cat cay yacht club bimini bahamas

Please use a modern browser to view this website. Some elements might not work as expected when using Internet Explorer.

• Why Charter Homepage
• Luxury Yacht Vacation Types
• Corporate Yacht Charter
• Tailor Made Vacations
• Luxury Exploration Vacations
• ALL 3,617 Yachts For Charter
• Motor Yachts
• Sailing Yachts
• Classic Yachts
• Catamaran Yachts
• Special Offers
• by Destination

Yacht Reviews

• Destination Guides
• Inspiration & Features
• Mediterranean Charter Yachts
• France Charter Yachts
• Italy Charter Yachts
• Croatia Charter Yachts
• Greece Charter Yachts
• Turkey Charter Yachts
• Bahamas Charter Yachts
• Caribbean Charter Yachts
• Australia Charter Yachts
• Thailand Charter Yachts
• Dubai Charter Yachts
• Destination News
• New To Fleet
• Charter Fleet Updates
• Industry News
• Yacht Shows
• Corporate Charter
• Charter Advice
• Why Use a Yacht Broker
• Charter Costs Explained
• Add my yacht
• Yacht Charter Destinations
• See & Do

• Ideas & Tips
• Itineraries
• See & Do
• Eat & Drink

Beach & Activity - bahamas

Take a peek into private Bahamian paradise

Cat Cay in the Bahamas is known for its exclusivity, luxury residences, and top-notch marina, making it a popular destination for charter yacht travelers. The surrounding waters are rich in marine life, including various species of fish, making it a popular destination for sport fishing enthusiasts.

Cat Cay is a small, private island located in the westernmost part of the Bahamas, close to Bimini and approximately 50 miles east of Miami, Florida. The island is a part of the Bimini chain of islands, which are a group of islands situated in the western Bahamas. 

Cat Cay is known for its exclusivity, luxury residences, and top-notch marina, making it a popular destination for the wealthy and those arriving by yacht .

Things to Watch and Do at Cat Cay

The island offers a plethora of water activities, from snorkeling and scuba diving to fishing and sailing. It is also a favored spot for those looking to enjoy a more secluded, serene Bahamas experience . The surrounding waters are rich in marine life, including various species of fish, making it a popular destination for sport fishing enthusiasts.

The Cat Cay Yacht Club is a notable feature of the island, providing numerous amenities and services for its members and guests. The island is also home to beautiful beaches, fine dining establishments, and a range of accommodation options, from private villas to more modest lodgings.

Visiting Cat Cay Yacht Club

The Cat Cay Yacht Club is an exclusive, private facility located on the island of Cat Cay in the western Bahamas. It serves as a haven for yacht enthusiasts, offering a wide range of amenities and services to ensure a luxurious and comfortable stay for its members and guests. 

With its close proximity to both Florida and other Bahamian islands, it's a popular stopping point for those cruising the Bahamas or making an oceanic journey to or from the United States.

Marina Facilities

The marina is well-equipped to handle vessels of varying sizes, offering deep-water slips and state-of-the-art docking facilities. Amenities typically include fueling services, freshwater, electricity, and Wi-Fi. The marina staff are known for their attentive service, and the club often offers concierge services to meet the diverse needs of its visitors.

Fine dining is often a hallmark of the Cat Cay Yacht Club, offering a blend of international cuisine and local Bahamian flavors. The club usually houses one or more restaurants or bars where guests can enjoy exquisite meals, cocktails, and panoramic ocean views.

Activities for Private Yacht Charter Visitors

Given its prime location, the yacht club offers a range of water-based activities. From sport fishing to snorkeling and diving excursions, there's no shortage of things to do. The surrounding waters are abundant in marine life, providing excellent opportunities for underwater photography or simply enjoying the serene beauty of the ocean.

Being a private facility, access to the Cat Cay Yacht Club is generally restricted to members and their guests. This exclusivity ensures a quiet, uncrowded experience, allowing guests to fully unwind and enjoy their surroundings.

Visitors should note that Cat Cay is a private island and usually requires membership or an invitation to visit. The island maintains its own customs and immigration services, so even though it's relatively close to the United States, you'll still need a passport to enter. 

Final Thoughts About Cat Cay for Bahamas Yacht Travelers

For those interested in a luxurious, private, and tranquil yachting experience , the Cat Cay Yacht Club offers a unique blend of Bahamian beauty and first-class amenities. However, keep in mind that the club is exclusive and usually requires membership or an invitation for access. If you're a yachter interested in a luxurious, private, and tranquil setting, Cat Cay offers just that. Ready to explore Cat Cay and its serenity? Get in touch with a yacht charter broker and book an experience in the Bahamas.

Cat Cay, Bahamas

Book with Ease - Speak with a Charter Expert

Our yacht charter experts will:

• Discuss your vacation plans
• Check availability & shortlist suitable yachts
• Negotiate booking & prepare your itinerary

Enquire now for yacht availability & free consultation.

• See All Reviews

Featured Luxury Charter Yachts in Bahamas

To help you in your search for your perfect luxury charter yacht for your next vacation, we’ve selected some of the finest and most exclusive superyachts and megayachts that are currently available for charter in Bahamas.

65m | Codecasa

from $390,000 p/week

60m | Amels

from $395,000 p/week

56m | Delta Marine

from $195,000 p/week

Silver Lining

50m | Christensen

from $285,000 p/week

35m | Crescent Yachts

from $65,000 p/week

27m | Ocean Alexander

from $85,000 p/week

As Featured In

The YachtCharterFleet Difference

YachtCharterFleet makes it easy to find the yacht charter vacation that is right for you. We combine thousands of yacht listings with local destination information, sample itineraries and experiences to deliver the world's most comprehensive yacht charter website.

San Francisco

• Like us on Facebook
• Follow us on X
• Follow us on Instagram
• Find us on LinkedIn
• Add My Yacht
• Affiliates & Partners

Popular Destinations & Events

• St Tropez Yacht Charter
• Monaco Yacht Charter
• St Barts Yacht Charter
• Greece Yacht Charter
• Mykonos Yacht Charter
• Caribbean Yacht Charter

Featured Charter Yachts

• Maltese Falcon Yacht Charter
• Wheels Yacht Charter
• Victorious Yacht Charter
• Andrea Yacht Charter
• Titania Yacht Charter
• Ahpo Yacht Charter

Receive our latest offers, trends and stories direct to your inbox.

Please enter a valid e-mail.

Thanks for subscribing.

Search for Yachts, Destinations, Events, News... everything related to Luxury Yachts for Charter.

Yachts in your shortlist

Top ways to experience nearby attractions

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Also popular with travellers

CAT CAY: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

• Sun - Sat 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
• (15.93 km) Bimini Magical Vacation BNB
• (15.74 km) LUXURY EXECUTIVE ISLAND HOME W DOCK
• (15.98 km) You'll Love this Super Nice 2/2 with FREE Dockage Golf Cart Rentals aval. wifi
• (15.87 km) LUXURY EXECUTIVE ISLAND HOME W DOCK
• (15.45 km) Paradise found in South Bimini at Sunset Cove Beach House

The Cat Cays

Entrance - Fuel Dock - Slips - Moorings - Protection/Shelter - Not Known Shopping and Provisions - Not Known Bank or ATM - Not known Restaurants & Eating Out - Onsite. Transport -

Bikes - Not known Local Bus Service - Not known Intercity Bus Service - Not known Car Rental - Great Deals Here!!! Train Service - Not known Water Taxi - Not known Ferry Service -Not known Airport(s) - Not known Click here to Book Your Flights Local Area - within a mile

Sporting & Recreational Facilities - Swimming Pool Sightseeing - Not known Museums and Cultural Attractions - Not known Galleries - Not known Conservation Projects - Not known Special Events - Not known Children's Stuff - Not known Other - Not known Other reports on harbors, marinas and anchorages can be viewed in our marina guide We would like your comments - If you would like to add to this report or submit your own report on a marina, harbour or anchorage not covered in this guide so far please visit our contact page (see button above) for our email address. Digital photos are also very welcome.

• HELP ME TO CHOOSE THE PERFECT BOAT!
• +44 20 3769 3987

More results...

• Mediterranean

Indian-ocean

• Atlantic Europe

Pacific-ocean

• Catamaran charter
• Motor yacht charter
• Sailboat charter
• Gulet charter
• Luxury yacht charter
• 12 person boat rental
• 20 person boat rental
• 60 ft yacht charter
• Last-minute yacht charter
• Early booking yacht charter
• Bareboat yacht charter
• Crewed yacht charter
• Cabin yacht charter
• Flotilla sailing
• Easy sailing destinations
• Experienced sailing destinations
• Culture sailing destinations
• Family sailing holidays
• Honeymoon yacht charter
• Types of yachts
• Boat rental services
• Sailing routes, tours, trips, itineraries

"The best solution for your real time boat rental from experts you can trust!"

Sailing in Bimini – on the border of the Bahamas

Destinations

- 7 14 21 28 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 nights

Please select Sailing yacht Catamaran Motor yacht Motor boat Gulet Rubber boat (R.I.B.) Mini Cruiser Jet Ski

Home » Sailing in Bimini – on the border of the Bahamas

Are you planning a sailing trip in Bimini? We help with itineraries, ports, yacht rental options & other useful sailing information. Get our help! Bimini is the Bahamian island located closest to the United States. It can be found only 80 kilometres from the shores of Florida. It consists of three islands: North Bimini, South Bimini, and East Bimini. The largest island, which is also the most significant one in terms of tourism, is North Bimini. Although the group of islands is relatively small, it is still a unique world waiting to be explored. The waters of the area are incredibly clean: we can see the sandy sea bottom under our boat. It is an amazing spectacle to see the coastal waters changing their colours from dark blue to green when approaching the ocean.

This article gives you an overview of the following topics:

The-weather of Bimini

Ports and islands around bimini.

• Sail in Bimini!Bimini sailing adventures

Sailing in Bimini: a week sailing itinerary

• 7 Days Bimini sailing route(longer)

Marine gas near Bimini

Bimini has a subtropical climate, characterised by moderate warm weather during the entire year. The average annual temperature is 28° Celsius; this means 21° Celsius in the winter and 27° Celsius in the summer. The temperature rarely drops below 16° Celsius or above 32° Celsius. The dominant wind blows from the northeast in the winter and from the southeast in the summer, freshening up the air a bit. The velocity of the wind is an average of 15 km/h during the entire year. Most of the precipitation falls in the summer months. At the end of the summer – during the period between June and November – tropical cyclones (hurricanes) may be a threat.

The strong wind (with a blast of over 90 km/h) and the seawater that rises, as a result, may cause heavy damage. The weather is usually pleasant in Bimini during the whole year, meaning that sailing is also enjoyable in all seasons. We should definitely avoid the hurricane season though, as storms may be very challenging. Check the sailing conditions and wind rose diagram of Bimini

North Bimini

As its name suggests, the main island of the archipelago, North Bimini, is located in the north. The most important towns of the area can be found here: Alice Town, Bailey Town and Paradise Point. The archipelago is sparsely populated; most people live in North Bimini, which is the most buzzing island. There are several restaurants, bars and shops that visitors can choose from; the Hemingway Museum is located in Alice Town. Bimini Road, which is among the most exciting diving spots in the Bahamas, can be found in the northern corner of the island. They say that this is where the remains of the sunken city Atlantis are.

There are many yacht marinas, anchorages and long beaches here. Blue Water Marina, Browns Marina and Resort Word Bimini are all great establishments providing full service. Weech’s Bimini Dock is a cheaper and less exclusive marina, but we can find all the basic amenities here as well. Bimini Big Club is very popular among the visitors of Bimini; it is a first-class entertainment facility and a yacht marina at the same time.

South Bimini

South Bimini is the second-largest island in the archipelago. There are many private estates here making this place less significant in terms of tourism than its northern counterpart. However, the most important international airport of the archipelago, South Bimini Airport, is located here. The yacht marina called Bimini Sands Marina has a certificate thanks to its excellent waters. Also, the services offered here will cater to all the needs of yacht owners. There are a customs and immigration office at the entrance where we can arrange our clearance. It is an ideal central destination. Nixon’s Harbour is located in the southern corner of the island with great anchorages and moorings. The famous wreck of the SS Sappona can also be found nearby; it is a popular diving and snorkeling spot.

There are some smaller islands south of Bimini. The first is Gun Cay, app. 10 kilometres from the southern corner of South Bimini. One of the most popular anchorages is at the northern end; all Bahamian sailors stop at Honeymoon Harbour. The area is spectacular, and its beach is among the most beautiful ones. A unique symbol of the island is the lighthouse located in the south, standing here since 1836.

Sail in Bimini! Bimini sailing adventures

Day 1. North Bimini, Bimini Big Game Club – South Bimini, Bimini Sands Marina

2.00 km (1.24 mi)

The port of South Bimini is a very well-protected deep sea anchorage only a few kilometres from the ocean. The beach is marvellous, and it is also a great snorkelling spot. The yacht port can accommodate 75 vessels, the depth of water is 2.5 metres. There is a restaurant, a bar and a grocery store as well. Spending the night on the sandy beach will be a fitting conclusion to our Bimini holiday.

Day 2. South Bimini – Gun Cay

14.15 km (8.79 mi)

It is also worth spending a day on Gun Cay during our trip. This small island is famous for its beautiful beach, and there is also a lighthouse that we can visit here. Given that the weather and the winds are ideal, we can anchor on any side of the island or even at Honeymoon Harbour. The sea bottom is suitable for a secure anchorage, but we should double-check just to be sure.

Day 3. Gun Cay – Lighthouse Yacht Club and Marina, Andros

196.10 km (121.85 mi)

On the third day, we are headed towards Nassau and stop for a short break on Andros. This is the largest island of the Bahamas, with a quite big area still unexplored. Lighthouse Yacht Club is the greatest yacht marina on the island and is a must-see stop for the visitors of the Bahamas. It is located at the junction of Fresh Creek and the Atlantic Ocean. It got its name from the 107-year-old lighthouse, which has become the symbol of the island. They have 31 moorings, and their services include fuel, electricity, and drinking water. We can use the laundry service and the showers and have a nice dinner in the club’s restaurant.

Day 4. Andros – Nassau Yacht Haven

67.15 km (41.73 mi)

Day 5. Nassau – Chub Cay, Berry Islands

64.60 km (40.14 mi)

On our way back, we can stop for a break at Chub Cay, belonging to the Berry Islands. The Yacht marina accommodates 110 vessels, and the depth of water is 3.5 metres. Services include a fuel dock, showers and a restaurant. There are several anchorages around the island. We can secure our boat firmly and enjoy a sandy beach nearby.

Day 6. Chub Cay – North Cat Cay

137.05 km (85.16 mi)

On the sixth day, we return to North Cat Cay near Bimini. If you do not own a property, your only opportunity to spend a few nights here is at Cat Cay Marina. The port is among the best-protected and best-equipped establishments in the area. There are 180 berths here and they also provide a fuel dock. The beach is very calm and enchanting, and there are great diving and fishing spots in the near vicinity.

Day 7. North Cat Cay – Blue Water Marina, Alice Town – Bimini Big Game Club

19.60 km (12.18 mi)

Blue Water Marina is a great yacht marina, providing full comfort to their guests. We can refuel, replenish our water and ice supplies, use the showers and the laundry service and visit the amazing restaurant. They accommodate 36 boats, and the depth of water is app. 4 metres. We can choose from many diving, fishing and other watersport activities.

7 Days Bimini sailing route (longer)

This route leads us to the Grand Bahama, so we have to do longer distances and should expect days spent entirely with sailing in the first part of the week. This is also a popular route from Bimini, as we can get to know another piece of the Bahamas on the small archipelago. The second part of the week will be more relaxing, as we will have an opportunity to wander around and explore the hidden gems of Bimini.

• BIMINI SANDS MARINA: Depth: 2.5 m , GPS Coordinates : 25.709361, -79.299608
• BLUE WATER MARINA: Depth: 3 m, Working time: 10-15, GPS Coordinates : 25.724865, -79.298217
• CAT CAY MARINA: Depth: 3 m, GPS Coordinates : 25.554400, -79.275003
• LIGHTHOUSE YACHT CLUB AND MARINA: GPS Coordinates : 24.725000, -77.805000
• CHUB CAY MARINA: Depth: 3.5 m, GPS Coordinates : 25.410965, -77.902506
• PORT LUCAYA MARINA: Depth: 3 m, GPS Coordinates : 26.513939, -78.642033
• OLD BAHAMA BAY: GPS Coordinates : 26.703150, -78.997867

Bimini might be so popular mainly because of the fact that it is located close to the United States. The island itself is smaller than most members of the Bahamas, but it is just as diverse as any other island in the region. Dozens of marvellous beaches and waterfront activities await, making our trip to Bimini an unforgettable one. Find Bahamas sailing routes , catamaran rental Bahamas , last-minute yacht charter Bahamas , sailing holidays Bahamas skippered , bareboat catamaran charter Bahamas , Bahamas sailing yacht charter bareboat , skippered yacht charter Bahamas , bareboat yacht charter Bahamas , Bahamas luxury yacht charter , yacht rental Bahamas , catamaran charter Bahamas , sailboat charter Bahamas , motor yacht charter Bahamas

More information about Bimini

Sibenik - Croatia

wir durften vom 19.06. bis zum 26.06.2021 zum zweiten Mal einen wunderschönen Urlaub auf einer BoatTheGlobe-Yacht genießen.Mit dem wunderschönen Bali...

Anna und Günter (Austria)

Caorle - Italy

Amazing Luigi was a fantastic host, accessing all areas of the yacht. The deck was comfortable with lots of space to relax and sunbathe and drink in the amazing...

Sebastian (Belgium)

Ibiza - Spain

Very Impressed with the quality of service. We had a small malfunction of one of the yachts that we had on our charter and they repaired it right away. They truly went...

Mike (South Africa)

HELP ME TO CHOOSE THE PERFECT BOAT

Need to find the right boat with the help of an expert send us your needs and we will find the most suitable yacht for you we offer only boat rentals, 1-day cruises not.

• press the right mouse button on the e-mail received from us
• select the following from the options: Add sender to list of safe senders.

More information on our privacy policy and personal data protection .

BoatTheGlobe

"The best solution for your real time boat rental from experts you can trust!"

• Indian Ocean
• Pacific Ocean
• Sailing in … Sailing intineraries, ports, coasts & islands

Not to be missed!

Subscribe to our newsletter to be the first to know about discounted boat rental options!

Before You Fly + Travel Updates

Cat Cay Yacht Club

An island paradise., basking under a bright tropical sun on the western edge of the great bahama bank lies a tiny t-shaped dot of gleaming sand and coral that brings to a glittering reality the dream of an island paradise. this land is cat cay and surpasses all others..

Cat Cay is a private island, owned by its members. Over the years Cat Cay Yacht Club has managed to combine the best features of private island life with the infrastructure of a major resort. Many members own luxurious beachfront homes, play tennis or golf on well-maintained inland facilities, dock their yachts in the protected marina, explore pristine beaches, and dine in the island’s gourmet restaurant. Our members treasure the ultimate luxury of having a private island paradise to share with family and invited guests at their Bahamas private island homes. An air of casual elegance best describes the feel of Cat Cay Yacht Club. The natural beauty of the island and the ability to have a safe haven away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life is the ultimate allure of Cat Cay.

Tropic Ocean Airways Service

• Tropic Ocean Airways flies to Cat Cay on scheduled flights 3 days a week and on private charters.
• Special rates for members who choose to make an advance deposit for future use on either scheduled service or charters. Inquire at [email protected] .

*Restrictions and exclusions may apply.

catcayyachtclub.com

Questions about flying with tropic ocean airways.

Discover Yacht & Travel Insurance with Topsail Insurance

For many sailing enthusiasts, it is the dream of the long days away on the peaceful seas that they look forward to, out on the water and sail with just the elements and the company of trusted family and friends.

Let us help with giving you peace of mind either with either cover for your boat or a bespoke travel policies for medical emergencies if you’re long distance sailing or crewing.

Don’t take out word for it – see what our customers think of Topsail.

We proudly present the result of 30 years of experience in wind generators development by German engineers: the new SilentShark wind generators.

Built with the latest safety and stabilization features like our patented storm brakes, carbon-GRP rotor blades tested for hurricane forces, a double-bearing generator shaft for even smoother running and the eponymous fin for best stabilization to deliver reliable charging performance in all conditions.

Available in two power classes with 450 and 600 watts.

Global door-to-door delivery is available and a 10% discount when ordering for members of national blue water sailing associations!

Check out further details on our website www.sprecowindgenerators.com

Navigate To Country

Navigate to cruising resource, navigate noonsite.

• Latest News
• Latest Reports
• Latest Security Reports
• Useful Resources
• Noonsite Library
• Become a Member
• Membership FAQ's
• Newsletter Signup
• Newsletter Archives

Cat Cay - General Info

• View on Map

Offline Access (Downloads)

Select your download option below

This feature is only available to Premium members. You need to Login or Register to access port and formalities downloads.

Special Offers for Noonsite Members

This feature is only available to Basic and Premium members. You need to Login or Register to access special offers.

Description:

Cat Cay lies at the southern end of the Biminis. It is 50 nautical miles from Miami, 60 from Fort Lauderdale and 90 miles from West Palm Beach.

Cat Cay is a private island, owned by the members of the Cat Cay Yacht Club. The island was once a stronghold of notorious pirates like Henry Morgan and Blackbeard. It has changed hands many times over the years but today this tiny gem (just 2.25 x half a mile) welcomes visiting yachtsmen to their full-service marina (stay limited to 24hrs)

25° 33’28″N, 79° 16’43″W (marina entrance)

Read and Post Related Comments

If you have information for this section, or feedback on businesses used, please let us know at [email protected] . We also welcome new information about businesses you have used (see Related Businesses).

Next Section: Profile: Clearance

Cat Cay was last updated 10 months ago.

Related to following destinations: Bahamas , Bimini Islands , Cat Cay

Port Navigation

• Yacht Clubs
• Engines & Mechanical
• Electrics & Electronics
• Hydraulics Repair
• Rigs, Sails & Canvas
• Refrigeration & Air Conditioning
• Liferafts & Inflatables
• Marine Supplies
• Diving & Fishing
• Charts & Marine Publications
• Yacht Surveyors
• Yacht Charters
• Boat Caretaking
• General Services
• Communications
• Banks & Financial
• Provisions & Laundry
• Medical/Health
• Transport & Travel
• Activities, Attractions & Shopping
• Restaurants, Bars & Nightlife
• Computer/Photo/Video
• Accommodation
• Miscellaneous
• Related Books
• Related News
• Related Reports
• Related Security Reports
• Update History

Courtesy Flag Discounts

YachtFlags.com provides high quality courtesy flags that are manufactured in durable Knitted Polyester fabric. Knitted so that the fabric itself does not deteriorate in the constant movement that marine flags are usually exposed to, and polyester so that the flag does not weaken in the strong UV-light usually found in the main sailing areas of the world.

YachtFlags.com offers a discount to Noonsite members.

Use the coupon code NOONSITE_5A2B when checking out to get 10% off today.

Main Ports - Bahamas

• Black Sound (Green Turtle Cay)
• Coopers Town (Abaco) Port of Entry
• Fox Town (Little Abaco Island)
• Grand Cay (Little Grand Cay) Port of Entry
• Hope Town (Elbow Cay)
• Man-O-War Cay
• Marsh Harbour (Great Abaco Island) Port of Entry
• New Plymouth (Green Turtle Cay)
• Schooner Bay (Great Abaco Island)
• Spanish Cay Port of Entry
• Treasure Cay Port of Entry
• Walker's Cay Port of Entry
• White Sound (Green Turtle Cay)
• Congo Town (South Andros) Port of Entry
• Fresh Creek (North Andros) Port of Entry
• Morgans Bluff (North Andros) Port of Entry
• Chub Cay Port of Entry
• Frazer's Hog Cay Port of Entry
• Great Harbour Cay Port of Entry
• Alice Town (North Bimini) Port of Entry
• Cat Cay Port of Entry
• South Bimini Port of Entry
• Hawks Nest Port of Entry
• Conception Island Port
• Acklins Island
• Crooked Island
• Cape Eleuthera Port of Entry
• Governors Harbour Port of Entry
• Harbour Island Port of Entry
• Rock Sound Port of Entry
• Spanish Wells Port of Entry
• Compass Cay
• Great Exuma: George Town Port of Entry
• Great Guana Cay
• Highborne Cay
• Little Farmer's Cay
• Norman's Cay
• Sampson Cay
• Staniel Cay
• Warderick Wells
• Freeport (Bahamas) Port of Entry
• Port Lucaya Port of Entry
• West End Port of Entry
• Matthew Town Port of Entry
• Little San Salvador
• Cape Santa Maria Port of Entry
• Clarence Town Port of Entry
• Thompson Bay
• Mayaguana Port
• Nassau Port of Entry
• San Salvador Port of Entry

Leave a comment Cancel reply

You must Login or Register to submit comments.

For Cruisers By Cruisers

• Dorian & Bahamas
• Geographic Index
• Topics Covered
• How to Use the Guide
• The Bahamas
• Passage Reports
• Cruising Advice
• Cruising Info Pages
• Blogs & Websites
• Useful Links
• Share Info & Assist Others
• About the Guide
• Purchase Download
• Support Science!
• There is an 1100' airstrip and heliport.
• Caution: Do not anchor off the airstrip.
• Cat Cay Club
• Bahamas Area Websites . Sites that can be searched for tourist and business information throughout the Bahamas.
• 242-347-5011. A customs officer is on site. Note: SV Calyx in Jan 10 reported that there was no immigration officers so they received a cruising permit for 30 days only. There is reported to be a $50 landing fee which is offset if the vessel spends the night at the marina.
• Cat Cay Club ; 242-347-3565; info@catcayyachtclub. 108 Slips.
• There is a private clinic with a doctor on call for emergencies.
• G&G Shipping
• Bimini Shipping
• 242-347-5014
• Cat Cay Club ; Nautical Restaurant, Dockside Pub.
• Cat Cay Club provides trash bins for marina guests.
• Cat Cay Club has RO water.
• Marine Weather Center ; Daily SSB, webcast, & email forecasts by Chris Parker. Note: Best reception in this area is usually on 4045 KHz USB Simplex at 0630 AST.
• Bahamas Met Office website provides weather forecast for local areas throughout the Bahamas.

North Cat Cay, BAH

North Cat Cay is a private island with a marine facility (Cat Cay Yacht Club) situated about two-thirds of the way south on its eastern shore. Those who choose to anchor off the airstrip should remain clear of the runway and are not welcome ashore. You are, however, invited to partake of the facilities if you dock at the yacht club. It makes a pleasant overnight stop after crossing from Florida or the Bank.

Marinas & Dockage Around North Cat Cay, BAH

Browse marinas & dockage around the North Cat Cay, BAH area, or find marinas & dockage specific to your boating location in Explorer .

Anchorages Around North Cat Cay, BAH

Browse anchorages around the North Cat Cay, BAH area, or find anchorages specific to your boating location in Explorer .

The Waterway Guide Team has gained extensive boating knowledge over the years, and now we are sharing all of the tips, skills and tools we’ve picked up along the way!

The Waterway Guide App makes it easy to leave reviews, use our Explorer, and view Waterway Guide materials, all on the go!

*In-App Purchases Available

• Download The App
• Destinations
• Knowledge Center

Apple Sign-In

Sign up to get Navigation Alerts and News delivered to your inbox!

Invalid Email

Invalid Captcha

Check out our latest newsletter

Newsletter Sign-Up

Port is the side of the boat when facing forward.

The captcha question was answered incorrectly.

The email is invalid. Please close the modal window and try again.

Signing-up...

Top ways to experience nearby attractions

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Also popular with travellers

Cat Cay - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024) - Tripadvisor

• Sun - Sat 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
• (15.93 km) Bimini Magical Vacation BNB
• (15.74 km) LUXURY EXECUTIVE ISLAND HOME W DOCK
• (15.98 km) You'll Love this Super Nice 2/2 with FREE Dockage Golf Cart Rentals aval. wifi
• (15.87 km) LUXURY EXECUTIVE ISLAND HOME W DOCK
• (15.45 km) Paradise found in South Bimini at Sunset Cove Beach House

Service Locator

• Angler Endorsement
• Boat Towing Coverage
• Mechanical Breakdown
• Insurance Requirements in Mexico
• Agreed Hull Value
• Actual Cash Value
• Liability Only
• Insurance Payment Options
• Claims Information
• Towing Service Agreement
• Membership Plans
• Boat Show Tickets
• BoatUS Boats For Sale
• Membership Payment Options
• Consumer Affairs
• Boat Documentation Requirements
• Installation Instructions
• Shipping & Handling Information
• Contact Boat Lettering
• End User Agreement
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Vessel Documentation
• BoatUS Foundation
• Government Affairs
• Powercruisers
• Buying & Selling Advice
• Maintenance
• Tow Vehicles
• Make & Create
• Makeovers & Refitting
• Accessories
• Electronics
• Skills, Tips, Tools
• Spring Preparation
• Winterization
• Boaters’ Rights
• Environment & Clean Water
• Boat Safety
• Navigational Hazards
• Personal Safety
• Batteries & Onboard Power
• Motors, Engines, Propulsion
• Best Day on the Water
• Books & Movies
• Communication & Etiquette
• Contests & Sweepstakes
• Colleges & Tech Schools
• Food, Drink, Entertainment
• New To Boating
• Travel & Destinations
• Watersports
• Anchors & Anchoring
• Boat Handling

A Boater's Guide To Cruising The Bahamas

Advertisement

Reaching paradise never comes easy. This veteran of the Bahamas liveaboard life shows how it's done.

An aerial view of the Exumas. (Photo: Onne van der Wal)

They say that no one knows the exact number of islands in the Bahamas. Some say that there are around 2,400 of them, scattered about a stunning 590-mile-long archipelago, with its closest area being, for many boats, just one day's trip from Florida. Fewer than 50 of these islands have a village or town. Most are tiny islets with rocky shorelines and white beaches hinting of pink. Each is a gem of mangrove, casuarinas, palmetto, sea grape, and coconut palms hiding curly tail lizards, hermit crabs, and birds. But it's the wonderland of the ocean that is the Bahamas' most spectacular feature, with its warm turquoise waters over much of the shallow Bahama Banks.

On a good day, cruising on the banks, you can look into those clear waters and see fish, sharks, and rays darting away from your hull's shadow as it sweeps across the bottom. Below you, grass and fan coral sway with the current. Brain coral hides exotic fish, lobster, and moray eel. Dramatic troughs leading from the shallows out to sea — such as the Tongue of the Ocean and the Northwest Providence Channel — divide the banks, the changing water colors from light turquoise to deep blue leaving even seasoned world travelers in awe.

The islands of the Bahamas lie mostly along the edges of the banks. On some of the outer islands, mail and groceries arrive by boat, and telephone and electricity in homes are relatively recent developments. While some equate the Bahamas with the cities of Nassau or Freeport, the boater's dreams tend to be of islands a bit farther off, such as Long Island, Highborne Cay, Eleuthera, Royal Island, Green Turtle, Mayaguana, Ragged Island, Crooked Island, and the Jumentos — or islands with no names at all, except as they're known to locals, such as Chicken Cay or "His and Hers."

Getting Around And About

The culture, dialect, and pace are distinctly Caribbean, yet the western waters of the Bahamas are only a little over 40 miles from Florida at the closest point. That 40-plus miles is composed of the mighty Gulf Stream, a warm and powerful river in the ocean with current rushing from south to north. Crossing it in the right conditions can be a beautiful trip. But crossing it in the wrong conditions, such as during strong northerly winds, can be dangerous and extremely uncomfortable. Pick your weather carefully, look for flat calm or gentle southerlies, and never go on the verge of a cold front or storm.

Snug all-weather anchorages are rare in the Bahamas, but when you find them, they offer camaraderie, supplies, and parties. (Photo: Onne van der Wal)

When my family and I first started going to the Bahamas many years ago, we followed a compass course and adjusted our routes to currents, wind, and waves. When we reckoned enough time had passed to raise an island, we searched the horizon. If we saw an island, we had to figure out which it was using landmarks, like clumps of trees or hills or colored cliffs. As we sailed in from deep ocean water onto to the shallow Bahama Banks, it was always a stunning moment as the depth sounder went from off soundings to 15 feet! We relied on the art of reading the colors of the water and the vagaries of the tidal currents by watching fan coral and sea grasses swaying to the flow under our boat — a fun endeavor, unless the light was poor or in our eyes.

Today, it's easier with GPS chartplotters. But you get in trouble if you rely too heavily on electronics. Sand shoals shift from year to year, and rocky bars and reefs may not be perfectly charted in the first place. A GPS fix is only as good as the chart you're relying on, and strong currents in inlets can set you onto rocks even as you watch your icon on the screen. And if your GPS equipment or the system isn't functioning well, you can get into trouble. The popularity of "crowdsourcing" doesn't necessarily work well in these waters, either; you never know the experience level of "the crowd" or the accuracy of their observations. Being a little off can put you on a reef.

Reliable guidebooks and paper charts are essential for Bahamas cruising. Otherwise, GPS waypoints extrapolated from mixed data may not be right on the spot. "Right on the spot" is critical when you're navigating an inlet that's only a few hundred feet wide with rocks and reefs around it and swells rolling in. Remember, Bahamas aids to navigation are rare and often not maintained.

Unlike the more forgiving waters of, say, Chesapeake Bay, the Bahamas are riddled with reefs, rocks, and brown bars (rocky ledges) that can quickly hole a boat, and there's no U.S. Coast Guard daily presence. There are some very good salvage firms, but the waters to which they must respond are vast. Lack of infrastructure means inconveniences and often long periods of time required for repairs. In many areas, there are few or no secure marinas or good anchorages available for storm protection. The Bahamas is mostly beautiful wilderness, so take care and navigate conservatively. To do so, you'll need the most reliable charts.

Sara and Monty Lewis began cruising the Bahamas more than 35 years ago. They produce and update The Explorer Chartbooks . Experienced cruisers swear by these Lewis charts. The waypoints provided are, they say, based on the Lewis team actually having gone to the rock, the deep part of the inlet, or the reef and recording the exact GPS reading while on site or verified with satellite photos or trusted advisers' data. Not only do they provide accurate full-color navigational charts, they also include cruising guide "need-to-know info" with informative articles and updated details on facilities and services throughout the Bahamas. (It's information from The Explorer Chartbooks that we heavily relied upon to bring you this article.)

Introducing The Bahamas By Region

Coming by boat , you'll probably get your first impression of the Bahamas from its western boundary. Here, the water and reefs are beautiful, and there are some anchorages for settled weather, as well as some marinas. Most of the small islands have rocky shores and lack good all-weather anchorages.

The Bimini Chain, a series of small cays (pronounced "keys") lies across the Gulf Stream from Miami and Fort Lauderdale. North and South Bimini and Cat Cay are settled. The mysterious stone slabs of the Bimini Road lie under nearby waters, fueling stories of Atlantis. Popular with the sportfishing fleet, Bimini has a village, several marinas, restaurants, and now a resort/casino and a Hilton Hotel.

Whether you prefer fishing Bimini's flats or heading out into the deep for bigger game, charters abound. (Photo: Bahamas Ministry of Tourism)

To accommodate those who want to experience the beauty, often the beauty is sacrificed. Bimini has suffered, in my view, as have many of the islands, from the negatives of tourism. In recent years, many of the mangroves on the northern end of Bimini have been replaced by resort development. On the west side, an ocean-docking facility for fast ferries from Miami was built from material dredged up from the ocean bottom. But the Biminis are still accommodating as far as clearing customs and stopping to rest in a marina before crossing the banks. With the tourism have come positives — better availability of parts and goods and better communications in Bimini and other settled areas.

To the north of the Bimini Chain, separated from it by the deep Northwest Providence Channel, is the large island of Grand Bahama , with resorts and marinas. At the far northwestern end of Grand Bahama, the critically located Old Bahama Bay Marina offers shelter for boats caught by weather, as well as many amenities.

Old Bahama Bay Marina at the northwestern end of Grand Bahama offers shelter to boats caught by weather, as well as many amenities for boaters. (Photo: Bahamas Ministry of Tourism)

Southeast of the Bimini Chain, across the Great Bahama Banks, lies the giant and mysterious island of Andros . Known as the bonefishing capital of The Bahamas, Andros's vast swamps, creeks, mangrove shallows, and miles of woods stretch more than 100 miles south to north, divided into three major sections of land connected by mangrove and tidal swamp. Scattered about are many of the famous "blue holes" of the Bahamas, some far inland from the shore, extending deep down, many connected with the ocean through a labyrinth of subterranean passages. Nearby, the recently discovered Andros Platform, a multitiered structure of huge, flat, squared blocks, remains silently under the waves, begging explanation.

With limited good anchorages, sparsely populated Andros hasn't experienced the large influx of cruising boats. The Great Bahama Banks blends with the shallows and swamp of its western shore, but its eastern shore faces the deep "Tongue of the Ocean" and has several towns with limited facilities, such as Morgan's Bluff, Fresh Creek, and Congo Town. One of the longest barrier reefs in the world guards this shore, allowing limited access. Andros, like so many other islands, is yet to be awakened, and many would say that's good.

Spiny lobster season is August through March. (Photo: Bahamas Ministry of Tourism)

The Abacos is a great place for Bahamas exploration. While it is often considered more civilized than other areas, it's been affected less from tourism. Marinas, protected anchorages with good holding, shopping, good drinking water, restaurants, and small hotels make the area especially inviting. Many cruisers gravitate to the "Hub of the Abacos" with the towns and harbors of Man O'War, Hope Town, and Marsh Harbour. You can take short hops to different towns or anchorages across the shallow Sea of Abaco without going outside the reefs into the ocean. To the northwest of the Hub, and through sometimes-dangerous Whale Cay Passage, lies Green Turtle Cay with its several protected basins, marinas, and the town of New Plymouth with its quaint pastel homes similar to those of Man O'War and Hope Town.

The Berry Islands, known as "Der Berrys" by many Bahamians, are another expanse of small islands surrounded by shallow banks that rise from deep ocean. To the south and west of the busier Abacos, they aren't as heavily cruised because of their shallows and rolly anchorages, but this isolation makes them very attractive to some. Islands such as Great Stirrup, Great Harbor, Whale Cay, and Chub Cay rim the banks. Dinghy passages snake among white shoals and low-tide sand islands. It's easy to get lost. Only three marinas make bases for exploration. Chub Cay Marina is completely protected within an enclosed basin, recently reopened after hurricane damage, though not in full operation as of the date of this writing. Great Harbour Cay Marina also offers excellent shelter and is affordable, with more slips available for transients. In addition, the popular Berry Islands Club is also reopening its restaurant, rebuilding its docks, and fortifying its moorings after a hiatus. Always check ahead for any marina, to be sure it's currently open.

Downtown Nassau is known for its colorful architecture. (Photo: Bahamas Ministry of Tourism)

Many tourists consider Nassau to be synonymous with the Bahamas. Not hardly. This is the capital of the Bahamas and more than half the Bahamian population lives on its island of New Providence . It has the good and bad traits of most cities, with a distinctly Caribbean flavor, though reports of violent crime are increasing. Police in white uniforms direct traffic. Horse-drawn carriages commingle with cars, jitneys, and scooters. Buildings and customs reminiscent of the British Colonial Empire blend with things modern, overlaid with a significant share of poverty.

Nassau Harbour separates the "mainland" from Paradise Island, which has luxury hotels and casinos. The northwestern entrance to the harbor is deep and jettied, with several buoys. Huge cruise liners enter, but the inlet can be dangerous in strong onshore winds.

Anchoring isn't recommended in much of the harbor because of poor holding, strong currents, fast boats, wakes, and crime issues. There are several marinas; if Nassau has to be on your cruising itinerary, many boaters select a marina on Paradise Island. The southeastern entrance channel is only around 8 feet deep in one spot where coral heads and rocky bars dictate precise navigation.

To the southeast, the Exuma Cays curve in a northwest-southeast direction. The Exumas have only a few small all-weather marinas. Most anchorages are unprotected from westerlies, so they're only good for settled weather. The few that are sheltered from westerlies are between rocky islands and plagued by swift current and scoured bottom. The islands are generally rocky with low vegetation, sparse population, and a few villages. Nevertheless, each year more and more boats visit .

Cruisers lying to moorings in the beautiful and protected Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park. In many places, moorings are preferred or even required to avoid damage to the bottom and because of limited swinging room. (Photo: Bahamas Ministry of Tourism)

They've become so popular that celebrities and other wealthy people have purchased entire islands or large portions of them. It's reported that the Exuma Land and Sea Park, once a stronghold of environmental protection, now features such private islands, and personal watercraft from mega yachts often roar up and down the pristine channels. Staged "paradise" picnics on the beaches, replete with instant tents, bars, and lounges, entertain charter parties with all their water toys. Anchorages once enjoyed by a few are now becoming more crowded.

Heading down the chain, cruisers like to stop and enjoy the out-island friendliness of the small villages of Staniel Cay, Black Point, and Little Farmer's Cay . Village restaurants sometimes announce special menus on the VHF. Small grocery stores have limited supplies, and Staniel Cay's Isles General Store has marine and general hardware as well as groceries. And the Blue Store and the Pink Store have also expanded their stock to accommodate the greater number of cruisers and vacationers.

The Staniel Cay Yacht Club offers good meals, fuel, water purified by reverse osmosis, and a nice bar as well as cottage rentals. Indeed, the entire village is open to many home rentals. Fowl Cay Resort is one of several resort islands with rental houses and cottages, and it also has a restaurant available to the public by reservation. Snorkel into Thunderball Cave off Staniel and enjoy viewing thousands of protected fish. Part of the James Bond movie of that name was filmed here.

At the southern end of the Exumas, the "mainland" island of Great Exuma is a popular boating destination with a good but busy harbor. Its George Town boasts supplies and high island civilization. Exuma Market provides dinghy docking, town water, and other services while across Lake Victoria, the well-stocked Shop-Rite is another good choice for stocking. FedEx, UPS, boat supplies, and many other helpful goods and services are available. Almost 400 cruising boats are often in its Elizabeth Harbour for the annual spring Cruising Regatta, a weeklong festival run by the cruising community in conjunction with the Bahamian community.

Heading easterly from the Exumas you'll find more islands and variety. To the north, Eleuthera is known for its oranges and pineapples. Cruisers often visit the busy village of Spanish Wells with its fishing fleet, marinas, marine railways, and supplies. Harbour Island, guarded by the treacherous reef known as Devil's Backbone, is also popular for its pink sand beaches, quaint pastel-color buildings, the historic village of Dunmore Town, marinas, fishing, and relatively upscale living. Royal Island with its enclosed harbor broods with thick foliage and the silent ruins of a large estate. Years ago, wooden sailing ships of the British Navy sought shelter here; today cruisers wait for passage to the Abacos.

Cat Island, south of Eleuthera, stretches 48 miles, offering few anchorages but high hills, farms, villages, and miles of cliff and beach. To the south of Cat lies Long Island, with dangerous reefs extending more than 3 miles off Cape Santa Maria at its northern end. Never more than 4 miles wide, it's 75 miles long and features rolling hills and cliffs, fertile soil, and farming. A popular destination is Salt Pond and Thompson Bay on the west side, from where cruisers can tour the island by car and stock up at a modern grocery. Avoid anchorages exposed to weather and seas.

Far to the south and east, the "far out islands" rise from the deep ocean floor, beyond the banks. You'll find isolated jewels such as Rum Cay and Conception Island. Sumner Point Marina at Rum Cay has been closed due to hurricane damage as of this writing. As you venture farther southeast, more spectacular little islands with limited protection beckon with even more remoteness. These include Samana Cay, where Christopher Columbus is said to have anchored; Crooked Island; Acklins Island; Great Inagua with its famous flamingo population; and Mayaguana — all beautiful islands off the beaten track.

The Jumentos chain arches 90 miles around the southeast boundary of the Great Bahama Banks and has become more popular in recent years for experienced cruisers looking to find pristine islands as they once were. Many of these islands have little all-weather protection, tricky shallows, and few replenishing and stocking opportunities, but make up for it in sweet solitude

You Can't Always Get What You Want

The Bahamas, with their overwhelming beauty and thousands of square miles of ocean wilderness, offer a wonderful boating escape from the massive infrastructure and dense civilization of the States. But what makes them compelling also makes them challenging for unprepared boaters. Go soon if you can, take good care, and tread lightly.

Bahamas Fun Facts

• The Bahamas has the clearest water in the world. Visibility while diving is often more than 200 feet!
• Fewer than 50 of the islands have a village or town.
• The Bahamas has the world's third-longest barrier reef.
• Dean's Blue Hole, west of Clarence Town, Long Island, at 663 feet, is one of the deepest blue holes in the world.
• The first place Christopher Columbus landed when he came to the new world in 1492, he named San Salvador in the Bahamas.
• The word "mainland" is used by those on small outlying islands (called the Out Islands) to describe the larger islands, such as New Providence, Grand Bahama, Great Abaco, and Great Exuma. The "Far-Out Islands" are those even farther away.
• The world's longest underwater cave system can be found in Lucayan National Park, Grand Bahama Island.
• Kalik (pronounced "click"), the beer of The Bahamas, is named after the kalikking sound of cowbells at Junkanoo, the island street parades held every December 26.
• There are only about 396,000 people in all the Bahamas, the majority on the island of New Providence where Nassau is located.
• The national sport of the Bahamas is sloop sailing.
• Bahamas comes from the Spanish baja mar, which translates to "shallow sea."

Photo: Bahamas Ministry of Tourism

Chartering & Fishing

Power, sail & crewed charters.

• The Moorings (Abacos)
• Navtours (Nassau, George Town, Staniel Cay)
• Sunsail (Abacos, Nassau)

Sportfishing

• Boaters arriving on their own boats congregate around the marinas in Bimini, Nassau, Chub Cay, Boat Harbor, Highbourne Cay, and others.
• Note that fishing here is split between distinctively different offshore fishing and flats fishing (for bonefish).
• To join a sportfishing charter, search the Internet for numerous listings.
• Consider checking out one of the many fishing tournaments, listed at Bahamas.com/fishing-tournaments-2017.

Photo: Mel Neale

Anchoring Notes

• Never anchor in reef or anywhere your anchor rode may get tangled in coral.
• Leave 360-degree swing room for other boats, the shore, and reefs. Boats swing differently depending on their windage, bottom configuration, eddies, and current.
• The best bottoms consist of deep, soft white sand. You'll see these from the bow of your boat. Don't be misled by bottoms of white rock, marl, or shallow white sand over rock.
• Anchoring in grass usually results in dragging when the wind increases and damaging fish habitat.
• Nylon line can be cut by small rocks or reef. Use as much chain as your boat can safely carry.
• Don't anchor on a lee shore (the shore toward which the wind is blowing). Learn and watch the weather; plan your anchorage for 24 hours. It's not unusual for Bahamian winds to shift over that time.
• What starts as a protected anchorage could become a risky lee shore.
• Study an accurate weather forecast every day, and plan overnight anchorages accordingly.

Weather Notes

• Obtain a detailed weather forecast every day. Heed it.
• Winter cold fronts are often preceded by strong southwesterly winds and come through as a strong, precipitous westerly, then nor'wester. Then winds often clock to a nor'easter and blow hard for days.
• "Squeeze plays" between large areas of high and large areas of low pressure may set up strong winds, usually from the east, for several days.
• The Bahamas offers little good protection in hurricanes and tropical lows. Even enclosed harbors are vulnerable with so little land to weaken the effects of wind and sea. Expect little help compared to U.S. waters.

Respect The 'Rage'

If there is a strong onshore swell, many cuts between islands and reefs become treacherous. The onshore swell may be caused by local onshore winds or from a far-off storm. At sea the swell may seem insignificant, but as it mounts up in the shallow waters near the cuts, it can become deadly. These swells can be far away when you leave the safety of your harbor in the morning but dangerously upon you when you want to enter the next inlet down-island. Watch the weather locally and far out. Ask ahead for current local conditions and knowledge. If any question exists about the safety of an inlet, don't risk it.

Search And Rescue

The Bahamas government has no search-and-rescue service equivalent to the U.S. Coast Guard. The Bahamas Air Sea Rescue Association (BASRA) is a dedicated nonprofit voluntary organization committed to saving the lives of distressed seamen and airmen in the Bahamas. It is funded by donations.

For boaters traveling off the beaten track, consider renting an EPIRB or PLB from the BoatUS Foundation before you go. Visit BoatUS.org for more information.

What Are Your Special Interests?

Looking to hang out with other cruisers? Consider the Hub of the Abacos. Several islands encircle the protected "Sea of Abaco" in which you can go from town to town in protected waters without going out through the reefs into the ocean. Towns include Marsh Harbour, Hope Town, Man O'War. A short hop in calm weather in the ocean fetches up Green Turtle Cay, and a trip south inside will bring you to Little Harbour, home of Pete's Pub and Foundry. There are more marinas in this area than in most other areas of the Bahamas.

Elizabeth Harbour lies near the southeastern end of the Exuma chain and has become a Mecca for cruisers with its relative protection (albeit with some open fetches) and good holding. Its bustling village of George Town is a vacation spot and an oasis of out island "high civilization," which hasn't lost its out-island charm. "In season," from December through March, there can be as many as 400 boats there, with all the potlucks and beach volleyball games you could want. The reefs guarding the entrances can be tricky; good weather and careful navigation are a must. Don't enter with a strong onshore wind or swell.

Looking for sport fishing? Alice Town on North Bimini offers several marinas, bars, restaurants, and good fishing offshore, with several tournaments throughout the year. Chub Cay, scheduled to be fully operational (after the ravages of Hurricane Mathew) has a marina in a completely enclosed harbor with restaurant, bars for bragging, and Customs. Fish offshore in the Tongue of the Ocean between the Berrys, New Providence, and the Great Bahama Banks.

Looking for remote experiences? What used to be remote may be more visited today, although features such as poor holding, little protection from wind and surge, and few provisioning opportunities still keeps the crowds away. You'll find unspoiled beauty and solitude in the Jumentos, Rum Cay (marina may not be rebuilt yet), the shallow banks of the Berrys (where people often explore by dinghy), and Conception Island. These areas have scarce protection, and require serious weather vigilance.

Looking for good diving and snorkeling? The Bahamas has the world's third-longest barrier reef. Five percent of the world's coral can be found there. Bring a light wetsuit, snorkel, mask, and fins for great snorkeling by dinghy throughout The Bahamas.

Looking for a show? Held at the end of April every year, the Family Island Regatta in Elizabeth Harbour is huge. Bahamians come from all the islands to compete, usually in traditional Bahamian boats. Also, the New Year's Day Regatta at Staniel Cay in the Exumas is fun, informal, and rollicking.

Related Articles

The truth about ceramic coatings for boats.

Our editor investigates the marketing claims of consumer-grade ceramic coatings.

Fine-Tune Your Side Scan Fishfinder

Take your side-scanning fishfinder off auto mode, and you’ll be spotting your prey from afar in no time

DIY Boat Foam Decking

Closed-cell foam flooring helps make boating more comfortable. Here’s how to install it on your vessel

Click to explore related articles

Technical Editor, BoatUS Magazine

One of the top technical experts in the marine industry, Tom Neale, BoatUS Magazine Technical Editor, has won nine first-place awards from Boating Writers International, and is author of the magazine’s popular "Ask The Experts" column. His depth of technical knowledge comes from living aboard various boats with his family for more than 30 years, cruising far and wide, and essentially learning how to install, fix, and rebuild every system onboard himself. A lawyer by training, for most of his career Tom has been an editor and columnist at national magazines such as Cruising World, PassageMaker, and Soundings. He wrote the acclaimed memoir All In The Same Boat (McGraw Hill), as well as Chesapeake Bay Cruising Guide, Vol. 1. These days, Tom and his wife Mel enjoy cruising their 2006 Camano 41 Chez Nous with their grandchildren.

BoatUS Magazine Is A Benefit Of BoatUS Membership

Membership Benefits Include:

Subscription to the print version of BoatUS Magazine

4% back on purchases from West Marine stores or online at WestMarine.com

Discounts on fuel, transient slips, repairs and more at over 1,200 businesses

Deals on cruises, charters, car rentals, hotel stays and more…

All for only $25/year!

We use cookies to enhance your visit to our website and to improve your experience. By continuing to use our website, you’re agreeing to our cookie policy.

Cat Cay Club Members Only

Cat Cay Yacht Club is now totally private. A yacht may stop in for fuel but must call on VHF 16 first to check on availability. To stop to clear Customs, the fee is $500. No dockage or other services for non-members.

• Accommodations
• Destinations
• Experiences
• Boat Shows & Events

The Cat Cays are two islands in the Bahamas, North Cat Cay and South Cat Cay, approximately 10 miles south of Bimini. North Cat Cay is a privately owned island and is run as a private members club by the Cat Cay Yacht Club. South Cat Cay is currently under development

Unfortunately no accommodations were found.

Unfortunately no tours were found.

Culture and History Info

North Cat Cay is a small  private island in the Bimini chain of The Bahamas. It is named after the "cat line" of a sailing vessel that it resembles and was once used by pirates Edward Teach, also known as Blackbeard , and  Charles Vane .  Queen Victoria  granted the original deed for Cat Cay to Captain  William Henry Stuart  in 1873, as a reward for his services as keeper of the  Lighthouse  on neighboring  Gun Cay .

Later,  Captain Arthur Samuel Haigh , an Englishman, became the owner of Cat Cay. Captain Haigh established the island custom of dressing formally for dinner. While his original home burned, the cookhouse remained intact and its huge oven fireplace is part of the rebuilt cottage named Haigh House in his honor. Haigh is buried in the historic  Anglican graveyard in North Bimini.

Milo Strong and his wife bought the island in 1915 and they built and lived in the Manor House, extant today. They spent nine months out of the year on Cat Cay. The  1929 hurricane  blew the roof off of their home and this was repaired but Strong died two years later and another storm damaged the Manor House, after which Mrs. Strong decided to sell.

Friends of the Strongs, Louis and Rae Wasey purchased the island for $400,000 in 1931. Wasey, an advertising executive from  New York City , intended the island to be a winter home for himself and his wife and as a place to entertain clients and friends. He enlarged the Manor House and built a number of English-style “cottages” for his guests.

The island has hosted many prominent guests over its many years from screen stars to royalty and including former American President Richard Nixon who was the frequent guest of Bob Abplanalp, a homeowner and long-time friend of Nixon. Fishing in Cat Cay remains strong. Tuna are less common now, but Mahi Mahi, Blue and White Marlin, Wahoo, Snapper, and Grouper are available.

The island remains a private club, but for visiting yachts entering The Bahamas it is an official port of entry for The Bahamas and Bahamas Customs and the Royal Bahamas Police Force are present on the island.

Cat Cay Yacht Club

Basking under a bright tropical sun lies a tiny t-shaped dot of gleaming sand and coral.

Forgot your password? Don't have an account yet? Sign up.