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Dive Review of Small Hope Bay Lodge in
Bahamas/Andros Island

Small Hope Bay Lodge: "Consistently Great Dive Trip", Jul, 2015,

by James OSullivan, CA, US ( 1 report with 2 Helpful votes). Report 8624 has 2 Helpful votes.

No photos available at this time

Ratings and Overall Comments 1 (worst) - 5 (best):

Accommodations 4 stars Food 4 stars
Service and Attitude 5 stars Environmental Sensitivity 4 stars
Dive Operation 4 stars Shore Diving N/A
Snorkeling N/A
Value for $$ 5 stars
Beginners 4 stars
Advanced 4 stars
Comments My previous visit to Small Hope Bay Lodge was in 2007 with two long-time dive buddies. We have traveled the world seeking out small dive operations that will provide good local guidance without the crowds and the nagging. We found this at SHBL. On my first visit, after a great week's stay, we headed to the airstrip and ran into a multi-hour flight delay. When SHBL learned of this, and that there was no food available at the "airport", they sent over a cooler of cold beer and a batch of hot conch fritters. We vowed to return.

Finally, this summer I made good on that promise and went back to SHBL. I went there solo for 5 days before meeting my sweetie elsewhere in the Bahamas. In the small and friendly atmosphere of SHBL, I quickly joined another repeat-visit group there and had a blast.

Travel satisfaction is all about expectations. I have moderate expectations for a dive lodge, but SHBL at least met and usually exceeded my expectations. The staff was universally friendly - not merely polite, but actually friendly and engaging. This included both the staff in the dining/bar areas and the dive operation. I was consistently happy with the food, and the no-extra-charge bar made for a nice dynamic - often we'd go behind the bar and mix up drinks for other guests.

The accommodations were comfortable, with fans and air conditioning. After diving, there are hammocks, sail boats, island tours, an open bar, and like-minded divers to help pass the time.

The dive operation was well run and would keep an experienced diver happy. Bottom times weren't limited, and there was no tank-banging or cattle boats. While the wall off Andros isn't exactly the Red Sea, there is plenty of coral and fish life, and the great variety of Blue Holes to explore keeps even the long-time diver interested.

Once again, I will return.
Websites Small Hope Bay Lodge   

Reporter and Travel

Dive Experience Over 1000 dives
Where else diving Florida, Caymans, Mexico, Belize, Honduras, Bonaire, Curacao, Turks & Caicos, California, Hawaii, Australia, Italy, Maldives, Thailand
Closest Airport MYAF Getting There I flew myself.

Dive Conditions

Weather sunny, windy, rainy, cloudy Seas calm, no currents
Water Temp 82-86°F / 28-30°C Wetsuit Thickness 3
Water Visibility 60-90 Ft/ 18-27 M

Dive Policy

Dive own profile yes
Enforced diving restrictions Guidance was provided but not specific limits.
Liveaboard? no Nitrox Available? N/A

What I Saw

Sharks Lots Mantas None
Dolphins 1 or 2 Whale Sharks None
Turtles > 2 Whales None
Corals 3 stars Tropical Fish 3 stars
Small Critters 2 stars Large Fish 2 stars
Large Pelagics 1 stars

Underwater Photography 1 (worst) - 5 (best):

Subject Matter 3 stars Boat Facilities 4 stars
Overall rating for UWP's 3 stars Shore Facilities N/A
UW Photo Comments [None]
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Note: The information here was reported by the author above, but has NOT been reviewed nor edited by Undercurrent prior to posting on our website. Please report any major problems by writing to us and referencing the report number above.

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