Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
CAT ISLAND
Cat Island is a fascinating place to visit and one where the heart of traditional African-Ba-
hamian culture continues to beat, though you'll have to dig deep to discover: there is no
tourism infrastructure handing you the island's culture on a plate; non-Bahamian visitors are
rare, and those who come here go to several diving resorts on the south coast.
A single road, inventively named the Queen's Hwy, runs down the west shore, lined by
plantation ruins and ramshackle settlements where unemployment and poverty are rife. Des-
pite this, Cat Island is blessed with rolling hills and is crowned by Como Hill (206ft) and its
atmospheric hermitage, while the Atlantic or 'north' shore is crowned with miles of blush-
colored beaches and dramatic cliffs.
The wall-diving accessed from the southwest coast is exceptional and there is some great
hiking along old logging and plantation trails.
History
Following the American Revolution, Loyalists arrived with many African slaves and estab-
lished around 40 cotton and cattle estates. Many homes still retain traditional African ovens
for baking bread and teacakes, while the African culture of bush medicine and obeah are still
powerful influences. Some of the islanders are said to be skilled witches, always happy to
prescribe a homemade cure.
Since emancipation, things in a material sense haven't changed much for most of the pop-
ulation. Many depend upon selling their few tomatoes, onions, and pineapples (planted in
limestone pot holes, where nutritious soils are aided by guano or bat excrement, gathered
from caves for fertilizer) and on small stipends from the National Insurance Board.
Activities
There are several superb dive and snorkel sites down south at Morgan's Bay and Hawk's
Nest Creek ( Click here ). Dry Head, in shallow water close to the bay's shore here, also has
prolific marine life.
Favored bonefishing spots include the flats of Joe's Sound Creek, a 20-minute boat ride
south of Fernandez Bay A couple of recommendations:
Top Cat's Fishing Service FISHING
(
242-342-7003; Devil's Point) Will tailor trips, priced accordingly.
Fernandez Bay Village FISHING
( 242-342-3043; www.fernandezbayvillage.com ; Fernandez Bay) Will arrange bonefish-
ing with guide Mark Keasler ($200/290 per half-/full day), bottom fishing ($250/400) and a
short-day fishing trip for children ($150).
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