Arthur's Town is known as Sidney Poitier's birthplace; beyond the town itself, Cat Island offers music, coastline, and scenery.

Sidney Poitier and Rake & Scrape

Arthur's Town is the birthplace of Oscar-winning actor and diplomat Sidney Poitier.

The local Bahamian musical tradition of Rake & Scrape has its roots on Cat Island. At a Rake and Scrape Festival in Arthur's Town, instruments made from everyday objects were used. The Annual Rake & Scrape Festival takes place on Cat Island every June; quadrille dancing is part of it. If you would like to experience the festival, check the dates in advance.

Beaches and water sports

Near Arthur's Town are beaches with stretches of snow-white sand that curve around sheltered coves. The water there is warm and calm enough to float in.

Other beaches on Cat Island have their own features: Old Bight Beach has white sand, while there is a stretch of pink sand near Port Howe. Cat Island offers good conditions for kitesurfing almost year-round; there is also a hidden surf spot on the east coast.

On Cat Island: Mount Alvernia and nature

At 206 feet (63 meters), Mount Alvernia is the highest point in the Bahamas; locally, it is also called Como Hill. At its summit stands The Hermitage, a small medieval monastery built from local stone in 1939.

The path to The Hermitage follows a stone staircase up a steep, rocky slope. Hand-carved stone reliefs of the Stations of the Cross line the ascent. From the summit, there is a 360-degree view across the lush island.

Great Lake, also called Mermaid Hole, contains four blue holes that lead to underground caves and passages. Rollezz Beach is the longest continuous stretch of beach on Cat Island.

Dining and local connections on Cat Island

The menu at Julia's Place on Cat Island includes Crab & Rice, Crab & Dough, Crab & Grits, and Crab Soup. Menus can change, so check the current selection before visiting.

The Fish Fry is in New Bight. The People-to-People program on Cat Island connects travelers with local hosts. Dika teaches travelers how to make flour cake using an original Cat Island recipe. The program focuses on connecting with local hosts; with Dika, the focus is on making flour cake using an original Cat Island recipe.

Getting there and getting around

Nearby Arthur's Town Airport serves the town. On Cat Island, Western Air operates flights between Nassau and Cat Island. Check the route and flight times before traveling. Arthur's Town Park is also in town.

Discover more destinations: Old Bight Settlement, Orange Creek and Smith Town.

Return to the main travel overview: Cat Island.