small Hope!

Nature? - check! Birding? - check! Island history? - check! We have tours for everyone here at Small Hope! Our extensive list of tours offered include (but are not limited tot) the following:

• Our most popular Blue Hole Tour - a half day tour that visits Rainbow Blue Hole, Maidenhair Coppice, Cousteau's Blue Hole, and Captain Bill's Blue Hole; 
• West Side Story - an full day trip by boat to the West Side of Andros Island. Great for nature and bird lovers alike!
• Kayak Tour of Davis Creek - a half day tour exploring the mangrove and creek right in our backyard. The tour ends with some snorkeling at the mouth of the creek.
• Birding Tour - Half or whole day guided tour to various spots nearby where our guides have spotted many varieties of birds.

 And speaking of birding guides . . . Our very own Dennis Burrows has completed his Bahamas National Trust/Audubon Bird Guide Training and is now an Audubon certified Bird Guide! Congratulations Dennis!!!!! We have known for some time of his great nature guide skill. We are proud of him on his certification!!!
Come and go on a tour with him to see for yourself!

Pin It Now!

The Beautiful Birds of Andros Island

Andros is a wonderful place for so many things - diving, snorkeling, eco-tourism, getting away from it all and relaxation. One of the other things we are known for is great birding. There is a great variety of birds that make Andros Island their home, or pass through it every year.

At Small Hope we even have an Audubon Society certified birding guide on staff. We lead our guests to the best local spots to enjoy the ornithological life on Andros. And sometimes we don't have to go very far. The Bahama Oriole, indigenous only to Andros, and one of the most sought after birds to see here often like to make their nests underneath the palm branches right by our dining patio or next to our guest cabins!

We had a guest this past year who took some incredible photos of the local birds and was kind enough to share them with us. Thanks Nicole!

 See our website for more information on our birding program and tours!

Pin It Now!