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Since 1960, the Birch Family has been hosting scuba divers, nature lovers and friends at our oceanside retreat, Small Hope Bay Lodge, in the Bahamas. Let us introduce you to the wonders of this unique island, from the dramatic wall diving along the 140 mile barrier reef and the deep tongue of the ocean to the blue holes, the caves, the best snorkeling sites and more... Unspoiled and virtually undiscovered, Andros is a world apart from the crowds. Diving as well as snorkeling is a specialty at Small Hope. The magnificent Andros Barrier Reef is one mile offshore, about a 10-minute boat ride, and the marine life is fantastic! For sheer drama and variety, it's absolutely second to none. We have been diving here ourselves for over 48 years and we still don't know all the caves and ledges, shallows and depths of this 142-mile reef that makes up our front yard. If you don't know how to dive, we'll teach you -- for free. Give us two hours of your vacation time and we'll have you blowing bubbles with the best of them. We've been teaching diving since 1960. Nobody makes it easier than we do. Learn to feel free in the sea. It's so easy. Then there is our ultimate ... our wall dives many looking down a sheer vertical drop 6,000 feet into the Tongue of the Ocean. We consider anything less than 100-foot visibility to be poor and the temperatures of these sparkling clear waters range from a low of 74 to a high of 84 degrees. Our dive sites feature spectacular coral gardens, ocean blue holes, wrecks, caverns and tunnels festooned with corals and sponges, ledges where turtles rest and rays drift by. We have protected our reef from spearfishing and collecting and the result is a tremendous variety of fish and corals in their natural abundance. If you're curious about the natural world around you, we have plenty of books for reference, and we are often visited by local "experts" who are happy to share what they know about the creatures of the sea, our fantastic bird life and our exotic wildflowers and native plants. We also have maps for self-guided nature walks and guided island tours. Too much activity? Well, then, why not just work on your tan on our beach or in the solarium (where you can sun au natural in complete privacy). Sleep in a hammock under the palms; or just stretch out on a chaise lounge. Or go fishing. Andros Island is world famous for its superb bonefishing, per pound, some of the most exciting light tackle fishing there is. Or chum the reef and bring back some dinner. Our guides are excellent and we'll help you eat your catch. And when the day is done, soothe yourself with a soak in our hot tub -- on the beach, under the stars. Relax yourself into an evening of good conversation and laughter, music and unexpected magic. Food for the body; food for the soul. These are the treasures of Small Hope. Come discover them. And in that, maybe... rediscover yourself. rest | relaxation | rediscover |
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