The Best Cat Island Guide – From the weather to the water to the sand, everything about Cat Island is pristine. Its perfect for those looking to explore the island’s natural beauty, with a laid-back environment that provides a unique destination to relax and unwind. With 50 miles of rolling hills, nature trails and the eight-mile Pink Sand Beach, you can choose to do everything or absolutely nothing.
There is much to be discovered on Cat Island. With 150 square miles of natural landscape, it offers a rich Bahamian experience. You’ll find the plot of land where Sir Sidney Poitier’s boyhood home once stood. The island is home to one of the best climates in The Bahamas. Its location near the Tropic of Cancer means temperatures range from the mid-60s in the winter to the high-80s in the summer. The perfect weather for getting out and exploring Cat Island’s landscape and history. Visit The Best Beaches in the Bahamas Guide for information on all of the Grand Bahama beaches, or visit us on Pinterest.
Cat Island Weather – When to Visit
The best time to visit Cat Island is from mid-December to mid-April, the country’s peak season. Though temperatures here are great year-round, the islands fall within the hurricane belt, so hurricanes may be a factor between June 1 and Nov. 30. Most of these months (plus May) also fall within the region’s rainy season, which can leave you with fewer days spent enjoying the islands’ outdoor activities. But keep in mind that mid-December to mid-April’s sublime weather attracts hordes of tourists, so prices will be at their highest and crowds at their thickest during these months.
Top Cat Island Beaches
Old Bight Beach
Old Bight BeachLocated in the village of Old Bight, these five miles of pure white sand is perfect for a quiet walk, a picnic, beach combing or just sunbathing.
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Fernandez Bay Village Beach
Fernandez Bay Village BeachLocated just North of the settlement of New Bight, at Fernandez Bay Village, this curvy tree-lined white-sandy beach is contrasted by the craggy iron shore that welcomes the spray of the surf.
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Greenwood Beach Resort Beach
Greenwood Beach Resort BeachLocated in Port Howe, just north of Columbus point near the southeast tip of Cat Island, eight miles of pink sand beach overlooks the Atlantic Ocean.
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Pigeon Cay Beach Club Beach
Pigeon Cay Beach Club BeachThe three-mile long white sand beach at Pigeon Cay Beach Club is located near the settlement of Bluff in the northern third of Cat Island.
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Sammy T’s Beach Resort Beach
Sammy T’s Beach Resort BeachThis private, secluded beach is located within a cove in Bennett’s Harbour and is perfect for snorkeling, sailing or just lounging.
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Best Cat Island Restaurants
Da Smoke Pot $11 – 30
This restaurant is an authentic Bahamian experience, and is named after the local tradition of burning green brush in the evening, creating smoke to keep the bugs away for the guests. Fresh seafood and a variety of Bahamian dishes are served daily; closed on Mondays. Telephone: 1 242 354-2094 Web: Da Smoke Pot
Sammy T’s Restaurant & Bar $11 – 30
The breakfast menu features mouth watering Bahamian cuisine. Chase eggs, omelets, with all the trimmings topped with fresh fruits and juices. The lunch menu consists of delicious grilled conch, fish or burgers, fresh salads topped with Sammy T’s secret dressing. They have mouth watering conch fritters, conch chowder. At dinner choose from a selection of Bahamian dishes including lobsters, grouper, or conch served with crab and rice or pigeon peas and rice. Telephone: 1 242-354-6009 Web: Sammy T’s Restaurant & Bar
Boggie Pond Lodge Restaurant & Bar $11 – 30
You’ll feel like you are in a traditional Bahamian kitchen, when you drink in the smells as you enter our family-owned restaurant. They offer the usual breakfast selections, in addition to local favorites and tropical fruits. Lunch includes hot or cold sandwiches with homemade bread; dinner consists of traditional Bahamian dishes, with local seafood a specialty and topped off with tantalizing desserts. Telephone: 1 242-354-2215 Web: Boggie Pond Lodge Restaurant & Bar
Shannas Cove Under $10
Shannas Cove is a resort that sits at the very tip of the north side of the island in North Bain Town. This place has the best pizza on the island and you will not be disappointed. Try a shrimp and pineapple pizza, it’s amazing! The view at the top of the restaurant is one you don’t want to miss either. So grab a couple of drinks for the road (It’s allowed here), buckle up and start driving north for some of the best grub on the island. Telephone: 1 242-354-4249 Web: Shannas Cove
Fish Fry $11 – 30
The fish fry is where locals and visitors alike come to enjoy fresh Bahamian food, great conversations and maybe even a little rake and scrape – the native music of the Bahamas. This was actually the only place where I did see cats on Cat Island. The Fish Fry is also the most popular spot for conch salad, which is diced (uncooked) conch, onions, sweet pepper, tomatoes, lime, salt, and pepper. Located near New Bight – a collection of food vendor stands selling fish and local snacks.
Best Cat Island Bars
Da Pink Chicken
You absolutely cannot go to Cat Island without having a drink (or two, or three) at Da Pink Chicken. It’s the ultimate island beach bar where visitors from long ago let you know they were there by leaving their mark all over the walls. Telephone: 1-242-474-1133 Web: Da Pink Chicken
Cocktails by the Sea
This quaint waterfront hangout is a favorite of both locals and visitors. You can watch amazing sunsets and listen to rolling waves from the patio; drink a chilled Bahamian brew, rum cocktail or other beverage at the bar; and see how well you stack up against other patrons in a game of Dominoes. Telephone: 1 242-354-2005 Web: Cocktails by the Sea
Sammy T’s Restaurant & Bar
The Bar opens 10:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. Try their special Bahamian drinks and the world famous Kalik beer along with a full selection of wines and spirits. Special champagne is available upon request. Telephone: 1 242-354-6009 Web: Sammy T’s Restaurant & Bar
The Hot Spot Karaoke Bar
Their bar is a gathering place for both locals and visitors, who enjoy Hot Spot signature drinks like the “Como Hill,” the “Blue Hole,” and the very popular “Bahamian Flag,” which showcases the colors of our flag: black, aquamarine and gold. Bahamian beers and other favorite beverages are also available. On weekends, holidays and other special occasions, they have DJ music, limbo dancing and karaoke. Telephone: 1 242-354-2076 Web: The Hot Spot Karaoke Bar
Best Cat Island Hotels
This guide really captures how untouched and peaceful Cat Island feels compared to the busier parts of the Bahamas. I love how you highlighted the pink sand beaches and the slower pace, because that’s exactly what I look for when I want to unplug. The mix of history, nature, and local food spots makes it feel very authentic. Old Bight Beach and Greenwood Beach especially caught my attention. Is Cat Island better for travelers who like exploring on their own, or would you recommend staying mostly at one resort and relaxing?
Cat Island is perfect for travelers who enjoy a mix of quiet relaxation and light exploration. Many visitors choose one main place to stay and then rent a car to explore Cat Island beaches, small settlements, and historic sites at their own pace. The island’s low crowds, pink sand beaches, and laid-back Bahamian culture make it ideal for slow travel, nature lovers, and couples looking for a peaceful Bahamas vacation. Whether you’re beachcombing, snorkeling, or enjoying local Bahamian cuisine, Cat Island offers a truly authentic island escape.
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Cat Island works great for a mix of hiking, history, and slow beach days because everything is spread out but easy to reach on the island’s quiet roads. The trails, high points, and pink-sand stretches all sit close to scenic beaches, so it’s simple to enjoy both in the same day. Summer brings warm, sunny weather, usually in the high 80s, and the ocean stays refreshing, which makes it a comfortable time for snorkeling and sightseeing.
Cat Island sounds like such an untouched slice of the Bahamas, and I love that it still has that quiet, laid-back charm. The mix of pink sand, rolling hills, and historic spots like the site of Sidney Poitier’s boyhood home makes it feel really special. I’m especially curious about Greenwood Beach — eight miles of pink sand sounds unreal! Does the island feel easy to explore without crowds, and are most of the beaches safe for casual swimmers? Also, is the rainy season still worth visiting if I want fewer tourists?
Cat Island stays wonderfully uncrowded year-round, so exploring beaches like Greenwood or Old Bight feels peaceful even in the busier months. Most shorelines have calm, swimmable water, especially along the western and southern coasts, which makes them great for relaxed swimming and snorkeling. Even during the rainy season, showers tend to be brief, and many travelers enjoy the quiet atmosphere and lower prices that come with late summer and fall.
Wow, Cat Island looks absolutely gorgeous, but I’m a little nervous about the hurricane situation. Does this part of The Bahamas get hit often, or are the storms usually farther away? I’d love to plan a trip, but I’m trying to figure out whether certain months are safer or if I just need to be extra flexible. Have you ever visited during the summer season? I’m curious what the weather actually feels like day-to-day.
Great question — Cat Island is within the Atlantic hurricane belt, but the good news is that major storms are not frequent, and most years pass without a direct hit. The key thing is timing. The most reliable months for calm, sunny weather are mid-December through mid-April, which is the official dry season and also the most popular time to visit.
If you’re considering a summer or early-fall trip, the island is still beautiful, but you’ll want to keep an eye on forecasts because June through November is hurricane season and also the rainy season. Daily weather is usually a mix of warm sunshine with short tropical showers rather than all-day rain, so many travelers still enjoy visiting then — they just stay flexible with plans.
If you prefer the most stable weather, stick with the winter and early-spring window. But if you don’t mind warm, breezy days and the occasional afternoon shower, the shoulder months can be a great value too.
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You’d love Cat Island — it’s one of the best places in The Bahamas for peaceful, untouched beach days. Old Bight Beach offers miles of quiet shoreline perfect for walking and relaxing, and the pink sand at Greenwood Beach is both beautiful and serene. Pigeon Cay’s stretch is another favorite if you want calm water and a long, unspoiled coastline. If you tell me whether you prefer shade, easy access, or total seclusion, I can help match you with the perfect beach for your style of relaxing!
This place looks beautiful, but I’m also a big foodie! Are there good Bahamian restaurants on Cat Island, or is it more limited since it’s quieter than the other islands? I’d love to try fresh seafood, conch, and local flavors if there are good spots. Any food experiences you recommend?
You’ll still eat very well on Cat Island — the food scene is small, but wonderfully authentic and Bahamian. Da Smoke Pot is a favorite for fresh seafood and local dishes, and the Fish Fry is the best place to try conch salad and mingle with locals. Sammy T’s offers great breakfasts and island-style dinners, while Shannas Cove surprises visitors with incredible pizza and amazing views. If you share whether you prefer casual, oceanfront, or more traditional Bahamian dishes, I can suggest the best fit for you!
Cat Island looks so peaceful and untouched, and we’re actually thinking about it for our honeymoon! Do you think it’s a good destination for couples who want quiet beaches and slow, relaxing days? We don’t need nightlife, just beautiful scenery, sunsets, and maybe a cozy place to stay. Would the pink sand beach or one of the coves be best for romance?
Cat Island is a wonderful choice for a laid-back honeymoon, especially if you love quiet beaches and time together without crowds. The eight-mile Pink Sand Beach is stunning for sunrise and sunset walks, and Sammy T’s Beach area is perfect if you want a serene cove and calm water. Couples also love Fernandez Bay for its curved shoreline and peaceful atmosphere. If you tell me whether you prefer total seclusion, a small beach resort, or somewhere with a little exploring nearby, I can point you to the best spot for your honeymoon style!
Hi Leahrae,
Thank you for sharing this great informational article. it is very important article which will help my. If I had a chance to go to Cat Island I would choose the Mail Boat from Nassau. I will definitely be back to your website for some more of your helpful information on a lot of topics. I will share this article with my friends.
Great Mim, thank you. Glad you enjoyed my Cat Island Travel post. Thanks for stopping by!
All I can say is WOW! You have given me yet another fantastic destination to add to my bucket list! The photos and video you have included are just stunning. I can only imagine what Cat Island must look like in person!
I am especially interested in the healing hole fresh water pond. I am a huge advocate of natural healing, not to mention I have a few aches and pains of my own I could do without 😉
Even though there is a risk of rain, I think I would prefer to travel to Cat Island during the off peak months. Not only would the cost be lowered but it would be less crowded with tourists. I would love the opportunity to walk along through the trails or on the beaches feeling like I am the only person around. That sounds like heaven on Earth.
Thanks so much for sharing!
I agree with you on visiting during the off peak season months. I live in Florida, so getting some rain on vacation is not a big deal with all the sunshine we get here LOL. Thanks for stopping by beach travel destinations.
I am currently planning my summer vacation (which is going to start in one month from now) and my main destination is the Bahamas.
I hear you about the possibility of coming across some rains during this season but I really don’t care… With rain or without, I think that the Bahamas is an amazing place for someone to spend their vacation.
Thank you for your guide! I’ll definitely refer back to it once I am there to find places to eat, drink, as well as go sightseeing.!
Great Harry and I agree with you! I live in the sunshine state, so I really don’t mind the rain. I can still walk the beach and play in the water. Now snow would be a different story LOL! Thanks for visiting beach travel destinations.
Hi Laehrae, Visiting a new place is fun to me, i love the story about the Island it is educating, i would love to have an experience there, i really appreciate you for giving me clue on their best Bar, Restaurant and hotel, as a visitor to any country this places are first on the list and what makes me love your research in the post is they are the best places to relax.
Great! I am glad you enjoyed my Cat Island Travel post. Thanks for stopping by.
Oh my God! While watching the video i want to dive in the water.Haha. I wish i can visit there to have some summer vacation and relax. The view really looks amazing and the water is so clear. Damn it’s really awesome! Any recommendations for Airlines from Phippines going there?
Hi Jessa, and yes the video does entice! The Philipines is so big, so I would have to know exactly where you are to look up airlines and pricing for you. You can go to this link for Jet Radar and put in your exact location and to Cat Island and then you can find out what airlines are available and the pricing. I did see that the airline tickets are pretty reasonable for you though, sweet! Thanks for stopping by my Cat Island Travel post.
Cat Island would be a great vacation spot; you had me early with hiking trails and rolling hills; anywhere with those features are definitely a hot sell. Dean’s Blue Hole would be an awesome location to visit as well as the ruins; as I’m obsessed with old places and abandoned ruins are just the thing. Food looks to be affordable as well and I’ve stayed in villas in resorts in the past, loving every second of them.
Looks like you need to plan your vacation to Cat Island! Thanks for visiting beach travel destinations.
Fantastic article!
My sister has been in Cat island, and you know what, she stayed in the Orange Greek Inn. She showed us beautiful pictures of Cat Islands. She went there to celebrate her honeymoon. I wish I could be there now! However, she enjoyed so much that she and her husband didn’t want to come back. They even start to plan to spend the rest of their life there:) But once they came back, things got back to normal:) I will show her this article. I am sure she will go crazy:) Thank you for this excellent article!
I am so glad you enjoyed reading more on Cat Island. I am sure that it does not compare to being there as your sister was for her honeymoon. What a wonderful destination to start the beginning of a marriage! I could see myself living there permanently as well. Anywhere with such beautiful beaches, culture and people!
This place looks beautiful! I had been researching Cat Island and glad I found your post. I am ready to go right now after reading! Its getting cold where I live. The weather seems amazing year round. I would love to live in a place that has weather like that year round. The restaurants seems really cool and located in awesome places with great views. I would love to go diving and take the catamaran, those are always fun! I will bookmark your site and use the information when I am ready to plan my vacation!
I am glad you came across my site and the information on Cat Island Travel is helpful for your planning. You will have a wonderful time for sure! Please let me know if there is any other information you need from me. I would be more than glad to help.
Another fantastic article. If I had a chance to go to Cat Island I would choose the Mail Boat from Nassau.
It’s amazing how many people have commented that they had never heard of Cat Island! I am a travel agent and of course I have NEVER heard of it either!
It’s so good to know about these places that are off the beaten track because when visitors go back to the same place over and over, they want to find something different to do. This is perfect for people returning to Nassau.
Wow, I cannot believe that you have not heard of Cat Island. It is a wonderful pick, and of course less crowded than some of the other Caribbean islands. And yes, great pick if you are headed to Nassau. thanks for visiting Cat Island Travel 🙂
OH, MY!!!
Well, I actually never heard of Cat Island in the Bahamas, but you better believe that I’m going to remember that name now!
All the pictures you provided were stunning, Leahrae! I especially like the Dean’s Blue Hole. Am I reading that correctly…it goes to 663 ft. offshore!!!
And why did you have to include that video!!! I live in New York City…needless to say, my view is slightly different, lol. I think that may be a video I’ll have to watch repeatedly.
It is a great video! I would love to visit New York as well! On my bucket list for sure. Been there once, but it was for a competition so didn’t get to do anything really. Yes, you are correct with Deans Blue Hole. Quite amazing. Thanks for visiting Cat Island Travel!
Leahrae, your Travel Destination pictures and detailed information on each location makes me want to buy a Boeing 757 and take a large group of people to Cat Island. I’m from Key West and most of my ancestors are from Cat Island.
I am a Concher by birth. We eat it all including cracked conch, conch fritters, etc. Thanks for reminding me to add this Travel Destination and Cabo San Lucas to my list!
You are very welcome and wow, you live in such a Beautiful place too 🙂 I am in Clearwater! Thanks for visiting Phildora.
Wow! Cat Island looks like its on the top of my list of places to sail to in the future. It seems it has a peaceful vibe and a comfortable climate, too. Thank you for providing info how to check in and clear with customs at Bennett’s Harbor. There are definitely some gorgeous diving spots here that I didn’t know about before. I hope to make it to this beautiful island in the near future.
Oh to sail there and go diving. Sounds wonderful for sure. I have not done neither, but I certainly plan to in the near future. Especially at a beach travel destination like Cat Island!
I never knew about Cat Island, but I now know it is on my must visit list. You gave us a nice sense of the history, the culture, the places to dine and the things to do, and the descriptions put a yearning to visit in my mind. I did not know it was a left side driving environment. Your tip for pedestrians, to look right left right before crossing the road was spot on. Great information!
Yes, Cat Island is one of those places that a lot of people are not aware of. This is what makes it a nice destination to travel to, without all the excess crowds to deal with 🙂 I don’t know what more anyone could want, sunshine, great beaches, and very little crowds. Thanks for reading Robert!
Hi Matty’s Mom,
Hubby and I traveled to the Bahamas when our children were young. Unfortunately, they were too small to appreciate all the islands had to offer.
I loved the water and how amazingly beautiful it was.
We would love to travel again soon, but being empty nesters we have to save up to do anything. Hopefully soon we’ll be able to get moving. I’d love to visit the Bahamas again and hit the casino beach; which was one of the best parts of the trip. We didn’t do any gambling, we just visited the area behind the casino.
Amazing, just amazing.
Thank you for the information,
RitaAnn~
Yes, amazing is right for sure! When you get ready to go again, let me know and I can help you find some great deals 🙂 Thanks for visiting BeachTravelDestinations.com!
This looks like a wonderful place to visit. I love the Bahamas but have never been to Cat Island. Thanks for the travel information and airports, it is very helpful. The video looks like paradise.
Do you find it is worth the extra money to stay in the higher end places?
Yes, I think it is always worth while to stay in higher end places. After all we are on vacation right? 🙂
Hello Matty, thanks again for providing us with travel destinations. It has always been my dream to visit the Bahamas, and Cat Island looks so amazing!!! The weather is nice, the hotel prices are affordable, I would love to go diving for the first time, and I would love to go to Shanna’s Cove Restaurant since I love seafood. When the time is right for me to start traveling all over the world, I will most definitely pay Cat Island a visit. Thanks again!!!
I love seafood too, and it goes without saying that in the Bahamas you have to eat the seafood and the Bahamian food for sure. As a beach bum and a foodie, I just think you can’t go wrong anywhere in the Bahamas.
Your article on Cat Island sounds Vacation-Lishes
You realy cover all the basis and offer a very broad and extensive details as to what to what to expect.
Thank you for the wonderful description and the pictures
I am cetrainly going to add it to my file of places to visit and vacation in.
Cheers
orion
Thank you! Cat Island is for sure a great beach vacation destination. You will not be disappointed. Please let me know if you have any other questions.