Mangrove-choked Andros Island, the least explored of the Bahamas, was called "La Isla del Espiritu Santo" (the island of the Holy Spirit) by the Spaniards. Encased in stories of elfin creatures with three fingers, three toes, and red eyes, (chickcharnies), and a dragon-like “loch Ness sea monster called the Lusca.  This mysterious paradise invities the “relaxed traveler."   Andros is the largest of the Islands of The Bahamas (104 x 40 miles).

Diving and bonefishing draw followers to the third largest barrier reef in the world. The shallow water around the reef plunges over 6,000 feet to what is know by divers as, “The Tongue of the Ocean,” where spectacular underwater caverns and breath – taking, jaw drooping, coral gardens filled with marine life await the intruder

The northeastern coast is home to most of the population, and major towns. To the south one finds laidback villages perfect for beach walks, orchid viewing, and relaxing days among palm trees.

One of the really great places I can recommend for the diving crowd, or the inquiring traveler is the Small Hope Bay Lodge. From their web site ,” Welcome to Small Hope Bay Lodge, since 1960 we have been hosting scuba divers, nature lovers, & friends at our out island getaway in the Bahamas . Let us introduce you to this unique island, from dramatic scuba diving, the best snorkeling sites, world class bonefishing, & more. Unspoiled & virtually undiscovered. Andros Island , Bahamas is a world apart from the crowds.”

http://www.smallhope.com/

"100 Best Resorts of the Caribbean 5th edition" -- by Kay Showker listed under Andros, The Bahamas
"1000 Places To See Before You Die" -- by Patricia Schultz listed under The Caribbean, Bahamas, and Bermuda
"Winner of the Cacique Award for Best Company/Group"
"Finalist for the Caribbean Hotel Association /American Express Green Hotel Award"
"Winner of the Cacique Award for Ecotourism"

Many great names, from prime ministers to photographers, learned to dive at Small Hope Bay .

Bonefishing at Andros has been known as some of the “world's finest” for many years among the serious fly fishing crowd. There are a number of guide services, lodges, etc. who offer access to the these exceptionally large, and plentiful exotic fish. Small Hope Lodge takes special care to cater to the bonefishing crowd. At this web site one can find all the pricing, guide information, etc. http://www.smallhope.com/Fishing.html

The Lodge houses a dining area, lounge/bar area, game room and reading room . There are 21 twenty-one rooms in cottages handbuilt of coral rock and Andros Pine, all with a view of the sea. These are beautifully and conveniently located directly on the beach. Each unuque cottage has overhead ceiling fans with locally made furniture, The beautifully decorated cottages each have private toilet/shower facilities and each is fully tiled. King-size beds and single beds are available. There are various size cottages to meet each individual's or family's needs. This is the perfect place, as many have found, to have that “very special honeymoon.”

The lodge is owned and was built by Dick Birch , who left the snows of Canada for a new way of life. Dick opened Small Hope Bay Lodge in 1960 with four cottages and started a diving legend. His record for deep diving on compressed air to 462 feet remains unbroken Happy Traveling.