Cat Island reveals itself through a variety of discoveries: Mount Alvernia is the highest point in the Bahamas, while the coast offers different highlights, including white sand, a stretch of pink beach, and the island’s longest continuous beach. There is also The Hermitage, Rake & Scrape, historic sites, and distinctive bodies of water. Landscapes, music, and encounters offer different ways to explore the island, allowing you to focus on your own interests.
Mount Alvernia: Elevation, Architecture, and Panoramic Views
Mount Alvernia, locally also known as Como Hill, is the highest point in the Bahamas at 206 feet (63 meters). At its summit stands The Hermitage, a small medieval monastery built from local stone in 1939. This brings together a prominent point in the island’s geography and a structure with a clearly established date of construction.
The path to The Hermitage follows a stone staircase up a steep, rocky slope. Along the way are hand-carved stone reliefs depicting the Stations of the Cross. At the top, you can enjoy 360-degree views across the lush island. The details of the path and the sweeping views offer two different perspectives: attention to individual stone carvings and a panoramic view of Cat Island.
Coastal Features and Distinctive Bodies of Water
Old Bight Beach has white sand. Near Port Howe, there is a stretch of pink beach, while Rollezz Beach is the longest continuous stretch of beach on Cat Island. These provide different points of comparison: the color of the sand, a stretch near Port Howe, and the length of a continuous beach. Paying attention to such differences along the coast can help you distinguish places by their specific features.
The island’s waters also have a variety of distinctive features. Great Lake, also known as Mermaid Hole, contains four blue holes that lead to underground caves and passages. The Healing Hole is a salt lake known for its healing properties. Here, the focus is on blue holes and underground connections; there, on a salt lake and its reputation for healing properties.
Music, History, and Local Encounters
The indigenous Bahamian music Rake & Scrape has its roots on Cat Island. The Annual Rake & Scrape Festival takes place every June, and quadrille dancing is part of the celebration. Check the specific dates before your trip, as the festival program may change from year to year. The island also has a biographical connection: Academy Award-winning actor Sir Sidney Poitier grew up on Cat Island outside Arthur’s Town.
The historic ruins of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church are in Old Bight. Its features include a Gothic façade, frescoes, engravings, and sculptures. The church is not usually open to the public; you will need to ask locals about access while you are there. This combines an interest in architecture with an important practical note about visiting.
The People-to-People program on Cat Island connects visiting travelers with local hosts. Dika teaches travelers how to make flour cake using a Cat Island original recipe. The Fish Fry is in New Bight. Together, these topics broaden the focus from music and architectural history to personal encounters and local food culture.
Getting There and Finding Hotels
Western Air offers flights between Nassau and Cat Island. Check routes and flight times before your trip.
Explore more destinations: Orange Creek, Arthur's Town, Smith Town, Old Bight Settlement, Bahamas, North Abaco, Hope Town, Bimini Island.
Return to the main travel overview: Bahamas.
