1. I fly out to AUTEC Naval Range on Andros on occasion for a week at a time. Finding Lionfish will be no problem. I have counted as many as 20 along the pier on Fresh Creek behind the marina. I have seen 5 tucked under a coral ledge off the lighthouse at the marina.
2. There is not a whole heck of a lot to do on Andros except dive and fish or drink. No shopping, few restaurants no touristy sight seeing. Pretty much nothing there. Small Hope Bay offers some very good advanced dives, I don't know about Hanks. Hanks is like a restaurant/bar on Fresh Creek.
3, You should bring everything you need with you, including video and photo equipment just in case. I don't think there is a lot of rental equipment available. No rental car company either. We rent our car from a local for $75 a day. He meets you at the airport cash up front. When done you just leave it there with the keys. Last time I was there gas was $6.50 a gallon.
4. I'm just letting you know what it is like. The diving is great. Good reefs, ledges, sharks, blue holes. If you are going just to dive you will have an outstanding time, if you expect a night life forget it.
5. Why are you staying at Hanks? There are 2 Resorts on the Island Small Hope Bay and Coral Caverns. I have never seen a dive boat at Hanks.
