Cat Island

Cat Island offers a chain of anchorages spaced for straightforward day sails along the coast. Only basic amenities are available at the main settlement at Arthur’s Town, so visiting boats generally arrive well provisioned and ready for independent cruising.

The Hermitage, near the highest point in the Bahamas, is a small hilltop monastery and one of Cat Island’s best‑known landmarks, with a short trail leading to Father Jerome's Cave which he used as a home during its construction.

The Healing pond is a shallow inland salt lake close to the coast, occasionally visited by cruisers interested in its locally reputed therapeutic waters.

Much of the offshore approach lies in deep water, but the shelf around the island is fringed by reefs and shoal patches. Several cuts and gaps in the surrounding reef systems carry strong tidal streams and can be rough.

Places to stay

Below are the most popular and highly rated places to stay, based on reviews from the noforeignland community:

Anchorages

	Old Bight ★ 4.9 Strong holding in sandy bottom is reported by multiple visitors. The anchorage provides good protection from winds, even during squalls. Additionally, the nearby beach is described as clean and easily accessible for walking and dining options.
	Fernandez Bay ★ 4.6 The anchorage features good holding and a calm environment, especially on the northern side. There are options for exploring via kayak and dinghy, with a welcoming resort nearby. Visitors have noted swell from changing wind directions as a potential issue.
	Cat Island New Bight ★ 4.6 The anchorage presents good holding in sandy bottom conditions. Visitors frequently enjoy nearby services, including restaurants and grocery stores, enhancing the stay. The atmosphere remains friendly, with activities such as hiking to the Hermitage being noted.
	Bennett’s Harbor - Pompey Rock Anchorage ★ 4.6 The anchorage offers good holding on sand and provides easy access to beaches. Visitors report comfort in east winds, although swell can be an issue in some conditions. The local area features friendly residents and good dining options.
	Howe Bay ★ 4.3 Anchoring in Howe Bay provides calm conditions, especially during a strong north wind. The area has good holding in sand and a sandy bottom, but there is a constant swell from the south, affecting comfort, even in light winds.
	Orange Creek Settlement ★ 4.0 Conditions can vary significantly. The anchorage is generally calm in light winds, but may become rolly with swell from the southeast. The beach is often uncrowded and the local grocery store is stocked with reasonably priced supplies.
	Half Moon Bay ★ 3.3 Calm winds and ample holding make anchoring possible, though conditions may become uncomfortable with swell from the south. Ashore, conditions vary with some areas experiencing issues like trash burning. Access to amenities is limited, but some reported enjoyable nearby beaches.

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Marinas

Hawks Nest Marina ★ 4.7 Plenty of room for catamarans with protected conditions. The marina features solid fixed docks equipped with electrical service, and offers free bikes for easy access to the resort. Water is available at 45 cents per gallon, while laundry facilities are priced at $5 each for washing and drying.

Useful yacht clearance links:

Yacht clearance reviews

The following lists summarize noforeignland user reviews for clearing in at ports of entry and when using clearance agents in Bahamas: