Small Hope Bay Lodge

This was our second visit to Small Hope Bay Lodge, just as fantastic if not more so than the first. Firstly the team there are all amazing, you are made to feel at home from the moment you get there. Nothing is too much trouble. The accommodation works well as a family having inter-joining cabins. With very comfortable beds. From fishing to diving we were kept very well entertained and looked after all week. We will be returning!

Jeff Birch and his staff have created such a wonderful lodge in Small Hope Bay! Bonnie, Ed, Yente, Dillon, Montene, Dennis, Ricardo, Jay, Noelle, Mia, George and Liam (sorry if I’ve missed anybody) are such wonderful ambassadors. It’s so nice that they eat with the guests and it’s so enjoyable to hear about their adventures and to share your own. They’re all willing to make your visit the best it can be, whether it’s diving, snorkeling, fishing or just relaxing on the beach. They have plenty of ideas for adventures around the island, but seem open to requests if it’s something they have the ability to do. We enjoyed snorkeling around Goat Cay, kayaking up Davis Creek, swimming at Captain Bill’s Blue Hole, birding with Dennis, bonefishing with Glester, and shopping at Androsia among other things. The cottages are quite comfortable and come equipped with a safe and a giant water cooler. The fans in the room worked well, but they can turn on air conditioning for an extra fee. Chefs Don and Mel and the cooking staff provide outstanding food. There are two different entrees every evening and there’s a ten day rotation. You definitely will not go hungry. They offer three different desserts at every dinner and they’re always amazing! Just a wonderful vacation overall. By the end of your stay, everyone feels like family. Small Hope Bay Lodge is definitely a special place. Put it on your bucket list!

Amazing staff!! Really made an effort with our family of 6. Adult kids who loved to scuba dive and fish. Food was amazing. Almost like adult summer camp. Night dive was a highlight! We really created a lot of memories. Hated to leave. Too many workers to mention. All of them really made an effort.

We visited 5 years ago and wondered if we would love it as much as our last trip and we did!!!! If you love fishing( thanks Ricardo and Glister), diving, snorkeling, kayaking, beach reading, amazing staff, and fabulous food Small Hope Bay is for you!!!! If you are looking for a fancy resort with multiple pools and lots of people it is NOT for you!!!! Small Hope Bay is a jewel with the most beautiful water I’ve ever seen; a place where staff and guests eat dinner together to share their day, and a place where if you are seeking solitude it’s there for you among the palms!!!!! We won’t let 5 years go by before we visit again!!!

I visited Small Hope Bay for the 5th time in April 2024. It remains unspoiled and is a wonderful, all inclusive resort that reflects the island spirit and vibe. What is doesn’t have: a ******, loud music, a water slide and distractions. What is does have: wonderful, friendly staff that exceed your expectations with every interaction, great fishing for both experts and beginners, child friendly environment, executive chef prepared evening meals that will amaze you with the depth of flavor and Bahamian cuisine. I did SCUBA diving (not a fisherman) and had a terrific experience. Small dive groups-I think the most divers we had at one time was 8 not including the divemasters and captain. Safety protocols were always followed and the divemasters made sure our equipment set-ups were just right for each individual. Visibility was phenomenal and my personal highlight was diving the Blue Hole. It would be a great place to finish off your Open Water Certification! I highly recommend this resort as the best on the island. I’ve been going to Small Hope Bay since 1992 and it never fails to be better than ever. I can guarantee you and your family and friends will be talking about what a great experience this place is for years to come.

We loved our Small Hope Bay adventure! The resort is small and the staff make if feel friendly and are all very approachable. It has a very community feeling, down to chatting with the owner, Jeff. It's great for diving, such a variation of dive sites, and as of now there are no other divers nearby, but there is a marina going in so the boat traffic will change. We did an incredible dive with sharks that will remain one of our most memorable dives ever. We aren't big fishers, but we went with some friends who are and had a great time--chef Don showed us how to find conch and then made a conch salad with the finds! The batik making was fun and it's cool to see all the colorful designs around the resort. If you are looking for a frilly resort with a spa and a pool, this isn't your place. If you want a small gorgeous place where everyone you meet is friendly and the staff welcome you in like family, this is the place for you. We will be back!

A friend and I stayed at Small Hope Bay based on the recommendation of a travel agency to fish and relax. We really had no expectations other than to be able to go out with a good guide and to have decent food to eat. Had we taken the time to look at what else is available, primarily the diving, we would have extended our visit. We realized when we arrived that SHB is much more than just a place to stay while fishing. The food was excellent, the staff was terrific, and we had the best fishing guide I have had the pleasure of spending time with (Ricardo). The accommodations are basic but they match the laid back atmosphere perfectly. It seemed like many of the other guests were repeat customers, which says a lot. Cocktail hour and meals were a lot of fun, with everyone enjoying each others company. Everyone, including Jeff, the owner, made a personal effort to insure that we enjoyed our stay. I am planning to return with my wife next time!

Had the absolute best time with my 9 year daughter. She fell in love with beginner scuba and now wants to get certified. The food was delicious and we loved the open bar/soda available all times. Such a serene, beautiful place with the most wonderful staff. We can’t wait to come back.

Everything about our stay at Small hope Bay was excellent!. The accommodations, the location the food, the diving. But what made them stand out for us was the embedded staff, that extra touch and effort the dive team gives to the thoughtful preparation, the food preparation, the service, all were stellar. We cant say enough great things about our experience. But don’t tell anyone else