Climbing Mount Alvernia: Cat Island’s Hermitage, Beaches, and the Bahamas You Haven’t Seen Yet

Quick Facts: Port: New Bight, Cat Island | Country: The Bahamas | Terminal: New Bight Government Dock | Dock (no tender required for small vessels; larger ships may anchor offshore) | Distance to New Bight village: less than 0.5 miles | Time zone: EST (UTC−5); EDT (UTC−4) in summer

New Bight is the administrative capital of Cat Island — one of the most authentically Bahamian, least-touristed islands in the entire archipelago, and a quietly spectacular stop for cruisers who want the real thing. This is not a Nassau-style port with duty-free shops and tourist buses; this is Cat Island, where goats wander unpaved roads, fishermen haul conch at dawn, and the island’s highest point is crowned by a hand-built stone hermitage. Your single most important planning tip: give yourself as much time ashore as possible, because Cat Island rewards slow exploration — and almost nothing here runs on a tight schedule.

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Port & Terminal Information

The New Bight Government Dock is a modest but functional pier serving as the primary arrival point for vessels visiting New Bight. It is a straightforward dock landing — no tender required for most smaller and expedition-class cruise ships — though larger vessels anchoring offshore will use tenders, which adds 15–20 minutes to your transit time each way. Factor this into your day if your ship announces a tender operation.

Terminal facilities are minimal by big-port standards, and that’s part of the charm. There is no formal cruise terminal building here — you’ll step onto the dock and immediately feel like you’ve arrived somewhere genuinely off the beaten track. There are no onsite ATMs, no luggage storage facilities, no official tourist information desks, and no Wi-Fi at the dock itself. Bring cash before you arrive (see Practical Information below), download offline maps, and brief yourself on the island before you disembark.

The dock is located within easy walking distance of New Bight village and the main island road. You can find the dock’s approximate location and orient yourself using [Google Maps](https://www.google.com/maps/search/Cat+Island+Bahamas+cruise+terminal) before you arrive. The village itself — with its handful of small shops, the commissioner’s office, and local eateries — is less than a 10-minute walk from the pier.

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Getting to the City

Cat Island is not a city-island. New Bight is a small settlement, and the wider island stretches roughly 48 miles north to south. Getting around requires a plan.

• On Foot — New Bight village is entirely walkable from the dock in under 10 minutes. The small cluster of businesses near the commissioner’s office, the local bakery, and the road leading to the Mount Alvernia trailhead are all accessible on foot. The Hermitage hike itself begins about 1 mile from the dock and is doable on foot in the heat, though the trail ascent is steep.

• Bus/Metro — There is no public bus system on Cat Island. Jitney-style transport does not operate here in the way it does in Nassau. Do not plan your day around any form of scheduled public transit.

• Taxi — Local taxis and private drivers meet arriving vessels at the dock, and this is your primary means of island exploration. Fares are negotiated rather than metered. Expect approximately $15–$20 USD for a short trip within the New Bight area, and $80–$120 USD for a full-island guided taxi tour (typically 4–6 hours, covering beaches, settlements, and landmarks). Always agree on the price before you get in. Drivers here are generally knowledgeable, friendly, and genuinely excellent informal guides — tip generously.

• Hop-On Hop-Off — No hop-on hop-off service exists on Cat Island. This option is not applicable here.

• Rental Car/Scooter — Car rental is available on Cat Island through a small number of local operators, and this is genuinely worth considering if you’re comfortable driving on the left side of the road (Bahamian traffic law) on narrow, partially unpaved island roads. Rental rates run approximately $75–$100 USD per day. Ask your ship’s shore excursion desk or local dock agents to arrange this in advance, as vehicles are limited. A rental car gives you the most freedom to explore the full length of the island.

• Ship Shore Excursion — If your ship offers an organized Cat Island excursion, it may be worth taking if you’re uncomfortable navigating independently, as it removes the logistical uncertainty of arranging local transport on arrival. However, given Cat Island’s size and the intimacy of local taxi drivers who know every trail, beach, and historic site, going independently with a local driver often produces a far richer, more personal experience. Browse [available tours on Viator](https://www.viator.com/search/Cat+Island+Bahamas) and [GetYourGuide](https://www.getyourguide.com/s/?q=Cat+Island+Bahamas&currency=USD&partner_id=MHU0UHU) to compare options before embarkation.

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Top Things to Do in Cat Island Bahamas, New Bight

Cat Island is an island of layered rewards — ancient ruins, wild beaches, spiritual history, and Bahamian culture untouched by mass tourism. Here are the best ways to spend your time ashore.

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Must-See

1. The Hermitage at Mount Alvernia (Free — no admission fee)
This is the single most iconic thing on Cat Island and the image that defines the island for anyone who’s ever researched it. The Hermitage is a tiny stone monastery hand-built in the 1940s by Father Jerome (John Hawes), a British architect turned Catholic priest turned hermit, who quarried and carried every stone himself. It crowns Mount Alvernia, which at 206 feet is the highest point in all of the Bahamas — modest in altitude but extraordinary in atmosphere. The trail begins just outside New Bight, takes about 20–30 minutes to ascend, and rewards you with a 360-degree panoramic view of the island, the Atlantic, and the Bight of Acklins. The stone chapel, bell tower, and carved Stations of the Cross along the path are deeply moving, even for non-religious visitors. Allow 1.5–2 hours including the hike and time to absorb the view.

2. Father Jerome’s Other Church: St. Paul’s Anglican Church, New Bight (Free)
Before he retreated to his hilltop hermitage, Father Jerome designed and built several churches across the Bahamas, and the ones on Cat Island are among his finest. St. Paul’s Anglican Church in New Bight is a beautifully atmospheric stone structure with Romanesque arches and hand-crafted details that feel completely incongruous with the surrounding scrubland — in the best possible way. It’s a 5-minute walk from the dock and often unlocked during daylight hours. Allow 20–30 minutes.

3. St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, Old Bight (Free)
Another Father Jerome masterpiece, located in Old Bight, about 5 miles south of New Bight. This is considered by many architecture enthusiasts to be his finest Cat Island work — a small but perfectly proportioned stone church surrounded by coconut palms and quiet cemetery, feeling almost medieval against the tropical backdrop. If you have a car or taxi, this is a must-add. Allow 30 minutes including travel from New Bight.

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Beaches & Nature

4. Fernandez Bay Beach (Free)
Roughly 1.5 miles north of New Bight, Fernandez Bay is one of the most beautiful beaches on the entire island — a gentle crescent of powdery white sand on the calm western (Caribbean-side) shore, sheltered and absolutely clear. The Fernandez Bay Village resort sits here, and their beach bar is open to day visitors. This is the ideal spot for a swim, a cold Kalik beer, and a long, unhurried hour of doing absolutely nothing. Allow 1.5–2 hours. A taxi from the dock costs approximately $10–$15 USD one way.

5. Atlantic-Side Beaches (Cutlass Bay & Beyond) (Free)
The eastern shore of Cat Island faces the open Atlantic and has a dramatically different character — wilder, windswept, and lined with brilliant turquoise water backed by casuarina pines. Cutlass Bay, accessible via a short track off the main road, is largely deserted and utterly stunning. Waves here can be significant, making swimming conditions variable, but for photography and solitude these beaches are extraordinary. A local taxi driver will know the best accessible points. Allow 1 hour per beach.

6. Turtle Cove & Mangrove Ecosystems (Free)
Cat Island has some of the healthiest and most intact mangrove systems in the Bahamas, and the shallow bights on the western shore are important nursery habitats for sea turtles, juvenile sharks, and bonefish. If you can arrange a kayak or small boat with a local operator, exploring the mangrove channels is an unforgettable experience. Ask locally at Fernandez Bay Village or through your taxi driver about water-access options. Allow 2–3 hours for a proper paddle.

7. Snorkeling & Reef Diving (varies by operator — approx $50–$100 USD per person)
Cat Island sits within the Bahamas’ broader reef system, and the underwater life here — largely undived by the tourist masses — is exceptional. Visibility is typically outstanding. Local dive operators can arrange reef snorkeling and scuba trips from New Bight. While there are currently limited dedicated Cat Island dive tours bookable online, you can explore [available water tours on Viator](https://www.viator.com/search/Cat+Island+Bahamas) for Bahamian island snorkeling experiences to compare what’s on offer. 🎟 Book: Pearl Island Bahamas Snorkeling Experience and Lunch Allow 3–5 hours for a combined snorkel and beach excursion.

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Day Trips

8. Arthur’s Town & the Painted Village (~18 miles north of New Bight)
Arthur’s Town is the birthplace of Sir Sidney Poitier, the first Black actor to win an Academy Award for Best Actor, and the village has embraced this heritage with colourful painted murals and a small cultural display near his childhood home site. The drive north along the Queen’s Highway is itself a pleasure — empty roads, wild coastline glimpses, and the occasional free-roaming horse. This is a full taxi-tour addition, best combined with beach stops along the way. Allow 3–4 hours for a round-trip including stops. A [cultural island tour experience like the ones offered through Viator](https://www.viator.com/search/Cat+Island+Bahamas) can provide helpful context for landmarks like this. 🎟 Book: CHIPPIES BAHAMAS Island Tours : Feel The Culture

9. The Cotton Estate Ruins (Free — scattered across the island)
Cat Island was once a significant cotton-producing island during the British colonial era, and the ruins of plantation-era structures — slave quarters, plantation houses, cisterns, and walls — are scattered throughout the island’s interior. Several can be accessed on foot from the main road with local guidance. They are haunting, important, and largely uninterpreted — your taxi driver will often provide the most nuanced local history. Allow 1–2 hours depending on which sites you visit.

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Family Picks

10. Conch Shelling on the Beach (Free)
Cat Island’s beaches are still littered with conch shells in a way that the more heavily visited Bahamian islands simply aren’t. Walking the shoreline and hunting for perfect queen conch shells — some still occupied, which you’ll learn to identify — is genuinely exciting for children and adults alike. The beaches near New Bight and north toward Fernandez Bay are particularly good for this. Allow 1 hour, easily combined with a swim.

11. Meeting the Locals: New Bight Village Walk (Free)
This sounds simple, but it’s genuinely one of the most memorable things you can do. Wandering New Bight’s handful of roads, stopping at the small general store, chatting with whoever’s sitting in the shade, and simply absorbing how quietly, unhurriedly Bahamian life operates here is an experience you cannot manufacture. Kids often love the freedom of an unhurried village walk where the pace is completely different from home. Allow 45 minutes–1 hour.

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Off the Beaten Track

12. Bonefish Flats (Fly-Fishing) (Guide rates approx $300–$400 USD per day — arrange in advance)
Cat Island has exceptional bonefishing flats on its western shore, and it’s one of the Bahamas’ quieter, uncrowded fishing destinations. If you’re a fly-fishing enthusiast and you know you’re visiting Cat Island, arranging a half-day guided wade or skiff session with a local guide before you arrive is one of the most extraordinary things you can do on this island. This requires advance booking through local operators — ask Fernandez Bay Village or your ship’s concierge team for referrals. Allow 4–6 hours.

13. The Old Commissioner’s House & Government Square (Free)
New Bight’s small government square, anchored by the commissioner’s office and the old government building, is a quiet piece of colonial administrative Bahamian architecture that most visitors walk straight past. It’s unpretentious and not grand, but as a snapshot of how the Out Islands of the Bahamas were governed and how little has changed structurally, it’s worth 15 minutes of your attention. Located 5 minutes’ walk from the dock. Allow 15–20 minutes.

14. Hawk’s Nest, Devil’s Point & the Southern Tip (~25 miles south of New Bight)
If you have a full day and a rental car or willing taxi driver, driving to the southern end of Cat Island reveals another landscape entirely — wilder, more remote, and stunning in its bleakness. The Hawk’s Nest Marina and resort at the island’s southern tip caters primarily to private plane arrivals and is a fascinating glimpse into the world of Bahamian private-aviation tourism. The surrounding beaches are deserted and extraordinary. Allow 4–5 hours for a round-trip drive with stops.

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What to Eat & Drink

Cat Island food is authentic, unembellished Bahamian home cooking — and that is exactly the point. You won’t find fusion restaurants or tourist menus here; you’ll find cracked conch so fresh it was alive this morning, peas-and-rice cooked low and slow, and johnnycake still warm from a home kitchen.

• Cracked Conch — The island staple: fresh queen conch, pounded thin, battered, and fried golden. Served with peas-and-rice and coleslaw. Available at local eateries in New Bight; price range $12–$18 USD per plate.

• Conch Salad — Raw conch chopped fine with onion, tomato, sweet pepper, lime juice, and Scotch bonnet. Made to order, insanely fresh. Price range $8–$12 USD. Ask locally where the freshest is being made the day you arrive.

• Peas and Rice — The Bahamian national side dish: pigeon peas cooked with rice, tomato, and thyme. It appears with almost every meal and is deeply comforting. Part of any plate, rarely priced separately.

• Johnnycake — A dense, slightly sweet corn-flour bread baked in a cast-iron pan. Home bakers in New Bight sometimes sell them from their front steps. If you see one, buy it. Price range $2–$4 USD for a slice.

• Kalik Beer — The national beer of the Bahamas, brewed in Nassau. Cold, light, and perfectly suited to a Cat Island beach. Available at the Fernandez Bay Beach bar and any local shop. Price range $3–$5 USD.

• Switcha (Switcher) — A traditional Bahamian lemonade made with sour lime, sugar, and water. Bracingly refreshing in the heat. Homemade versions are far superior to bottled. Ask at local eateries. Price range $2–$3 USD.

• Local Rum Drinks — Cat Island residents have a tradition of home-produced fruit wines and rum-based drinks flavored with local fruits and herbs. If a local offers you a homemade rum punch or fruit wine, accept with gratitude.

• Fernandez Bay Village Beach Bar — The most reliable sit-down drink and light food option for visitors. Relaxed atmosphere, cold drinks, and occasional fresh-cooked items. Located on Fernandez Bay Beach, about 1.5 miles from the dock. Price range $5–$20 USD.

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Shopping

Cat Island is emphatically not a shopping destination, and that’s entirely fine — it’s actually a relief. There are no duty-free jewelry chains, no souvenir T-shirt stalls, and no curated gift boutiques here. What you’ll find instead is small general stores selling practical goods, and occasionally local artisans selling hand-crafted items at the dock or in the village. The most meaningful things to buy are

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🎟️ Things to Book in Advance

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📍 Getting to Cat Island Bahamas, New Bight

Use the interactive map below to explore the port area and plan your route from the terminal.