Christopher Columbus' first landfall was a Caribbean island, recognized today as one in The Bahamas, on October 12, 1492. There is an ongoing dispute between Cat Island and San Salvador residents as to which island he actually visited. Development of cotton plantations began in 1783 with the arrival of British Loyalists who shunned the newly formed United States. With the demise of the cotton industry, slaves received freedom, leaving behind a rich African legacy.
As of June 2010, the only way to arrive on Cat Island is by private air charter. Southern Air Charter out of Nassau provides scheduled runs to Arthur's Town, Hawk's Nest and New Bight. Cat Island Air and SkyBahamas both offer two daily flights from Nassau, and Bahamas Air departs Nassau Thursdays and Saturdays. There is no public ferry service, but in Nassau you can negotiate with a local fishermen for a boat ride.
All that remains of Deveaux House Mansion is the overgrown ruins of a hand-pegged kitchen. The 1,000-acre plantation in Port Howe was gifted to Colonel Deveaux after he recaptured Nassau from the Spaniards in 1783. Father Jerome's Hermitage was built single-handedly by Monsignor Hawes (Father Jerome), who lived in solitude from 1940 until his death in 1956. Situated atop Mount Alvernia in New Bight, a steep, stone staircase provides access to the monastery with a 360-degree panorama of the island.
Waters surrounding Cat Island are warm, but blue holes can be dangerous. Strong underwater currents can pull unsuspecting divers into caves and tunnels, so venture out with a professional. Hawk's Nest in New Bight offers snorkeling in shallow reefs or diving expeditions on which you'll to come face to face with massive hammerhead sharks drifting along the undersea wall. Cat Island Dive Center in Port Howe provides coral reef snorkeling, offshore and bonefishing trips, and diving excursions to walls fringing Cat Island's south shore with drops from 45 feet to 3,000 feet.
A passport, original raised-seal birth certificate or photo ID is required as proof of citizenship for residents of Canada and the United States.
Bahamian and U.S. currency exchange rates fluctuate; however, U.S. dollars are widely accepted at par by the majority of vendors and businesses. Bring U.S. dollars for most expenditures, as finding a bank or ATM is nearly impossible. If you do find and use an ATM, it may not provide U.S. currency only Bahamian. Most resorts, including on-site restaurants and dive centers, accept credit cards. Traveler's checks may be accepted, but inquire prior to arriving.
If you rent a car be prepared to drive on the left side of the road.
Sand fleas can pose a problem so bring insect repellent.
