Cat Island has no cruise ship pier; all passengers tender ashore to the government dock at New Bight.
💡 Pro move: Cat Island's infrastructure is basic. There are no large tour operators or buses. Taxis are small and fill quickly — negotiate a price and turnaround time before you leave the pier.
All cruise ships tender; the New Bight government pier is the main landing point.
| Cruise Line | Typical Berth / Arrival | Dock or Tender |
|---|---|---|
| Most cruise lines | New Bight Government Pier, New Bight📍 | Tendered |
| Small/expedition ships | Fernandez Bay or New Bight anchorage📍 | Tendered |
Excursion options are mostly self-guided or arranged through local taxi drivers — this is a DIY island, and that's the appeal.
At 206 ft, Mount Alvernia is the highest point in the Bahamas. At its summit sits The Hermitage — a miniature medieval monastery hand-built stone by stone by Father Jerome (John Hawes) in 1939. The 15-minute hike rewards with 360° panoramas of the island and turquoise sea.
Find Cat Island hiking tours →Eight miles of pink-tinged sand facing the Atlantic Ocean on the island's east coast. One of the longest undeveloped beaches in the Bahamas — virtually no other tourists. Bring water and sunscreen; facilities are minimal.
Find Cat Island beach tours →Cat Island sits on the edge of the deep Exuma Sound. Blue holes, coral walls, reef systems, and occasional reef sharks make for world-class diving. Dry Heads is a favourite reef with sea fans and grouper. Local dive guides can arrange half-day trips.
Find Cat Island dive tours →Cat Island's interior holds the ruins of 18th-century cotton plantations, slave huts, and Arawak caves near Columbus Point. Deveaux Mansion and the Armbrister Plantation are the most accessible ruins. A local taxi driver doubles as guide for most visitors.
Find Cat Island history tours →Thousands of bats roost in this limestone cave near New Bight. At dusk they emerge in a dramatic swarm. A short walk from the road; ask a local or your taxi driver to point the way.
Find Cat Island nature tours →The Fish Fry is Cat Island's social hub — a cluster of casual spots serving fresh cracked conch, grilled fish, and Kalik beer. Lively on weekends and when ships are in. Walking distance from the tender pier.
Find Cat Island food tours →Most worthwhile walks start from New Bight; Fernandez Bay and Mount Alvernia are within reach on foot or a short taxi ride.
Walk or taxi south from New Bight pier to the base of Mount Alvernia (Como Hill), then hike the short but steep stone path to The Hermitage at the summit. Panoramic views of both coasts on a clear day.
🗺️ See full route in Maps →From the pier, wander through New Bight's quiet lanes to the Fish Fry strip, the small craft market, and New Bight Beach. A gentle orientation walk that takes in the local vibe without needing a vehicle.
📍 Open in MapsClimate normals for Cat Island, Bahamas (2014–2023 averages). Pack for the month you sail — highs, lows, and how many rainy days to expect.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainy Days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 77°F / 25°C | 72°F / 22°C | 12 |
| Feb | 77°F / 25°C | 73°F / 23°C | 11 |
| Mar | 78°F / 26°C | 73°F / 23°C | 11 |
| Apr | 80°F / 27°C | 74°F / 23°C | 13 |
| May | 81°F / 27°C | 76°F / 24°C | 18 |
| Jun | 84°F / 29°C | 79°F / 26°C | 18 |
| Jul | 85°F / 29°C | 80°F / 27°C | 17 |
| Aug | 86°F / 30°C | 81°F / 27°C | 18 |
| Sep | 85°F / 29°C | 80°F / 27°C | 21 |
| Oct | 83°F / 28°C | 78°F / 26°C | 21 |
| Nov | 81°F / 27°C | 76°F / 24°C | 16 |
| Dec | 79°F / 26°C | 74°F / 23°C | 12 |
Source: Open-Meteo ERA5 (10-yr daily averages)