Cat Island offers a different side of the Bahamas, one that is calm, reflective, and deeply connected to its natural and cultural roots. With minimal development and long stretches of untouched coastline, the island feels open and unhurried.
It is best known for its sense of stillness, rolling landscapes, and historic sites, making it ideal for travelers seeking space, simplicity, and a more authentic island experience.
Cat Island blends raw natural beauty, history, and rare seclusion, offering a quieter, more untouched side of the Bahamas. It’s ideal for travelers who value space, simplicity, and authentic island experiences.
Traveling to Cat Island through commercial routes can be limiting, with infrequent schedules and indirect connections. For a destination defined by quiet and remoteness, flexibility in travel becomes essential.
Private charter flights offer direct access, allowing travelers to avoid delays and reach the island efficiently. With Air Flight Charters, you can align your journey with your schedule while minimizing transit time and complexity.
Cat Island is served by two regional airports, one in the north and one in the south. Each offers distinct advantages depending on your final destination on the island.
Arthur’s Town Airport: Northern Cat Island
Located in Arthur’s Town on the northern end of Cat Island, this airport serves as the primary aviation gateway for the island’s northern region. It has undergone significant improvements in recent years, including a repaved 7,034-foot runway, one of the longest in the southern Bahamas, allowing it to accommodate larger turboprop aircraft and private jets.
IATA Code: ATC
ICAO Code: MYCA
Runway: 7,034 feet (2,144 meters), suitable for light jets, midsize jets, and turboprops
Location: Northern Cat Island, near Arthur’s Town
The airport features a small, functional terminal that embodies the relaxed charm of the Out Islands. Private charter passengers enjoy streamlined processing, and the absence of jet bridges means you’ll walk directly across the tarmac to your aircraft, often enjoying panoramic views of the island’s lush landscape.
Please note that there is no Customs Office at Arthur’s Town Airport; customs clearance for flights arriving here is handled at Andros Town / Fresh Creek (MYAF / ASD).
New Bight Airport: Southern Cat Island
Situated in New Bight on the western coast of Cat Island, this airport serves as the primary gateway for the island’s southern region and receives the majority of scheduled domestic flights from Nassau. It is also the arrival point for seasonal commercial service from Fort Lauderdale via carriers like Makers Air.
IATA Code: TBI
ICAO Code: MYCB
Location: Southern Cat Island, near New Bight
Both airports welcome private charter arrivals, and Air Flight Charters can arrange direct service to either facility based on your final destination and preferences. For travelers heading to resorts like Fernandez Bay Village, New Bight Airport offers the most convenient access.
Hawks Nest Airport (MYCH): Cat Island
Located on the western coast of Cat Island near Hawk’s Nest Creek, this public-use airport serves travelers heading to the island’s central and western settlements. The airport handles private charter arrivals and general aviation traffic.
Private charter passengers benefit from streamlined processing at this smaller facility. The airport provides convenient access to the western coastline of Cat Island and is located approximately midway between Arthur’s Town to the north and New Bight to the south.
Cat Island is known for Mount Alvernia, the highest point in the Bahamas, and miles of empty pink-sand beaches. Here is what you need to know before you go.
The Island Is 48 Miles Long and Very Narrow
Driving from Arthur’s Town in the north to the southern tip takes over an hour. Most roads are paved but narrow, with potholes appearing after rain. Allow more travel time than you expect.
Two Airports, Two Different Starting Points
Fly into Arthur’s Town (ATC) for the northern beaches, Greenwood Beach, and Mount Alvernia. Fly into New Bight (TBI) for Dean’s Blue Hole, Fernandez Bay, and southern settlements. Choose based on where you are staying, driving across the island eats hours.
Mount Alvernia Requires a Hike
The highest point in the Bahamas is only 206 feet, but the trail is steep and uneven. Wear sturdy shoes. The Hermitage, a small stone monastery at the summit, offers 360-degree views. Go early morning or late afternoon for the best light and cooler temperatures.
Dean’s Blue Hole Is a Spectacle
The world’s second-deepest blue hole plunges over 660 feet and sits right next to a sandy beach. You can wade in from the shore. Swimmers can enter safely from the beach edge. Snorkelers see the dramatic drop-off. Free divers train here for world records.
Greenwood Beach Faces the Atlantic
Unlike calm western beaches, Greenwood Beach has waves and wind. This makes it excellent for kiteboarding (late fall through winter) and dramatic walks, but not ideal for casual swimming. The pink sand here is beautiful but the water can be rough.
Fernandez Bay Is the Calm Alternative
On the western side, Fernandez Bay offers protected, calm water perfect for families and swimmers. Fernandez Bay Village sits right on the sand. If you want easy swimming without waves, head here.
Cell Service Is Settlement-Only
Reliable service exists in Arthur’s Town and New Bight. Once you head to Greenwood Beach, Fernandez Bay, or the southern coast, expect no signal. Download offline maps before leaving town.
Dining Is Lodge-Based
Most meals happen at your accommodation. A handful of small local eateries exist in the main settlements but hours are unpredictable. Confirm meal plans with your lodge before booking, especially if you have dietary needs.
Temperatures by Season
– December to April: 70°F to 80°F (21°C to 27°C). Dry season. Best for hiking Mount Alvernia and beach days.
– May to June: 75°F to 85°F (24°C to 29°C). Warmer. Excellent visibility for blue hole swimming.
– July to October: 80°F to 88°F (27°C to 31°C). Hurricane season. Greenwood Beach winds pick up.
What to Pack Specifically for Cat Island
Sturdy hiking shoes for Mount Alvernia, polarized sunglasses for spotting reef and flats, a swimsuit with good coverage for blue hole swimming, insect repellent for dawn and dusk, reef-safe sunscreen, and a rash guard for extended water time.
The Hermitage Has Limited Hours
The monastery is not always open for interior visits. Some days the caretaker is present; other days it is locked. The views from the outside are still worth the hike. Do not plan your trip around going inside.
Bonefishing Flats Accessible by Foot
Unlike other islands that require boats for bonefishing, Cat Island has wadeable flats near Deadman’s Cay and along the southern coastline. Experienced DIY anglers can fish without hiring a guide. Ask locally for current access points.
Gas Stations Are Few
Fuel availability is limited to Arthur’s Town and New Bight. If you rent a car, fill up whenever you pass a station. Do not assume you can find gas near Greenwood Beach or the southern coast.
Sundays Are for Church and Rest
Most businesses close. Some lodge restaurants continue serving guests but may have reduced hours. Plan grocery runs for Saturday. Do not expect to find open restaurants on Sunday evening outside of major settlements.
The Columbus Monument Is a Quick Stop
Near Arthur’s Town, the Columbus Monument offers nice coastline views but is a 10-minute stop, not a half-day activity. Combine it with a visit to nearby beaches rather than driving specifically for it.
How Long to Stay
A minimum of 4 days allows you to explore one region, north or south, comfortably. A week lets you experience both ends of the island with a relaxed pace. Trying to cover the entire 48 miles in 3 days results in more driving than relaxing.
Below are the most requested private charter routes to Cat Island’s airports (ATC / MYCA and TBI / MYCB):
From Nassau (NAS / MYNN), flight time to Cat Island is approximately 45 minutes, a quick hop that private charter makes effortless.
Cat Island pairs well with other Bahamian destinations, allowing travelers to experience different landscapes and atmospheres within a single itinerary.
Empty leg flights may occasionally align with routes to Cat Island, particularly from Florida or Nassau. These options provide flexible travelers with an efficient way to access the island while maintaining the same private charter experience.
Cat Island is defined by quiet, space, and authenticity. Air Flight Charters ensures that reaching it remains seamless, offering direct access, flexible scheduling, and a travel experience designed around your pace.
Highlights include climbing Comer Hill for 360° views, exploring the historic Hermitage monastery ruins, and discovering natural wonders like blue holes, bat caves, and tropical nature trails.
With limited commercial service, a private charter provides direct access to one of several local airports like New Bight or Arthur’s Town, allowing you to start your island adventure without lengthy layovers or ferry connections.
We offer flights into multiple airports, including New Bight (MYCB), Arthur’s Town (MYCA), Hawks Nest (MYCH), and Cutlass Bay (MYCX), getting you close to your chosen destination on the island.
We provide direct, flexible routing to Cat Island’s smaller airports, saving travel time and making it easier to explore this lush, historic island at your own pace.
Highlights include climbing Comer Hill for 360° views, exploring the historic Hermitage monastery ruins, and discovering natural wonders like blue holes, bat caves, and tropical nature trails.
