Small Hope Bay Lodge Bahamas

Small Hope Bay Lodge is a historic, intimate, and eco-friendly resort that has been welcoming guests to Andros Island for over 60 years. We offer classic beachfront cabins, fresh international cuisine, an array of outdoor activities, and the opportunity to relax in an unspoiled eco-paradise.

Unwind and enjoy the amazing variety of dives, world-class fishing, rare birds, and the fine art of lazy hammock lounging. Tranquil, scenic, and secluded, Andros is ideal for family vacations, group getaways, and romantic trips for two. It’s simply like no place else on earth!

Our rustic beachfront cabins are just steps from the sand, so you can watch the sunrise from bed and fall asleep to the peaceful sound of waves lapping the shore. Indulge in fresh, chef-prepared cuisine, inspired by the islands. Our all-inclusive family-style meals are served inside the lodge and adjacent beachfront terrace.

Whether you’re a beginner who wants to try scuba diving or snorkeling for the first time, or an experienced diver seeking a new thrill, let us show you our exciting underwater world.

Small Hope has been catering to scuba divers, snorkelers, fishermen, and birders since 1960. Our all-inclusive family-friendly resort features 18 private one bedrooms and 4 two bedroom cabins, a historic lodge and lounge, and a waterfront terrace where fresh Caribbean cuisine is served, and the bar is always open.

Come experience our relaxed atmosphere, friendly staff, and unspoiled surroundings. Our dock and dive shop are on-property and fishing trips are easily arranged. If relaxing with a book and a drink is more your speed, go right ahead. We have two beaches and plenty of palm-shaded hammocks for you to enjoy.

THE LODGE
Vintage family photos, stacks of books, and board games greet you in the lodge. Here you’ll find plenty of room to lounge around the reading room and play a friendly game of chess. There’s Panacea, a boat turned bar, a kid’s activities room, and a cannon in the fireplace—just ask us about the backstory there.

UNPACK & UNWIND BY THE BEACH
Small Hope’s 18 private one bedrooms and 4 two bedroom cabins were hand-built in the 1960s from coral rock and hardy Andros pine. Decorated with local artwork, beautiful handmade furniture, and colorful Androsia batik accents, these bright and airy spaces celebrate the island way of life.

Inside each eco-friendly room, overhead ceiling fans, solar-powered showers, and reverse osmosis water coolers keep you comfortable, while outside showers are perfect for rinsing off after a snorkel or dive. Watch the sunrise from in bed, read a book by the beach, and above all—make yourself at home at our Andros Island hotel!

TWO-BEDROOM CABINS
Perfect for families and friends traveling to Andros Island, our two-bedroom cabins come in a variety of sleeping configurations. Each cabin includes two bedrooms with private entrances and an adjoining bathroom with solar-powered shower.

ONE-BEDROOM CABINS
Ideal for singles, couples, or friends traveling together, our spacious one-bedroom cabins feature screened windows and doors that allow you to enjoy the cool sea breeze, rustling palms, and stunning beach sunrises from the comfort of your room.

FRESH, BAHAMIAN FARE
For the best dining on all of Andros Island, simply make your way to the lodge. From Caribbean comfort food to international cuisine, our friendly kitchen staff prepares fabulous homemade meals using the freshest ingredients. Our chefs cook locally-caught lobster and fish, and can easily prepare your catch-of-the-day too.

Breakfast: 8:00 am – 10:00 am
Our abundant breakfast buffet includes fresh fruit, yogurt, cereal, granola, bagels, and toast. Hot breakfast items including eggs, omelets, French toast, and pancakes, with sides of bacon or sausage, ham, and grits can be made to order. Coffee, milk, and juice are available as well as a different Bahamian breakfast special every day.

Lunch: 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Grab a seat on our scenic waterfront patio and enjoy a delicious assortment of food. From the build-your-own sandwich and salad bar made with locally grown produce to the daily main dishes and desserts, there are plenty of tempting lunch options to choose from.

Cocktail Hour: 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Belly up to the bar and get ready for a feast. Unwind to island music, order an always-free drink, and indulge in the best conch fritters in the Bahamas! Appetizers such as fresh vegetable crudité and spinach dips, chips with salsa and guacamole, and homemade hummus are just a few of our faves.

Dinner: 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Family-style dining is our favorite way to enjoy a meal with family and friends. Dinner is served with plentiful salad options, a homemade soup, and freshly baked Bahamian Johnny Bread. We always offer one seafood dish and one meat or chicken dish accompanied by several vegetarian-friendly sides.

Dessert is practically its own meal at Small Hope Bay and several options are served with both lunch and dinner. They range from delicious pies and fresh-baked cakes to tempting cookies hot out of the oven. Local treats include Guava Duff and Pineapple Upside Down Cake, and we encourage you to indulge in every bite!

CHILDREN’S DINING
Kids should enjoy their vacation too! Children under the age of 7 have dinner together in the Games Room. There are complimentary babysitters for children between the ages of 2-7 and supervised activities and games to keep the kids entertained while the adults enjoy a great meal on our terrace or in the lounge.

CELEBRATIONS
Celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or another special occasion? We want to celebrate with you! Let us know in advance and we’ll bake a special cake and deliver it tableside with a Bahamian flourish. Or order breakfast in bed for a romantic treat.

HOLIDAY FEASTS
Four times a year we go completely overboard and prepare a special holiday feast. Come celebrate Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve at Small Hope Bay. Menu highlights include roasted pork, stuffed turkey, grilled seafood, sauteed vegetables, and no less than a dozen scrumptious desserts!

WEDDINGS IN THE BAHAMAS
What could be dreamier than having your wedding on a beautiful private beach on a tropical island? What if we take care of all the details for you too? Our Small Hope Bay Lodge wedding package has all of the makings of a perfect tropical wedding, all you have to do is show up and say “I do!”

HONEYMOON IN THE BAHAMAS
Celebrate the next chapter of your life together with a relaxing and romantic island honeymoon at Small Hope Bay Lodge. Do as little as much as you like, from snorkeling and scuba diving to sunset strolls on one of our private beaches. Cherish this very special time with the one you love.

ALL ABOUT ANDROS ISLAND
At 2,300 square miles in size, Andros Island is perhaps the largest tract of unexplored land in the Western hemisphere and the largest island in the Bahamas. Along the east coast are the fishing and diving grounds of the Andros Barrier Reef, and on the west coast are the pristine fishing flats of the Great Bahama Bank.

The island has a population of approximately 8,000 people, mostly residing in small towns along the eastern coast. The island itself is a great provider, with many occupations in fishing and farming. In addition, Androsians have long standing traditions in boat building, wood carving, sponging, and straw work.

THE BIRDING ISLE
Come find birds truly unique to the Bahamas. More than 300 species of native and migratory birds have been recorded on our islands, including the Bahama Woodstar, West Indian Woodpecker, Great Lizard Cuckoo, and the Bahamas Oriole. See how many species you can spot on a self-guided birding tour.

LIFE IN THE BUSH
Home to land crabs, iguanas, and wild boar, the majority of Andros Island is covered in thick bush and pine. The bush produces an abundance of plants that are harvested for their medicinal properties and made into tinctures and teas, including Bay Geranium, Jackmada, Jumbey, Cerasee, Grannybush, and Fever Grass.

THE EXPERIENCE OF A LIFETIME
Our all-inclusive rate gives you access to a variety of activities. And when you’re ready to relax, we have plenty of hammocks, a well-stocked library, lounge chairs, and a hot tub right on the beach. We have the best bonefishing anywhere, and plenty of kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and bikes for exploring the island.

SCUBA DIVING ON ANDROS ISLAND
Whether you’re a beginner who wants to try snorkeling for the first time or an experienced diver seeking a new thrill, our certified instructors and divemasters are ready to show you around an exciting underwater world. Small Hope’s Dive Center has been introducing guests to the Andros Barrier Reef since 1960.

With more than 60 nearby dive sites, including shipwrecks, shallow reefs, and breathtaking blue holes, guests can experience everything from stunning wall dives at the edge of the continental shelf to a dazzling variety of coral formations along the 124-mile Andros Barrier Reef, the third-largest barrier reef in the world.

DISCOVER SCUBA FOR FREE
This free resort course is designed for beginners who want to try scuba diving for the first time. Our experienced instructors will teach you to dive right off our dock, in water you can stand up in. Children under 10 can try SASY or Bubblemaker, a gentle introduction to surface and underwater swimming with an air supply.

A VARIETY OF DIVES
With dozens of dive sites within a 15-minute boat ride from our dock, it’s rare to dive the same site more than once during your stay. Our weekly scuba diving schedule includes colorful coral gardens, wrecks, reefs, walls, caverns, and open ocean blue holes, as well as a shark observation dive.

GET PADI CERTIFIED
Our Dive Center offers PADI certification courses, including Open Water Diver, Adventure Diver, and Advanced Open Water Diver. Specialty classes include certifications for Enriched Air Diver, Underwater Naturalist, Night Diver, Wreck Diver, and more. We happily accept referrals from diver certification agencies too.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Remember to bring along a valid C-card if you plan on scuba diving while you’re here. We may also ask you to demonstrate your mask and regulator clearing skills, allowing you to get comfortable and adjust your buoyancy in the water.

SNORKELING IN THE BAHAMAS
Snorkeling is one of our favorite activities, whether it’s a boat ride to the captivating Andros Barrier Reef or a quick swim from the shore at Small Hope Bay. If you’ve never snorkeled before, don’t worry, we can show you how. If you can float and you like to have fun, you’ll love snorkeling.

In addition to our daily boat excursions to the reef, we have lots to see under the water right from the shore. Grab a mask and snorkel and jump off the dock—there you’ll see schools of grunts and snapper, lobster, octopus, and some of our friendly rays. You can snorkel at 6 different places all along our beach!

DAILY SNORKEL TRIPS TO THE REEF
In addition to daily excursions, snorkelers are welcome to come along to some of the shallow dive sites, including the Shark Observation Experience, where they can snorkel safely while watching local reef sharks gather to feed about 30 feet below.

SNORKELING FROM SHORE
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced snorkeler, there are plenty of great sites right offshore at Small Hope Bay. We’ll give you a map of our favorite places to snorkel as well as a list of the marine life you can expect to see.

LEARN TO SNORKEL FOR FREE
Never snorkeled before? Let us show you how, for free! We love snorkeling and we can teach you at our dive center. There’s a variety of marine life around the dock, on the patch reefs off the beach, and in the nearby creeks through the mangroves.

SHARK DIVING
Divers and snorkelers can enjoy the thrill of a lifetime while learning about some of the most incredible creatures in the ocean. This afternoon excursion allows us to view sharks up close in their natural habitat. The shark encounter aims to raise awareness, preserve marine life, and recreate in a safe, responsible way!

SHARK FEEDING
Our shark encounters provide a small amount of supplemental food to the sharks on an irregular basis so that they are not dependent on us for food. As our boat approaches the site, Caribbean reef sharks begin to gather around. We then lower a chum ball composed of frozen fish parts 30 feet below the surface.

WHAT SHARKS WILL WE SEE?
Although the Shark Observation Experience primarily attracts Caribbean reef sharks, divers may also encounter nurse sharks, blacktip reef sharks, lemon sharks, silky sharks, and the occasional hammerhead. Shark feedings also attract a number of scavengers like barracuda, grouper, and snapper, who come to eat the leftovers.

FISHING
Andros Island, with its 140-mile long reef and its extensive inland flats offers serious opportunities to spincasters and fly fishermen. Small Hope Bay Lodge has its own in-house guides and boats. We use a team of some of the best local guides to offer great Bahamas Bonefishing, Reef Fishing, and Deep Sea Fishing.

Andros Island is laced with thousands of miles of waterways and extensive inland flats that offer serious opportunities to spin casters and fly fishermen. We use an in-house team of local guides and an in-house fleet of boats to provide the best Bahamas bonefishing, reef fishing, and deep-sea fishing.

BONEFISHING IN THE BAHAMAS
What other sport combines the stealth of hunting, the planning of chess, and the exhilaration of fighting the strongest pound for pound fish in the world? The cast needs to be perfect, the bait needs to be convincing, the fly’s ‘behavior’ needs to be natural. Then, once the bait is taken, the strip needs to be long and slow.

Imagine standing on a boat in the clearest water, with the perfect white-sand bottom. There’s no one for as far as the eye can see. The only sounds you hear are the call of the birds and the lapping of the ocean. Then you hear your guide whisper “30 yards at 12 o’clock.” And thus the hunt for the elusive Bonefish begins!

NATURE & CHILL
Andros is a paradise for birders and naturalists. For over four decades, Small Hope Bay Lodge has had the privilege of exploring and enjoying the bounties of this delicate Bahamas ecosystem, and sharing it with others.

For over six decades, Small Hope has had the privilege of enjoying the bounties of this delicate ecosystem and sharing it with others. We offer several nature tours, providing visitors with an opportunity to explore our diverse Bahamian out island, the fifth-largest and the least developed in the Caribbean and tropical Atlantic area.

Snorkel the Andros Barrier Reef under the guidance of experienced divemasters, learn about the residents’ West-African roots, and get to know the birds of Andros. We have experienced guides who can take you further into the wild to explore the crystal-clear waters in the creeks, bays, and bights by kayak or motorboat.

BLUE HOLE TOUR
Explore several of the island’s famous blue holes, learn about bush medicine, spot wild orchids and birds found only on Andros, and visit a beautiful shelling beach.

DOWN NORTH TOUR
Traverse the length of North Andros Island to visit ocean and inland blue holes, caves, straw and wood artisans, and historic settlements.

WEST SIDE STORY
Boat through the stunning North Bights to the uninhabited West Side of Andros Island. Fishing, snorkeling, and soaking in a white clay bath are all on the agenda.

REEF OUTING
Perfect for families and friends, this private boat tour includes a little fishing, a visit to a small deserted cay, and snorkeling on the Barrier Reef.

Website: www.smallhope.com

Rooms: 21

Price: from 591 EUR per night