Planning a Trip

Getting There

Cat Island is served by two airports, Arthur's Town Airport and New Bight Airport. Arthur's Town is the main town, while New Bight is the island's most scenic village. A commercial flight on Bahamasair (tel. 800/222-4262 in the U.S.; www.bahamasair.com) flies to Arthur's Town from Nassau on Friday and Sunday morning. Lynx Air International (tel. 888/596-9247; www.lynxair.com) flies to New Bight from Fort Lauderdale.

The island is also served by mail boat. The MV Worth Cat Island Special, which transports passengers for US$50 one-way and US$100 round-trip, departs Potter's Cay Dock in Nassau on Thursday at 5pm, heading for Bennett's Harbour and Arthur's Town. Another vessel, the MV Lady Rosalind (tel. 242/393-1064), departs Potter's Cay Dock in Nassau on Thursday at 6pm, going to Old and New Bight. Since sailing schedules are subject to change due to weather conditions, check departure times with the dock master at Nassau's Potter's Cay Dock (tel. 242/393-1064).

Getting Around

Limited but quite adequate taxi service is available on Cat Island. Hotel owners, if notified of your arrival time, will have someone drive to the airport to pick you up. You can, however, rent a car from Bridge Inn Car Rentals, Bridge Inn, New Bight (tel. 242/342-3014). Prices begin at US$75 to US$95 daily, with unlimited mileage. Hours are daily from 6:30am to 7:30pm.

Fast Facts

There are three medical clinics, each among the simplest in The Bahamas. They are in Arthur's Town, Old Bight, and Smith's Bay, and they're not always open. In case of an emergency, notify your hotel staff immediately; someone will try to get in touch with a medical expert. Serious cases are flown to Nassau. If you're not in good health and might require medical assistance on vacation, Cat Island is not the island to choose, as there is no central number to call for help.

Special Events

The annual Cat Island Regatta happens every summer, usually over 3 days at the end of July or beginning of August. It attracts the largest collection of visitors to Cat Island; the inns prove inadequate to receive them. Contact your local Bahamas Tourist Office for more information.