Snorkeling in Cat Island

Ancient Amerindian campsites, religious ruins, caves, high bluffs and deserted beaches. Herons feeding in the rich wetlands, bonefish skimming through the shallows, blue water fish leaping from the sea. Friendly people, quaint, tidy communities and an abundance of peace and quiet-these are the qualities defining Cat Island.

Resting just south of Eleuthera and just north of Long Island, Cat Island is one of the least explored islands in the country. It has the highest point of The Bahamas (206 feet), home to the Hermitage. The ruins of old plantations are visible in several places and farming, fishing and lobstering are standard endeavors.

The reefs of Cat Island are virtually unexplored. In some areas, passage by any but the smallest boat is near impossible due to the abundance of coral. The combination of deep water surrounding the island coupled with mangroves and inland waterways means a wealth of marine life including some of the biggest lobster around. Look for several varieties of sea turtles and an influx of grouper mixed with the clouds of colourful reef fish.

Cat Island Snorkeling Sites

Jumping Rocks Point – An underwater ledge with lobster and stone crabs awaits. Lots of sea fans adorn the top.

Dry Head – A multitude of hard and soft corals, lettuce corals and schools of grunts and yellow tails.

Naked Point – An underwater cave with plenty of stone crabs in a maze of small corals and ledges.

Lump of Limestone – Where friendly grouper hang out just five minutes swim from the beach.

Hazel’s Hideaway – Look for hard and soft corals with plenty of reef fish.

Greenwood Beach – Where you’ll find coral heads unlimited in size and color.

Bains Town – An expanse of sea fans and single coral heads dotted with elkhorn and brain corals.

Port Howe – This area is most noted for its proliferation of sponges and gorgonians.

Guana Keys – A chain of beautiful reefs close to a small island and only yards from the deep drop off.

Shipwreck – Old wreck half in the water and half above the water. Lots of marine life call this area home including lobster and sea fans.