TRAVEL TIPS

Getting Here and Around

Air Travel

Cat Island has two airports: Arthur's Town (ATC) in the north and the New Bight (TBI) midisland. Two airlines fly in from Nassau to both airports: Southern Air four days a week, and SkyBahamas daily. (SkyBahamas has a connecting flight from Fort Lauderdale to Nassau in the early morning four days a week, providing convenient connections from Florida). To reach these southern islands from Nassau, Stella Maris Air Service has a great reputation and, from Fort Lauderdale or Miami, you can arrange a charter through Eastern Air Express, Monarch Air Group, or Triton Airways to fly you direct, avoiding Nassau. For the best price, call around for a plane with the right number of seats. If you are going to Fernandez Bay Village or Hawk's Nest Resort, fly into the Bight. If you are going to Pigeon Cay, Orange Creek Inn, Shanna’s Cove, or Tailwinds, fly to Arthur's Town.

Airport Contacts

Arthur's Town Airport. Arthur's Town, Cat Island. 242/354–2236.

New Bight Airport. New Bight, Cat Island. 242/342–2016.

Boat Travel

Mail boats that bring supplies to the island each week make an adventurous mode of transportation. You'll ride with groceries, large and small appliances, automobiles, and sometimes even livestock. All boats depart from Potter's Cay in Nassau. Schedules change frequently. The Lady Emerald sails to Arthur's Town on Thursdays, and the New G sails on Wednesday evening to Smith's Bay, near New Bight in the south. Both take around 10 hours and are $60 one-way).

Mailboat Port/Dockmaster's Office in Nassau. Potter's Cay, Nassau, New Providence Island. 242/393–1064.

Car Travel

The New Bight Service Station and Gilbert’s New Bight Market rent cars on the southern end of Cat Island and will pick you up from the New Bight Airport. Robon Enterprises rents cars for the north (for those flying into Arthur’s Town). It's important to rent a car from an agency that services the end of the island where you are staying because companies will not deliver cars to renters at the opposite end of the island. However, all inns and resorts can arrange rental cars for you upon arrival, and many people arrange their cars through their lodging. Rates depend on the number of days you're renting but are expensive, averaging $85 per day plus gas (which is also very expensive).

The best way to enjoy the overall Cat Island experience is to rent a car, at least for one day, and do some exploring on your own. You'll need one if you want to check out various settlements, as they're not within walking distance. The two-lane, potholed Queen's Highway runs the 48-mile length of the island from north to south. You can also tour the island with a guide from Cat Island Experience.

Car Rental Contacts

Gilbert's Car Rentals and Market. From this little convenience store, Ms. Nora Gilbert rents cars for pickup/return on the southern end of Cat Island only. She also sells cold drinks, dry goods, snacks, and toiletries—it's a good stop if you forgot to bring bug spray. Across from Gilbert's Inn, New Bight, Cat Island. 242/342–3011.

New Bight Car Rentals. New Bight Service Station offers a van ($95/day), 10 SUVs ($85), and 2 four-door sedans ($85). Only available for pickup/return on the southern end of the island. New Bight, Cat Island. 242/342–3014.

Robon Enterprises Car Rental. Situated on the north end of Cat Island, this is the place to rent a car if you fly into Arthur's Town. Robert Bonaby has 2 vans ($90), 12 cars ($80), and 3 compact SUVs ($90). In Bennett's Harbour, near Arthur's Town Airport, Arthur's Town, Cat Island. 242/354–6120; 242/359–9725.

Taxi Travel

Taxis wait for incoming flights at the New Bight and Arthur's Town airports, but be warned that fares can be expensive, starting at about $20 for the 10-minute trip from the New Bight Airport to the community of New Bight. Most inns and resorts will make arrangements for airport transfers, often complimentary.

BACK TO


Ready for a trip of a lifetime to The Southern Out Islands?

CONTACT US TODAY