Home / Islands / Cat Island

Welcome to Cat Island

The Island

The Height of Escapism

Cat Island is quiet and unassuming, but it has treasures to offer. Anchored by Mt. Alvernia, The Bahamas’ highest point, its untouched landscape is perfect for diving, kiteboarding, and meandering along miles of rolling hills, nature trails, and an eight-mile pink sand beach.

Stories

Stories The Highest Point

Cat Island's most recognizable landmark lies atop Mount Alvernia—a locale that attracts awe for its one-of-a-kind sense of natural tranquility. At 206 feet above sea level, it's the tallest point in all 16 of the islands.

Learn More

Stories Family Heirlooms

For this mother-daughter duo in Cat Island, cultural practices like basket weaving and bush medicine are more than just parts of day-to-day life—they're ways of keeping deep-rooted family traditions alive.

Learn More

Stories An Open Invitation

On Cat Island, a shared plate tells a story of connection and community. Meet the islanders opening their doors and offering travellers a unique glimpse into authentic Bahamian life.

Learn More

bmot catisland content rakenscrape 9 edit 765x708

Stories Sweet Cat Island

Fifty miles is all Cat Island needs to leave an unforgettable impression. Discover a land of historic traditions, secluded beaches, and some of the sweetest experiences in all of The Bahamas.

Learn More

Island Resorts & Retreats Where to Stay

Hotels

Explore the natural beauty of the island, charter a fishing boat, and unwind at a laid-back beach club or family-owned inn on Cat Island.

View All

Island insider

The Highlights The Highest Point In The Bahamas

Mt. Alvernia, called Como Hill by locals, is the highest point in the country at 206 feet (63 m) above sea level. Atop the hill sits The Hermitage, a medieval stone monastery built in 1939. A light hike with great rewards.

Learn More

Locals playing indigenous music, Rake and Scrape

The Highlights Birthplace of Rake & Scrape

The Bahamas’ indigenous music, Rake & Scrape, has its roots in Cat Island. The unique rhythmic music is infectious, made using repurposed objects like wood, saws and goatskin drums. Every June the Annual Rake & Scrape Festival celebrates the heritage of music.

bmot caitisland mainsite island insider petals images sir sidney poitier boyhood

The Highlights Sir Sidney Poitier’s Boyhood Home

Academy Award-winning actor, Sir Sidney Poitier, grew up on Cat Island, just outside of Arthur's Town. He went on to become the first Black person to win an Academy Award for Best Actor for Lilies of the Field in 1964.

bmot caitisland mainsite island insider petals images

The Highlights Thrills on
The Water

Quiet little Cat Island is, in fact, an action-packed destination for water sports. Epic conditions await kitesurfers nearly year-round, and a secret surf spot on the island’s eastern coast keeps locals and visitors chasing waves.

Things to do

Things To Do Worship
Sun & Sand

The beaches on Cat Island are just as glorious and secluded as the island itself. Choose between the white sands of Old Bight Beach or lay claim to a rose-colored stretch near Port Howe.

Learn More

Couple fishing on flat water in Cat Island

Things To Do Fish A New Frontier

Anglers have the option to fish for a big game catch or the elusive bonefish in Cat Island’s creeks and flats. Spend a day on unspoiled waters under the expert guidance of local certified fly fishing guides and charter companies.

Learn More

Things To Do Turn Up The Tempo

If your visit to Cat Island falls in June, you’re in for a show at the Annual Rake & Scrape Festival, where authentic Bahamian sounds are accompanied by quadrille dancing. Year-round, you’re sure to catch a Rake & Scrape band at the local bars and restaurants.

Fresh Island Flavours Drinks & Dining

Restaurants

Cat Island’s beach-side bars and restaurants serve up laid back island vibes and fresh seafood. The Fish Fry, at New Bight, is a great place to start.

View All

map

Cat Island

Find a Flight

Mt. Alvernia

Arthur's Town

ATC

TBI

Mt. Alvernia

The highest point in The Bahamas measures 206 feet and is located on Cat Island. Known to locals as Como Hill, Mount Alvernia is crowned by The Hermitage, a monastery built by a Roman Catholic priest named Father Jerome in 1939.

Arthur's Town

Arthurth's Town is the capital of Cat Island and the birth place of Academy-Award-winning actor and diplomat, Sidney Poitier. The town is served by nearby Arthur's Town Airport.

Arthur's Town Airport

A regional airport, Arthur's Town Airport serves the northern end of Cat Island.

Find a Flight

New Bight Airport

Cat Island’s New Bight Airport, located near Mt. Alvernia, welcomes international travellers with Customs and Immigration services.

Find a Flight

Discover Your Next Adventure

Choose your island

All

Let's Go

The Bahamas

Top 10 Boating Tips

Let's Go

The Height of Escapism

Stories The Highest Point

Stories Family Heirlooms

Stories An Open Invitation

Stories Sweet Cat Island

Island Resorts & Retreats Where to Stay

The Highlights The Highest Point In The Bahamas

The Highlights Birthplace of Rake & Scrape

The Highlights Sir Sidney Poitier’s Boyhood Home

The Highlights Thrills onThe Water

Things To Do WorshipSun & Sand

Things To Do Fish A New Frontier

Things To Do Turn Up The Tempo

Fresh Island Flavours Drinks & Dining

Cat Island

Mt. Alvernia

.cls-1 { fill: #003250; fill-rule: evenodd; }

Arthur's Town

.cls-1 { fill: #003250; fill-rule: evenodd; }

Arthur's Town Airport

.cls-1 { fill: #003250; fill-rule: evenodd; }

New Bight Airport

.cls-1 { fill: #003250; fill-rule: evenodd; }

Discover Your Next Adventure

An Island Rhythm

An Island Hopping Story

The Last Light of Its Kind

A Family Business

Chopped and Chiseled

The Highest Point

Family Heirlooms

Island Delights

The Winds of Tradition

An Open Invitation

Protecting What's Home

The King of Conch

Preserving a Natural Treasure

Wild, Wild Dolphins

Sweet Cat Island

Poetry in Stone

An Artful Generation

SPIRITED ENDEAVOURS

A Boater's Summer Fling

A Culinary Revolution

Secrets of the West End

In True Bahamian Fashion

A World of Wonder

Islands On The Fly

The Albury Family

Where The Artists Gather

A Fly Fishing Dream

Fishing For The Big Catch

Bahamas BEATS

Exploring a Deep-Sea Frontier

Lady of the Pineapple Fields

Exuma Cays Land & Sea Park

Androsia Hand Made Batik

A Once-In-A-Lifetime Day

The Hidden Coast

People to People Experience

You & Me Between the Cays

Junkanoo, A Celebration

The Conch Shacks

An Island Full of Holes

Something Blue, A Sandbar Wedding

A Garden of Marvel

All Day Fish Fry

This is Nassau

Naturally Majestic Queen's Highway

A Race Across Dunmore

Top 10 Boating Tips

Cat Island

The Highlights Thrills on
The Water

Things To Do Worship
Sun & Sand

An Artful
Generation