Cat Island

Eco-Travel, Landmarks & Attractions On Cat Island

CAT ISLAND IS RICH WITH HISTORICAL LANDMARKS AND NATURAL ATTRACTIONS

The south shore of Cat Island is remote, littered with caves, coral reefs, and some of the best beaches in The Bahamas. Many visitors relish the chance to experience an island hardly touched by tourism and commercialism. Cat Island features many historical sights where you can explore off the beaten path. Here, outsiders are few, making it an ideal destination for a bit of soul searching. The natural beauty of its rose-colored beaches and dramatic cliffs only adds to the charm.

A number of hotels and resorts on Cat Island offer guests a hearty breakfast. For good reason too, you'll need it for your hike up Como Hill to Mt. Alvernia Hermitage on Mount Alvernia. The highest point of The Bahamas measures 206-feet. A small stone monastery, built by architect hermit, Father Jerome, sits on its peak. The awe-inspiring view makes the trek up this rocky incline well worth it.

Just south of the Hermitage are the ruins of Armbrister Plantation.

Armbrister Creek flows into a clear lake called “Boiling Point” or “Boiling Hole”. Its tidal conditions cause burps of bubbles, which inspired the folklore of a sea monster living beneath its surface. Today, it's a great spot to spy rays, baby sharks, and flocks of birds nesting along its fringe of mangrove.

Located in Bain Town is another pool, a 65-foot wide, 10-feet deep lake called Mermaid Hole. Many believe a mermaid lives amongst the 4-bed holes within that lead to underground caverns and passageways.

According to local legend, the monster living in Big Blue Hole, near Orange Creek and just off Dickies Road, devours horses. This deep blue hole has strong undersea currents flowing through caverns linking to the sea. Where Dickie’s Road goes east to Griffin Bat Cave was once a hideout for slaves.

St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, another beautifully crafted legacy built by Father Jerome, sits atop a ridge in the settlement of Old Bight. See Mrs. Burrow, a local living across the street, to get a look at all the amazing paintings, engravings, and sculptures inside.

Explore the ruins of the 18th-century plantation at Deveaux House mansion in the Port Howe area of Cat Island. In 1783, it was given to Colonel Andrew Deveaux for protecting Nassau from Spanish invasion and occupation.

Learn about the island’s history at the Columbus World Centre Museum in Knowles, or visit the childhood home of Academy Award winner, Sir Sidney Poitier, in South Bight.