FAQ

What kind of diving do you have?
All kinds, we have the third largest and one of the most unexplored barrier reefs in the world. We have everything from shallow reefs to vertical walls, blue holes and much more. Never been diving, let us teach you. Great for new divers, intermediate, and advanced divers.

Should I bring my own equipment?
It is up to you. We include weights, weight belt, and tank in dive price, as well as dive lights on night dives. BCDs, regulators, computers, mask, fins, snorkel, and wetsuits available for rent.

My companion doesn't dive--what else is there for her/him to do?
Snorkel--on the reef, from shore, with wild dolphin. Relax on the beach. Go fishing. Get a massage. Choose a book from our library and find a hammock. Hot tub. Bike to the Androsia Factory, or to an inland blue hole. Do some birding. Sail, Windsurf, Kayak. Take a nature walk. Join you on the boat (no charge for riders!) Or learn to dive (for free!)

What kind of fishing do you have?
World class Bonefishing as well as reef and deep sea fishing.

Do you have bugs?
Of course--we are a tropical island. However, since we are located on the windward side of the island with full exposure to the sea breezes, our "bug problem" is minimal. The best defense when the wind dies down is a repellent--anything from Cutter's to Avon Skin-so-Soft works. Or just step inside until the breeze picks up again. For crawly bugs like palmetto bugs, we sprinkle Boric Acid Powder around the inside of the cottages to ward them off. It's effective and non-toxic to humans.

What is the best time of the year to go to Andros?
The northern Bahamas remains quite temperate year-round--most of the days are like perfect spring and summer days. Winter weather sometimes can bring a "blow" from the north--which can make for choppy seas. Daytime temperatures can drop to the low 70s. Summer is the "rainy" season--usually marked by a short afternoon squall somewhere--not necessarily over us! Average summer temperature is 85, with long days and comfortable nights. For calmest waters, April through October is best.

What about Hurricanes?
Hurricane season for the western hemisphere is officially June 1 to December 1. However, statistically for the Bahamas, August, September, and October are the months to watch. Overall, being in the tropical Atlantic where the temperatures are cooler, we tend to fare better than our Caribbean neighbors with regard to hurricanes. Hurricane David hit Andros in 1979. Hurricane Floyd, which caused so much destruction to the Abacos in 1999, skimmed Andros--leaving mostly just a mess. Hurricane Michelle hit Andros in November 2001.

How hot does it get in the summer?
The northern Bahamas are quite temperate. The hottest we get is maybe 90 F. It feels cooler than that, though, because of the constant trade breezes and because you are not surrounded by concrete like you are in the city.

Can we bring our children?
Of course. Children are an important part of our lives here. We have two-bedroom cottages, a Games Room and, more importantly, a safe outdoor environment where they can run, swim, snorkel, play in the tidal pools and fish off the dock. We also have two types of kids rates for those 2-7 yrs and 8-12 yrs.

Do you have an organized program for children?
No--but we have energetic baby-sitters. There is a fee of $6 per hour for babysitting during the day. Babysitting is COMPLIMENTARY for children 2-7 between the hours of 6 PM and 8:45 PM in the evening, during which time children under 7 enjoy dinner and after-dinner games in the Games Room. This keeps young children away from the bar area and gives adults a chance to enjoy evening adult time. For those children under 2 years there is a fee of $6 per hour as we bring in an additional babysitter to watch after your little one.

Can my kids dive? Can they go on the boat? Children 10 years old and up are eligible to take our free introductory SCUBA course that will qualify them to dive with us. Junior Certification is available to children ages 10-16 for an extra fee. We recommend that very young divers limit diving depths. For 8-12 year olds, we offer SASY equipment, which offers a surface SCUBA experience to kids. There is no charge for children to accompany their parents on the boat.

I have a very young baby--will I be able to get pampers and fresh milk on the island?
The stock in local stores is unreliable. It is best if you bring your own supplies. Or if you call us in advance, and we will try to have them on the island for you.

What kind of electricity do you use?
Same as the USA -- 110/120 volts.

What should I bring to wear?
Bathing suits, beach cover ups, shorts, cotton slacks, T-shirts, flip-flops. Sweater or sweatshirt in the winter. If it doesn't fit under your airline seat, you probably don't need it. We have a small boutique that carries toiletries and some island clothes. And the Androsia Batik Factory is just a bike ride away. You should bring shampoo as we carry it in our boutique, but do not currently put it in the guest rooms.

Can I drink the tap water?
Absolutely. Andros is in the fresh water business--we have tons of it and we ship our water to Nassau and the Abacos.

Is there any night life?
If you mean nightclubs and casinos, no. But you CAN walk the beach at night, see great star shows, and skinny dip in the hot tub... Sometimes we have a slide Show. Sometimes we party hearty.

I'm single. Will I have a good time?
Small Hope is a great place for singles because of the camaraderie that develops among the guests and staff. It's easy to make friends and easy to find space for yourself. Furthermore, we offer single travelers the option of sharing one of our two-bedroom cottages with another single traveler (you get private bedroom, share the bath)--thereby eliminating that nasty single surcharge.

What kind of food do you serve?
Breakfast is full American-style breakfast (eggs, bacon, hot cakes, fruit, etc.) or a Bahamian breakfast of chicken souse, boiled fish, steamed tuna, or corned beaf. Lunch consists of a hot dish (curried chicken, smuthered grouper, meatloaf...) plus full salads, sandwich bar, and dessert bar. Dinner features salad bar, dessert bar, plus choice of meat or fish entree (or a bit of both), served with fresh Island vegetables and a side dish.

I'm a vegetarian--will that be a problem?
If you eat fish and/or eggs, none whatsoever. If you are vegan, then you will enjoy our salad bar and our fresh cooked vegetables and rice. You are invited to consult with our staff to help us meet your requirements.

Is there any place I can rent my own boat?
At this time there are no private boat rentals on Andros--but a captained boat can be chartered.

Are there any rental cars on the island?
Yes. Average rate is about $85 a day and can be arranged by the office staff..

Is there anything else to see on the island?
Andros is very undeveloped, which means there are acres and acres of bush, undeveloped pine forests, and big distances between villages. If you want to see more of the island there are several ways to do it: By car: From Fresh Creek, the most interesting tour would be to head north up to Nicholstown, passing farms, blue holes, and Andros Pine forests along the way. Allow a minimum of 3 hours--4 if you go over to the west side and Red Bays.

By bike: Ride into Fresh Creek and through the village streets to get an idea of local "town" life. Weekends are more lively...
By foot: Take one of our Nature Walks into the bush.
By boat: Take our "Safari on Fresh Creek" excursion up Fresh Creek to get a glimpse of the majesty of our inland waterways and perhaps snorkel with some dolphin!

Is there anything to buy on the island?
The Androsia Factory is just three miles away. Androsia is the batik island clothing and fabric. You can explore the factory and watch them make the batik fabric, and shop at the outlet store for some great deals. Androsia is located in Fresh Creek. Andros is also known for its straw baskets and wood carvings from Red Bays. Local craftsman come to Small Hope weekly to sell their wares.

Who owns the Bahamas?
The Bahamian people. We are an independent country, and have been since 1973. We are part of the British Commonwealth (like Canada and Australia) and have a democratically elected Prime Minister and Parliament.

What kind of money do you use in the Bahamas?
We use Bahamian dollars, which are on par with the US dollar and used inter-changeably. If you have US dollars, there is no need to change money. Credit cards are accepted at Small Hope Bay Lodge and Androsia--but many small shops and restaurants are not equipped to handle them.

What is the water temperature? Do I need a wetsuit?
Between fall and spring, a wetsuit is recommended.

For more information and reservations please contact:

Small Hope Bay Lodge
PO Box FC 23324
Andros, Bahamas

Phone: 242-368-2014
Fax: 242-368-2015

Please Tell Them Dive Guide Sent You!!!

Email For Availability And Reservations

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