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!

New Bonefishing Regulations in the Bahamas . . .

The Bahamas Government has recently implemented new regulations regarding bonefishing. These regulations are effective as of January 9th, 2017. Some of the points include the following:

·       

Cost of License: Day License (valid day of issuance only) - $15.00; Weekly License - $20.00; Monthly License - $30.00; Annual License - $60.00.

• All anglers over the age of 12 will need a license to fish. 
• These regulations will require all persons using the flats, such as guides anglers and DIYs to have a license issued by the Department of Marine Resources in New Providence, or the Family Island Administrators in the Family Islands and soon the licenses will be issued online
• All guides are expected to be certified over time by the Ministry of Tourism and the Department of Marine Resources, in conjunction with approved fly fishing associations in The Bahamas.
• Bahamian certified fishing guides must be used if two (2) or more anglers are fishing in the flats by means of a vessel (skiffs, etc.)
•  Only Bahamian-registered vessels will be allowed on the flats.
•  Only Bahamians will be allowed to work as guides.
•  Do-It-Yourselfers or DIYs will not need a fishing guide.
•  No commercial fishing will be allowed on the flats.
• The fishery covered by these regulations include bonefish, tarpon, cobia, and permit.
• The fines and penalties as set out in the regulations will be strictly enforced.

PLEASE NOTE:  The Online Application & Payment Process is not yet set up.  Small Hope Bay Lodge will purchase the fishing license on behalf of our guests prior to arrival until this process is fixed.

Please see MyOutIslands.com or the Bahamas.gov pages for more details. Or contact us at info@smallhope.com  or 800-223-6961 with any questions you may have on these new regulations. They are new to us too, but we will help find the answers for you!

And don’t forget, Andros is the bonefishing Capital of the World so book one of our great all inclusive Fishing Packages with us and let us handle everything!

Pin It Now!

DIY Bonefishing at Small Hope . . .

We love sharing the videos we make about our favorite activities here at Small Hope Bay Lodge. But we also love when our guests share their own great videos and photos! Here is a wonderful video from our friend Ingo, who recently spent his vacation here thoroughly enjoying the bonefishing. He also did some diving, saw the batik factory, and more.

Thanks for sharing this great video, Ingo!

Pin It Now!

A 10 lb Bonefish!

One of our guests had a fantastic fishing trip to the West Side of Andros Island the other day. Not only did he get to experience the pristine natural environment and landscape, as well as go out with our excellent guides, Glaister Wallace, but he managed to land a 10 lb bonefish!!! Not too shabby.

Congrats on the great catch, Jeff!

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!

Our new and improved website . . . .

We have redone our website!

We have redesigned the look and feel of out website, making it more user friendly and more mobile friendly! We made sure we kept all the great information, but made everything more accessible, and streamlined.

Give it look - on all your devices - and let us know what you think!

www.smallhope.com

Pin It Now!

Andros Marine Life

                                                                 From Nudibranchs to Hammerheads

 There is Always Something to see at Small Hope Bay

Whether you are snorkeling under the dock, kayaking in Davis Creek, fishing the flats on the West Side or diving 140 feet down Whip Wire Wall you are sure to see some amazing creatures here at Small Hope Bay on Andros Island.

   

   Given that Small Hope is located on the third longest barrier reef and just a 5 minute boat ride from the 6000ft drop that is the Tongue of the Ocean it is no surprise that you would see many things while out diving. Our divers marvel at the graceful spotted eagle rays that cruise past them out over the wall or the impressive hammerhead shark that swims by to smile at the camera. As the divers come up over the top of the wall it is always a treat to be greeted by a curious hawksbill turtle or 'Frank' our resident mutton snapper who loves the spotlight and is a huge camera hog. The shallow dives prove to be just as abundant in marine life and always give the divers something to get excited about. You could be searching for blennies and nudibranchs at Central Park in the morning and then find yourself caught in a school of chub or creole wrasse in the afternoon on your dive to Brad's Mountain. 

It is not just while diving that you will be thrilled by the life in the ocean. Simply snorkeling or kayaking Small Hope Bay and Davis Creek is a great way to experience the marine life in the Bahamas. Count how many sea stars you find in the bay or go see the checkered puffer fish that live in the creek. Perhaps give the Mangroves a snorkel as well. As a breeding and nursery ground for the fish that live out on the reef it is abundant with juvenile parrotfish, damselfish, surgeonfish and even the beautiful honeycomb cowfish.

 

Small Hope dock has been proclaimed by many as their favorite snorkel site as it is home to large schools of grunt and snapper. Not to mention lobster and of course our resident octopus! Watch out though, you may find yourself being followed by the ever curious barracuda.

 A pod of friendly bottle nose dolphin come by every now and then to say hello, just last month they joined a group on their discover scuba diving course. It was a great first experience for the divers to say the least.

   Just like the reef and the bay  the bonefish flats all around the island are always abundant in marine life. You are sure to find many fish such as permit, tarpon and especially bonefish. The flats will not disappoint. 

   

 The marine life in the Bahamas and specifically Andros Island is thriving. Laura, a Small Hope divemaster says that, "Never has there been a dive or a snorkel where I didn't see enough. I will never get tired of seeing red lip blennies, reef sharks, or Frank my favorite snapper".

Pin It Now!

Bahamas Fishing

Bone Fishing, Reef Fishing, Deep Sea Fishing... We Have It All At Small Hope Bay Lodge

Bone Fishing

Reef Fishing

Small Hope Bay Lodge on Andros Island is the perfect place to come for any type of fishing!

Deep Sea Fishing

Bone Fishing

   Andros Island has hundreds of square miles of flats, home to permit, tarpon and especially bonefish. The island is widely known as the bonefish capital of the world. 

   Bonefish are considered the premier game fish by most avid fly fishermen. They accelerate faster and swim farther than any other fish you take on light tackle. The bonefish fights more doggedly than most fish twice its size and the ruthless, primitive instincts of this skittish creature leave no room for error!

   Small Hope Bay Lodge offers bonefishermen of all experience levels the opportunity to fish the best spots on the island. Our experienced guides not only know the fish and the island but they know fishermen as well and what it is that will make their trip a great one. For more information on bonefishing at Small Hope Bay Lodge check out the bonefishing page on our website!

Reef Fishing

   The world`s third largest barrier reef is located just off the east coast of Andros Island. It is abundant in snapper and grouper which are popular among fisherman out on the reef.

Deep Sea Fishing

   The Tongue of the Ocean, a 6000ft drop located just beyond the reef is great for deep sea fishing. Among others fishermen often find dorado, tuna, sailfish, wahoo, and jacks. 

Pin It Now!