Deborah

My husband and I are considering renting a villa on Cat Island for a week or so next summer. Is the ocean calm around the island, if not what area is the best for calm water swimming? Do the beaches receive a lot of shipping industry trash washed up on them? What is the best way to fly to the island? Basically, we are interesting in hearing any comments or suggestions from people who have visited Cat Island. We enjoy quiet, no glitz, low crime islands with long beaches for walking and calm ocean water. Thanks!

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www.frontpageaccess.com/jimtony/cat.htm

Susan

Hi Deborah! If you do a search for Cat Island, you should be able to find a rather lengthy entry I made on behalf of Cat Island. My husband and I went in October 2000 and absolutely loved it. We stayed at the Hawks Nest Resort and Marina, but saw some great rental properties when we tooled around the island in a car rental. The Exuma Sound side of the island is like looking at glass, while the Atlantic side of the island is much rougher. As far as debris, we did not see any. The beaches were immaculate and completely desolate. Cat Island is not part of the cruise industry tours, yet. We flew on a chartered plane from Nassau to Cat Island. It was $90 per person, one way. If you are looking for a place to get away from it all, then Cat Island is your place. Friendly locals who have not been jaded by tourism. The island only got electricity five or so years ago, so there are no Marriott's or Sheraton's or Four Season resorts. Just a lovely island, with beautiful, empty beaches and friendly people. If you want quiet, no glitz, no crime and walking with calm ocean water, then go to Cat Island, but make sure you stay on the Exuma Sound side for that smooth as glass water. If you have any further questions, I would be more than happy to answer. Good luck.

Deborah

Thank you so much for all the detailed information. I was doing a search and looked at this website www.cutlass-bay.com I suggest anyone considering a vacation on Cat Island take a look at it. I am having second thoughts about Cat Island. Thanks again.

Deborah

I did a further search on this site and I see that this issue has been discussed in great length. I sure hope it is a few isolated incidences and that the island is not being overrun by organized crime. Even in my very small town I need to be alert, I just don't want to feel fearful on Cat Island. Thanks again for all suggestions.

Danny

Don't worry about Cat Island. It's a beautiful and peaceful place. The crap you saw was promulgated by people running a nudist colony in a nation that abhors public nudity and who purported to have been burned out and hasseled by local Bahamians. It's not just a coincidence that these same people have a history of running scams AND had a book coming out just after they began posting their garbage on all kinds and types of Bahamian message boards.

Danny

E.D.

Danny, they have just hit traveltalkonline.com on most all of the boards with this stuff about their property and the island problems. I think you are correct in your statement....what is their history of running scams, if I may ask? I know about the book stuff...

Deborah

Are there reasonably well stocked grocery stores on Cat Island? Is much fresh produce available (lettuce, tomatoes, fruit)? Is there a variety of rums available on the island? Just wondering if we would have to bring many items with us. Thank you again.

Danny

E.D.,
You'd have to go back many months on the boards where people that knew them were posting responses. After all this time I simply don't remember all the details. I do know that I visited their web site, as many others did, and it was obvious the "beaten" man in the photos there was a doctored picture, with fake blood and a "black eye" on the lady that was clearly faked. There have been Cat Island reports many times since that episode, which ran on for 2-3 months, and not one of them has pictured the place as anything other than a tranquil and beautiful place to visit. My real experience is on GBI, since we've been vacationing there for over 18 years, but I follow all the message boards closely and try to help folks going on vacation as much as I can. I won't respond to more about this whole thing since it might well start the whole sorry mess over again.

Danny

Susan

Hi Deborah! Don't let the Cutlass Bay posting cast doubt about Cat Island. When we were there, we never, ever felt insecure at any time. The locals were among the friendliest we ever met anywhere. One day while driving around, we saw some men bringing in their catch of the day and cleaning the fish on some rocks just off shore. I jumped out of the car, asked the men if they would mind me taking some photos of their catch, and proceeded to get one of the most informative lessons I have ever had on fish, what is edible, what is not, and some wonderful stories. I would have done no such thing on some of the other islands we have been to. There is a woman on the island who makes straw purses and the like, who will bless you - through a rather elaborate ceremony - regardless of if you buy something. The ceremony is interesting considering vodoo is still practiced on the island. It is a wonderful place and, in fact, we are hoping to buy a parcel of land not too far from where we stayed. Go now before the island in inundated with major resorts and then you will have to worry about crime. As far as groceries, we did stop at a couple of little Mom and Pop shops and they seemed well equipped. There is a relatively large grocery store in their version of a strip mall. I don't think you should have a problem. Hawks Nest Resort has a beautiful three bedroom home, ac home that is available for rent. We peeked in while there. I believe they will stock the fridg with whatever you need, so you really don't have to worry about bringing anything. If I felt the island was not safe, I would not encourage anyone to go. It is worth the visit if you like seclusion, quiet and few tourists.