Photo of Cat Island

About Cat Island

Set between Eleuthera and Long Island, beautiful Cat Island has long been famed for its stunning beaches, as well as for the striking hand-made hermitage set atop Mount Alvernia, the highest peak in the Bahamas. Popular with laid-back travellers and outdoorsy types, Cat Island offers an appealing selection of simple guesthouses and boutique hotels catering to a range of budgets. Most of the best places to stay on Cat Island are set right on the beach — perfect for soaking up this pint-sized paradise.

Shaped like a long, narrow boot, the island is named for the infamous pirate Arthur Catt — reputedly a friend of the notorious Blackbeard — who made frequent stops on its sandy shores. Whilst the pirates are long gone, the gorgeous landscapes and intriguing history remain: this is a great destination for couples or families looking to unwind and explore on both land and sea. Stroll along picturesque trails which wend their way across the lush hills, climb to the top of 63-metre Mount Alvernia to marvel at the monastery, or visit the ‘Boiling Hole’, a bubbling, burping lake which is supposedly home to a sea monster. Legends aside, this is a brilliant opportunity to spot baby sharks and stingrays in the clear waters. If you’re here for the pristine sands, the spectacular eight-mile stretch of Pink Sand Beach is a real highlight. Out on the water, there are caves and channels for divers and swimmers to discover — including the Big Blue Hole — as well as myriad kayaking, snorkelling, paddle boarding and sailing excursions for guests of all ages.

Set close to the Tropic of Cancer, the island also benefits from a pleasant climate year-round. Small, tranquil and intimate, the best places to stay on Cat Island are ideal for eco-minded travellers eager to hike, dive and kayak or to simply kick back at the beach.

The Best Places to Stay on Cat Island

For Boutique Bliss

  • Fernandez Bay Village offers cute and characterful beachfront cottages featuring stone walls, bamboo furniture and private patios. There's stacks of space for the whole family, well-equipped kitchens and you're just steps from the beach. Savour fabulous food at the hotel's relaxed eatery and sip cracking cocktails at the popular tiki bar after days out on the water. The complimentary kayaks, paddle boards and bicycles are a lovely touch. A fun, family-friendly pick for a boutique hideaway.

For Great Value

  • Greenwood Beach Resort is a pretty, old-fashioned beach hotel with 18 rooms featuring tropical prints and bamboo or rattan furnishings. Secluded, low-key and excellent value, this seaside base also has a little restaurant serving local specialities and a friendly beach bar. Fun for couples, friends or families.

For an apartment or villa

  • If you'd prefer a self-catering option, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.

Travel Information

  • Fly to Arthur's Town Airport, in the north, or to New Bight Airport, in the south, from Nassau. Speak to your hotel about arranging an airport pickup in advance, or hop into a taxi when you arrive.
  • Contact our online partner Rentalcars if you would like to hire a car.
  • Cat Island enjoys warm year-round temperatures, ranging from 25 - 30°C. Peak season runs from December to March, whilst the hurricane season — best avoided — falls between June and November.

Still not sure?

Weather

Monthly Weather in Cat Island

Best Hotels in Cat Island

  • Greenwood Beach Resort Bahamas 18 rooms from CA$171

    Hideaway  -  8 miles of almost empty beach on the doorstep, low key atmosphere, hammocks and pool to cool off
    Diving  -  More than twelve miles of unlimited wall diving sites along the southern coast alone
    Sights nearby  -  Port Howe and Bains Town, only 10 to 30 minutes away from the resort
    Kayaking  -  Complimentary hotel kayaks
    Air conditioningRestaurantSwimming PoolGarden
    Recommended by  -  Fodors

    Pretty, colourful beachfront hotel. Rooms are spread across the gardens, and interiors are decorated with white washed walls, bamboo furniture and patios. Outdoor pool, direct beach access. Restaurant serving local cuisine and beach front bar. Secluded, idyllic and great for divers. See More

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  • Fernandez Bay Village Bahamas 18 rooms from CA$334

    Families  -  Villas are ideal for families, with big modern kitchens, spacious living rooms, plenty of bedrooms and garden space
    Fishing  -  The waters surrounding Cat Island are home to a variety of blue water game fish, including, but not limited to, Wahoo, Mahi Mahi
    Sailing  -  Thirteen foot Boston Whalers can be rented without a captain for exploring nearby beaches
    Sights nearby  -  The legends surrounding the Blue Holes of Cat Island make them a curious attraction
    Air conditioningRestaurantGarden
    Recommended by  -  Fodors

    Charming beach front cottages. Interiors are full of character with stone walls, tiled floors and bamboo furniture, large private patios. Beach access, garden, popular tiki bar and good international cuisine from the restaurant. Family friendly, pretty and quiet. See More

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