New Bight, South Cat Island

Untainted by tourism, Cat Island lies 325 miles southeast of Miami and is some 48 miles long and 4 miles wide, looking like a fish hook. The island is named after the pirate Arthur Catt, and has one of the best climates in the Bahamas. Rolling hills and lush green forests characterize the island and it’s also the location of Mount Alvernia, at 206 feet the highest point in the Islands of the Bahamas. Cat Island has miles and miles of deserted beaches on both coasts beautiful for relaxing and exploring.

Cat Island

Untainted by tourism, Cat Island lies 325 miles southeast of Miami and is some48 miles long and 4 miles wide, looking like a fish hook. The island is named after the pirate Arthur Catt, and has one of the best climates in the Bahamas. Rolling hills and lush green forests characterize the island and it’s also the location of Mount Alvernia, at 206 feet the highest point in the Islands of the Bahamas. Cat Island has miles and miles of deserted beaches on both coasts beautiful for relaxing and exploring.

There are two airports on Cat Island, both served by Bahamas air and Cat Island Air; New Bight (TBI) is the more the Southern of the two airports and has scheduled direct flights from Fort Lauderdale on both Lynx Air and Continental Airlines / Gulfs tream. The other airstrip, in the north is located at Arthur’s Town.

What To Do
  • On top of Mount Alvernia is The Hermitage monastery built by Father Jerome, who designed many Bahamian churches & cathedrals throughout Cat Island & Long Island.
  • Devaux Mansion
    The ruins of an 18th century plantation house.
  • The Cave
    Popular dive site with barracuda, reef sharks and more.

The Cat Islanders are a very friendly people, who live the laid back life. They enjoy their “rake `n’ scrape”, music made using instruments such as a worn tin tub with some fishing line and a piece of wood to make a bass, an old comb covered with paper to make a harmonica, a goat skin drum, and a saw. Together these “rake `n’ scrape” bands create a sound unique to the islands. The Cat Islanders are also very superstitious. During a visit there, you may come across a lot of dilapidated buildings, many are the remnants of old plantation homes, some however have been left empty for a different reason. Generally when the last of a generation dies out, his or her house is left for the spirit to live in. Remaining relatives gather stones from the site and form a new dwelling.

With its pristine virgin beaches, Cat Island is one of the most beautiful islands in The Bahamas, and many areas are so little visited that it still feels undiscovered.

Hotel Properties:

We can assist in booking your hotels and flights in the New Bight and South Cat Island area to the following lovely resorts:

  • Fernandez Bay Village
  • Ocean Dream Villas
  • Rollezz Villas Beach Resort
  • Greenwood Beach Resort
  • Hawk’s Nest Resort