Planning a Trip

Getting There

A commercial flight on Bahamasair (tel. 800/222-4262 in the U.S.; www.bahamasair.com) leaves Nassau for Arthur's Town on Friday and Sunday at 11am. There is also an airport near New Bight, Cat Island's most scenic village. Flying to New Bight from Fort Lauderdale is Lynx Air International (tel. 888/596-9247; www.lynxair.com), which also provides service between Fort Lauderdale and Cat Island on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday.

Cat Island is also serviced by mail boat. The MV Worth Cat Island Special (tel. 242/393-1064), which transports passengers for US$50 (£25) one-way and US$100 (£50) round-trip, departs Potter's Cay Dock in Nassau 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 in Nassau on Thursday at 6pm, going to Old and New Bight.

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 (£38) daily, with unlimited mileage. Hours are daily from 6:30am to 7:30pm.

Fast Facts

There are three medical clinics, each of which is among the simplest in The Bahamas. They are in Arthur's Town, Old Bight, and Smiths 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 island's annual Three-Day Regatta happens every summer, usually at the end of July. It attracts the largest collection of visitors to Cat Island; the inns prove inadequate to receive them. Call your local Bahamas tourist office for more information.