There are 700 islands of the Bahamas.  Cat Island is the sixth largest of the seven inhabited islands.  Located 350 miles east of Miami, and 125 miles southeast of Nassau, Cat Island boasts the highest point in the Bahamas of 265 feet.  An abundance of history resides at the peak, Mt. Arvernia.  In the 1930's, at age 62, Father Jerome hand-built a monastery, "The Hermitage" (see picture below).  He lived in the stone structures for over 20 years until his passing.  The views from the peak are breath-taking, and the structures are amazing to visit.

Cat Island is truly a secret paradise.  Where a lifestyle exists that few experience.  People live contently without banks, fast food, or malls, few telephones, and only one gas station!  Yes, there is much to explore.  We highly recommend renting a car and exploring the island.  Drive (on the left) down the single road that stretches from north to south of the 48 mile long island. The island width is only a mile in some areas.  Marvel at the lush, tropical vegetation, rolling hills, and miles of secluded beaches.  Cars and speed limit signs are few. Amazingly, you will not see one stoplight or stop sign!

The local people enhance the island's beauty.  Their simple, laid back lifestyle keeps them happy and genuinely glad for tourist visits.  You can take part in the local, friendly greeting; a toot of your horn and/or a wave is routine and always returned while driving.

Experience a casual lifestyle, explore local culture and settlements, history, snorkeling, island music, fishing, caves, pubs, and local restaurants.  Where food is deliciously prepared with pride for you.  Be sure to call early in the day to order dinner because it is caught fresh daily.

Cat Island is extraordinary and yours to explore.  The experiences that await you are endless.