The mangrove lagoon stretches for more than two miles through the Orange Creek area. As a protected waterway, it is ideal for kayaking and wildlife viewing. The mangroves serve as a nursery for many fish species; wading birds, including herons and egrets, also find habitat here.

Mangroves, Fishing, and Local Cuisine

The Orange Creek Inn is located at the entrance to the Orange Creek mangrove channel. Periwinkles is a Bahamian seafood restaurant in Orange Creek. Since menu details may change, check the current selection if you plan to visit the restaurant.

The flats around Orange Creek are ideal for bonefishing. Beyond the reef, wahoo, mahi-mahi, and marlin are caught offshore, depending on the season. The two types of fishing differ by water and season: bonefishing takes place in the flats, while the species mentioned are caught beyond the reef, depending on the season.

The Big Blue Hole is near Orange Creek, not far from Dickies Road. Strong underwater currents run through caves there and out to the sea. The mangrove lagoon and the Big Blue Hole are quite different: the former is a protected waterway for kayaking, while caves and underwater currents define the Big Blue Hole.

Cat Island: Culture and Landscape

Mount Alvernia, locally also known as Como Hill, rises on Cat Island; at 206 feet (63 meters), it is the highest point in the Bahamas. The Hermitage, a small medieval monastery built from local stone in 1939, stands at its summit. The path to The Hermitage follows a stone staircase up a steep, rocky slope. Along the ascent are hand-carved stone reliefs of the Stations of the Cross; from the summit, there are 360-degree views across the lush island.

The indigenous Bahamian music Rake & Scrape also has its roots on Cat Island. The Annual Rake & Scrape Festival takes place every June and includes quadrille dancing. Check the specific festival dates before traveling, as the program may change. Oscar-winning actor Sir Sidney Poitier also grew up outside Arthur’s Town on Cat Island.

In Old Bight on Cat Island stands the historic ruin of the St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, with a Gothic façade, frescoes, engravings, and sculptures. It is not usually open to the public; you will need to arrange access with locals on site.

Cat Island’s beaches include Old Bight Beach, with its white sand; a pink stretch of beach near Port Howe; and Rollezz Beach, the island’s longest continuous stretch of beach. On Cat Island, Great Lake, also known as Mermaid Hole, contains four blue holes that lead to underground caves and passages.

Discover more destinations: Smith Town, Arthur's Town, Old Bight Settlement

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