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Cat Island

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Island
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Cat Island (Bahamas)

Weather…

Cat Island is one of the most pristine and culturally preserved islands in the Bahamas, located in the eastern region of the archipelago. Geographically, it is home to Mount Alvernia, which rises to 63 meters above sea level, making it the highest point in the entire country. Atop this summit sits The Hermitage, a small stone monastery built in 1939 by the architect and priest Father Jerome. The island spans 77 kilometers and is home to a traditional population of roughly 1,500 residents. Cat Island is recognized as the cultural heart of Rake and Scrape music, a traditional Bahamian genre that often utilizes saws as musical instruments. Historically, the island was a major center for cotton plantations, and the ruins of these estates remain scattered throughout the landscape today. The lack of large-scale development has ensured that the island's natural ecosystems, including dense mangroves and untouched coral reefs, remain remarkably intact.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan–Mar.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C232424252628282929282625
Rain mm31252543921028193110935830

📋 Practical info

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Getting there
Reaching this location usually involves taking a regional ferry, organized boat tour, or a short local flight depending on available local transport infrastructure and schedules.
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Best season
The optimal time to explore is generally during the region's dry season, avoiding the peak periods of heavy rainfall and potential tropical storms for a much safer and pleasant experience.
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Terrain & paths
The environment blends sandy coastal areas with potentially uneven, rocky inland paths and dense tropical vegetation, offering a mix of easy and moderate walking opportunities.
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What to bring
Pack comfortable walking shoes for the varied trails, light and breathable clothing, plenty of robust sun protection, and a reliable waterproof layer for unexpected sudden showers.
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Parking
If arriving with a rental vehicle, parking is usually available at main ferry terminals or near key island settlements, though infrastructure may be relatively basic and unstructured.
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Safety
Be extremely mindful of local ocean currents if swimming, stay well-hydrated in the tropical heat, and ensure you have adequate protection against common local biting insects.
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Time needed
Visitors typically spend at least a full day exploring the main highlights, though an overnight stay or a multi-day trip allows for a far more relaxed and fully immersive experience.

Geography

Coordinates
24.34000, -75.45000

Facts

  • Mount Alvernia is the highest point in the Bahamas at 63 meters.
  • The Hermitage monastery was hand-built by Father Jerome in 1939.
  • The island covers a total length of approximately 77 kilometers.
  • Cat Island has a small population of about 1,500 people.
  • It is the ancestral home of the traditional Rake and Scrape music.
  • Remnants of 18th-century cotton plantations still exist today.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Lookout Tower on Cat IslandLookout Tower on Cat Island<1 km · WExplore →
Cat Island's Central RidgeCat Island's Central Ridge3 km · SExplore →
Port HowePort Howe5 km · WExplore →
Bain TownBain Town6 km · SExplore →
Old BightOld Bight6 km · NWExplore →
BurrowsBurrows8 km · SExplore →
The Hermitage on Cat IslandThe Hermitage on Cat Island8 km · SExplore →
Hawks NestHawks Nest11 km · SWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Are there many cats on Cat Island?
No, the name likely comes from a pirate named Arthur Catt or the island's shape.
What is the highest point in the Bahamas?
Mount Alvernia on Cat Island, standing at 63 meters high.
What is the 'Hermitage'?
A small monastery on Mount Alvernia, built by Father Jerome.
Is the island suitable for mass tourism?
No, it is very quiet, untouched, and great for individual travelers.
What is Rake 'n' Scrape music?
Traditional music from Cat Island where a saw is used as an instrument.
Cat Island: where is it located?
Cat Island is located in Bahamas.
Cat Island: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Mar.
Cat Island: why is it worth visiting?
Cat Island is one of the most pristine and culturally preserved islands in the Bahamas, located in the eastern region of the archipelago.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
North America
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Nearby cities

Arthur&#39;s Town — Cat Island (Bahamas)
Arthur's Town
The childhood home of Sidney Poitier, located on Cat Island.
New Bight — Cat Island (Bahamas)
New Bight
The capital of Cat Island, featuring an airport.
Smith&#39;s Bay — Cat Island (Bahamas)
Smith's Bay
A settlement on Cat Island with administrative facilities.
Port Howe — Cat Island (Bahamas)
Port Howe
A historic settlement on Cat Island.
Bain Town — Cat Island (Bahamas)
Bain Town
A small community on Cat Island.
Old Bight — Cat Island (Bahamas)
Old Bight
One of the largest settlements on Cat Island.
Burrows — Cat Island (Bahamas)
Burrows
A very small settlement on Cat Island.
Hawks Nest — Cat Island (Bahamas)
Hawks Nest
A small resort community in the south of Cat Island.
Gaitors — Cat Island (Bahamas)
Gaitors
A small community in central Cat Island.
Bennetts Harbour — Cat Island (Bahamas)
Bennetts Harbour
A small harbor settlement on Cat Island.
Orange Creek — Cat Island (Bahamas)
Orange Creek
A settlement in northern Cat Island.

More places

Lookout Tower on Cat Island — Cat Island (Bahamas)
Lookout Tower on Cat Island
An old stone tower likely used as a lookout point to monitor shipping traffic and potential invaders.
Subsistence Farming on Cat Island — Cat Island (Bahamas)
Subsistence Farming on Cat Island
Many residents of Cat Island practice small-scale farming and gardening, growing traditional crops like sweet potatoes, cassava, and pige…
Cat Island&#39;s Central Ridge — Cat Island (Bahamas)
Cat Island's Central Ridge
The hilly ridge forming the spine of Cat Island, culminating in Mount Alvernia, the nation's highest point.
The Hermitage on Cat Island — Cat Island (Bahamas)
The Hermitage on Cat Island
A small, hand-built monastery on the highest point in the Bahamas.
Deveaux Plantation — Cat Island (Bahamas)
Deveaux Plantation
The ruins of a large Loyalist cotton plantation on Cat Island.
Conception Island — Cat Island (Bahamas)
Conception Island
A pristine, uninhabited island protected as a national park and a vital wildlife habitat.
Conception Island Wall — Cat Island (Bahamas)
Conception Island Wall
A dramatic underwater wall that plummets into the deep off the coast of Conception Island, very popular with divers.