Welcome to the Bahamas

"Forward, upward, onward, together"

New Bight, Cat Island

For reservations call:
Dr. Curtis Bannister
800-605-9599 or 814-453-7723

Located over 300 miles from Miami, "Cat Island" should not be confused with "Cat Cay", which is part of "The Bimini Islands". Cat Island's distinction from the other Islands is that it is home to the highest point in the Bahamas. Mount Alvernia is 206' above sea level.

Bahamas Map

Cat Island Bahamas is the sixth largest island in the chain. It is located approximately 135 miles southeast of Nassau and 25 miles south of Eleuthera.

Graceful Beauty

Cat Island is the ideal vacation spot if you're looking for a quiet relaxing getaway. It's 150 square miles of beaches, forests, and rolling hills gives Cat Island the feeling of peaceful tranquility. With a population under 2,000, you'll be able to enjoy quiet walks on the beautiful beaches...including the eight mile long "Pink Sand Beach".

Schooner

It is believed that Cat Island was named after the pirate "Arthur Catt", who was known to have frequented the island.

THE HERMITAGE

Cat Island Monastery

Photographs: TeamAtlantis.com

There are numerous historical sites to see while visiting Cat Island Bahamas.

One such place is "The Hermitage", a monastery built by Father Jerome. Father Jerome was a reclusive Roman Catholic Priest who was known for building cathedrals and convents all over The Bahamas. He passed on in 1956 but a little piece of his architecture remains at the top of Mount Alvernia.

CAT ISLAND BAHAMAS SPORT FISHING

The Bahamas are home to some of the most sought after game fish in the world. Whether you are an avid fisherman or new to the sport, you are sure to enjoy the challenge of reeling in "the big one".

On Cat Island, we recommend
"Renald Butler"s Bow Leg Fishing charters".

Cat Island Fishing

If deep sea fishing isn't for you, Renald Butler's Bow Leg Fishing charters offer inland Bone Fishing Charters too!

E-Mail the Top Cats:

SCUBA DIVING/SNORKELING

Beautiful fish, colorful corals, sea fans, and seashells in their most natural state can be appreciated the best way by diving.

Cat Island Scuba

Reefs and wrecks, coral gardens and naturally occurring walls, are only a few of the remarkable things you could see while diving with the PADI certified divers from "Greenwood's Resort" or "Renald Butler's Bow Leg Fishing charters". With the history of so many pirates and ship wrecks, it is anyone's guess as to what you could discover.

Cat Island Blue Holes

ClickHere

Want to add a little adventure to your stay on Cat Island?

Click on the picture to learn more about Cat Island's legendary Blue Holes.

LOCAL FAUNA

Cat Island is home to the endangered "Cat Island Turtle" (Trachemys Terrapin).

"The Tortoise Reserve Organization" is working with The Bahamas Government to establish sanctuaries for the turtle and make all indigenous turtles crown protected.

The beautiful "Queen Conch" shell is also indigenous to the waters off of Cat Island.

In the United States, the Queen Conch is on the Endangered Species list due to over harvesting of the meat and shells. If you find a live shell, please don't disturb it.

We frequently spot wild goats wandering around the property.

CAT ISLAND BAHAMAS CUISINE

Enjoy fine dining at these Cat Island restaurants:

Greenwood's Resort

Hawk's Nest Restaurant

OceanView Restaurant

Bluebird Restaurant

New Bight Sailing Club

Airline Information

Follow the links for flight information:

Lynx Air

Flamingo Air

Bahamas Air

Air Charter Bahamas

Island Air Charters

Helpful Customs Information

Private Boats: If you are planning to go to the Bahamas on your own boat, you should be aware of the Customs formalities. Vessels clearing into the Bahamas now pay a flat fee of $100.00 to cover all customs and immigration costs and a fishing permit for one visit. Each additional person on board over 4 pays $15.00. There are no overtime or other charges. Sailors should ask for a receipt! All vessels receive a Temporary Cruising Permit for 12 months, which may be extended for up to 2 additional years for a fee of $500.00 per year.

Every crew member should observe the expiration date of his or her immigration permit and renew in good time or leave the country before the expiration date...

Private Airplanes: If you are planning to fly to The Bahamas on your own airplane, you should be aware of the following requirements.

To enter The Islands of the Bahamas, private pilots will need:

3 copies of the C7A Bahamas Customs form
1 Bahamas Immigration Card per person
Proof of Citizenship - one of the following: Birth Certificate, Drivers License, Pilots License, Photo ID

Private Pilots visiting the islands of The Bahamas should expect one of the following:

No Overtime Customs Fee for private aircraft visiting The Islands of the Bahamas where the pilot declares that he or she does not receive any remuneration and the flight is for recreational purpose.
No Transire C38 is necessary for private pilots cruising through The Islands of the Bahamas for pleasure (A copy of the C7A will suffice).
No departure tax for pilot and co-pilot.
No tie down fee except in Freeport, Grand Bahamas Island
No landing fee for single engine private planes on a pleasure trip except on Freeport, Grand Bahamas Island.
A flight plan MUST be filed. Activate prior to entering The Islands of the Bahamas and close after landing.

To leave The Islands of the Bahamas private pilots need:

1 copy of The Bahamas Customs General Declaration Outward Form (C7)
Turn in The Bahamas Immigration Card
File a flight plan

All passengers six years and over leaving The Bahamas pay a Government Departure Tax of $15.00 except in Freeport, Grand Bahama Island, where an additional $3.00 airport security fee is applicable.

Junkanoo is the biggest National Festival of The Bahamas. The Junkanoo Parade is held twice a year, December 26th (Boxing Day) and January 1st (New Year's Day).

The Junkanoo Festival is the most exciting display of art and culture in the world, displaying elaborate and colorful costumes in a variety of shapes and sizes.

It is believed that this festival began during the 16th and 17th centuries. The slaves were given a special holiday at Christmas time, when they could leave the plantations to be with their families and celebrate the holidays with African dance, music and costumes. After emancipation, the tradition lived on, and today...this festival has evolved into a very sophisticated and well-organized parade.

Everyone is invited to join in the party and sing and dance along. The parade takes about 2 hours. If you can't make it to The Bahamas at Christmas time, Junkanoo Parades are also held in conjunction with other special celebrations such as Independence Day on July 10th.

There is a "Junkanoo Museum" in Nassau which showcases costumes, art and artifacts. This is a must see if you make it to Nassau!

Gambling

In case you feel the urge to throw caution to the wind...here are a few links to some of The Bahamas finest casinos