Your Journey Begins in Cat Cay

Cat Cay is not served by commercial airlines, making private charter the most practical and often the only efficient way to access the island. Travel here is defined by precision, arriving at the right place, at the right time, without unnecessary steps.

Air Flight Charters ensures a direct, controlled journey, allowing travelers to bypass crowded hubs and transition smoothly into a private island setting.

• Direct Access to a Private Island: Reach Cat Cay without relying on indirect commercial routes or ferry schedules.
• Flexible Scheduling: Depart and arrive entirely on your own timeline.
• Fast International Travel: Short flight times from Florida make Cat Cay ideal for quick getaways.
• Seamless Coordination with Marina & Club Access: Align arrivals with yacht schedules or private accommodations.
• Discreet & Low-Profile Travel: Ideal for travelers prioritizing privacy and exclusivity.

Access to Cat Cay is limited and controlled, reinforcing its private and exclusive nature. Private aviation ensures smooth entry into the island without added complexity.

Cat Cay Airport

Located on North Cat Cay, this private airstrip serves as the exclusive aviation gateway to the island. The airport is reserved for members of the Cat Cay Yacht Club, their guests, and authorized charter operators.

• IATA Code: CXY
• ICAO Code: MYCC
• Runway: Suitable for STOL (Short Takeoff and Landing) aircraft, light jets, and turboprops 
• Access: Members and sponsored guests only
• Important Access Information:
• Landing at Cat Cay Airport requires either club membership or sponsorship by a current member 
• Guests must be approved at least two days prior to arrival 
• The airport does not serve the general public

For authorized visitors, the airport offers streamlined customs and immigration clearance on-site, making international arrivals seamless. Tropic Ocean Airways operates scheduled charter flights from Fort Lauderdale to Cat Cay, and Fly the Whale offers seasonal charter service during winter months.

Cat Cay operates with a level of exclusivity and structure unlike anywhere else in the Bahamas. Understanding how access works will help you plan smoothly and avoid surprises.

Membership or Sponsorship Is Required for Most Access

Cat Cay is owned and operated as a private club. To stay overnight, use the beaches, rent a golf cart, or access residential areas, you must be a member or a sponsored guest. Guests must be approved at least two days prior to arrival . There are no hotels or vacation rentals for non-members.

Non-Members Can Still Visit for the Day

You can clear customs at the island’s port of entry, shop at the grocery store and boutique, and dine at Bu’s Bar or Nauticat restaurant . However, you cannot use the beaches, rent golf carts, walk through residential areas, or stay overnight. During holidays and summer, even restaurants may turn non-members away if busy 

Customs and Immigration Is Available On-Site

Cat Cay is an official Bahamian port of entry with Customs and Immigration officers on duty from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, seven days a week . Overtime charges apply on weekends and holidays. Yachts can stop to clear customs even without dockage.

The Marina Is Private

The Cat Cay Yacht Club Marina is currently private. No dockage or services are available for non-members . Transient boaters may be welcome for overnight stays up to 24 hours, but this is subject to availability and advance coordination .

Temperatures by Season

– December to February: 69°F to 75°F (21°C to 24°C). Coolest months. January averages 73°F (23°C) during the day .

– March to May: 75°F to 82°F (24°C to 28°C). Building warmth. March is the windiest month .

– June to August: 82°F to 91°F (28°C to 33°C). Hottest months. August average high is 91°F (33°C) .

– September to November: 77°F to 90°F (25°C to 32°C). Wettest season. September receives the most rain .

What to Pack Specifically for Cat Cay

Passport is required, this is an international entry even though the island is 50 miles from Miami. Bring resort casual attire for dining; swimsuits must be covered at the marina, shops, and restaurants . Dress for dinner is expected at some venues.

The Grocery Store Is Well-Stocked

Cat Cay has a surprisingly large grocery store for a small island. It receives weekly shipments from the U.S. and stocks fresh produce, frozen foods, beer, wine, liquor, pet food, fishing supplies, and even specialty items like gluten-free and organic products . Non-members can shop here.

The Boutique Sells Designer Resort Wear

The island boutique carries brands like Vix, Alice and Trixie, Elan, and Southern Charm. Swimwear, resort wear, jewelry, hats, bags, and home decor are available . Prices reflect the exclusive location.

Dining Options for Non-Members

Bu’s Bar (at the marina) and Nauticat (upstairs with air conditioning) serve lunch from 12-2 PM and dinner from 6-9 PM. Automatic gratuity is 20% . During busy seasons or holidays, non-members may be turned away if the restaurants are full.

No Beaches for Non-Members

This is the most common point of confusion. Non-members cannot use the beaches, period. Walking from the marina to the beach across residential property is trespassing . Respect the private areas.

Legendary Tuna Fishing

Cat Cay is best known for its huge Bluefin tuna . The tuna tower, now standard on sportfishing yachts worldwide, was invented here and first used in the 1952 Cat Cay Tuna Tournament. Deep water fishing lies just one mile offshore.

How to Visit as a Non-Member

Clear customs (expect to pay fees). Shop at the grocery store and boutique. Eat at Bu’s Bar or Nauticat if space allows. Do not wander into residential areas. Do not approach beaches. Do not stay overnight. Leave when you are done.

How to Stay as a Guest

You need a member sponsor who has approved your visit at least 48 hours in advance. Members can host guests for overnight stays. If you do not know a member, Cat Cay is not an option for overnight lodging.

Respect the Rules

Swimsuits must be covered at the marina, shops, and restaurants. Loud music from boats is prohibited. Trespassing into member-only areas can result in being banned from the island . The island has zero reported crime and a Bahamian police officer on-site 24/7.

How Long to Stay

For non-members, a half-day visit is sufficient, clear customs, browse the shops, have a meal, and return. For members and guests, a long weekend allows for fishing, beach time, and full island experience. A week is ideal for serious anglers.

Given its proximity to Florida, Cat Cay is one of the quickest international destinations to reach by private charter, making it ideal for short trips and weekend travel. 

Below are the most requested private charter routes to Cat Cay for members and authorized guests:

• Miami (MIA / KMIA) to Cat Cay: Approximately 25 to 30 minutes. One of the shortest international flights from the U.S. mainland to any destination.
• Fort Lauderdale (FLL / KFLL) to Cat Cay: Approximately 25 to 30 minutes. A favorite for members traveling from South Florida for a weekend escape.
• Fort Lauderdale Executive (FXE / KFXE) to Cat Cay: Approximately 25 minutes. Direct private charter service from this dedicated general aviation airport.
• West Palm Beach (PBI / KPBI) to Cat Cay: Approximately 20 to 25 minutes. The closest Florida departure point to Cat Cay’s private airstrip.
• Orlando (MCO / KMCO) to Cat Cay: Approximately 1 hour. Direct access from Central Florida without coastal detours.
• Atlanta (ATL / KATL) to Cat Cay: Approximately 1 hour 45 minutes. Bypass commercial schedules with a direct private flight.
• Northeast Corridor to Cat Cay: Fly non-stop from New York (JFK / KJFK), Boston (BOS / KBOS), or Washington D.C. (DCA / KDCA) in approximately 3 hours.

From Nassau (NAS / MYNN), flight time to Cat Cay is approximately 35 to 45 minutes.

Cat Cay’s location makes it easy to pair with nearby destinations for a broader itinerary while maintaining efficient travel times.

• Bimini: A slightly more active nearby island offering beaches, dining, and marina life.
• Berry Islands: A quieter island chain ideal for extended boating and exploration.
• Miami & South Florida: Just a short flight away, often serving as the primary departure point.