My wife and I would like to vacation on Cat Island 08/28/04 - 09/05/04. What is the weather like at this time? We realize this is peak season for hurricanes but, our 25th anniversary is at this time and we are also limited to this time for vacation. We wanted to go to Anguilla but, because of the hurricane season most things shut down then. Any help would be appreciated.

My husband and I stayed on Cat Island for 10 days in October 2001. Of the 10 days, we had rain for one full day. The temperature was about 80-85 during the day and a glorious 75 or so at night. Due to both of us working, we usually are only able to vacation during the the peak hurricane season. We've been to Cat Island, St. John, Anegada (northernmost of the BVI's), Anguilla and numerous others during that time frame. We have never had a problem. I know others have, however. The one thing that comes to mind is that you opted not to go to Anguilla because "most things shut down" during that time. Please realize that there is virtually nothing on Cat Island to shut down. There are fewer than five restaurants on the island, there is absolutely no nightlife, no shopping ... zip, zero, zilch as far as non-beach activities. If you are looking to enjoy each others company, fantastic beaches and the glorious feeling of being away from "civilization" then Cat Island is definitely the place for you to celebrate your 25 years together. But if you are looking for any nightlife, wide array of restaurants, etc. you should go elsewhere to celebrate. Cat Island is truly for people who want to get away from everything and everybody - which is one of the reasons we loved it so much!

SusanLynne, Thank you for your help. I have another question for you. I have heard about the big mosquitos on Cat Island. Just how bad are they? Can you take a nice walk down the beach at night with out getting eaten alive? Nights on the beach is so nice. Hate to have that ruined by the mosquitos. Anything to worry about?

No-see-ums and mosquitos can be a problem anywhere in the islands, and we did encounter them on Cat Island (we stayed at Fernandez Bay Village). FBV has a comprehensive spraying program which keeps them at bay, and you can certainly help yourself with a good repellent, but chemicals only go so far. A lot depends on the weather conditions -- if it's breezy, they won't be bad; if it's wet, it's another story. (P.S. Make sure the places you are interested in staying are open in September; many close this time of year.)

Jeb325: As Callaloo pointed out, there are no-see-ums and mosquitos all over the place. We used repellant at night, which seemed to work well. We would also wear very light pants (cotton, drawstring, casual type) at night for additional protection. The bugs on Cat Island weren't anything we could not tolerate. We've had much worse elsewhere! I don't know if you have decided on where to stay, but we thoroughly enjoyed Hawks Nest Resort & Marina. Callaloo stayed at Fernandez Bay which also seemed nice, albeit a bit "busier" than Hawks Nest. The reason I mention Hawks Nest is that there is a house you can rent on the property. Interior very well-appointed (white wicker), rooms have A/C, but the thing I recall best about it was the huge deck overlooking Exuma Sound. It is called the Pointe House, I believe. I remember when my husband and I walked through the house thinking, "Wouldn't this be an ideal place to spend an anniversary celebration." Anyway, food for thought. If I can be of further help, give a shout. I am more on the Africa board nowadays, but check in here periodically.

SusanLynne and Callaloo, I thank you both for the information you have shared with me. I have put down a deposit at Hawks Nest. SusanLynne, I have read all your posts about Hawks Nest and I am looking forward to it. We have chose Aug. 20th - Aug. 29th. Callaloo, you were right about closing in September. We will be staying in a one bedroom w/ac. Looked at Fernandez Bay but we felt Hawks Nest would be more comfortable for us. Again, thank you both.

Jeb325: I hope you enjoy your stay as much as we did. The managers, Brian and Jennifer, are fantastic and will do whatever they can to make your stay more enjoyable. The staff are all pleasant and hard-working. The ambiance is very, very "kick back." It is one of our favorite places in the Bahamas. Make sure you rent a car at least one or two days and just putt-putt around the island. The contrast between the Exuma Sound side and the Atlantic side is quite interesting. Enjoy yourselves and please make sure you post a trip report upon your return!