Cat Island, Transportation & weather
 

Need some information on how to get to this island &amp; Greenwood Beach Resort. It seems as if there are flights from Nassau for about $80.pp one way, &amp; then there would be the cab fare to the resort. <BR>So am I looking at about another $400 added to my fare from the US east coast? <BR>We have out choice as to Jan-March if we go. What are weather conditions like in those months?<BR>We are being given 4 nights at this resort as a gift. However, we'd have to pay for our flights &amp; food. I'm thinking that this may be too much at this point.<BR>

There are other carriers that fly to Cat from the U.S. LynxAir flies from Ft. Lauderdale and lands at an airport by Hawksnest, which isn't too far from Greenwood Beach Resort. Are you sure the owners don't come pick you up at no charge? Call these airlines and see how much it would cost; they all fly from Ft. Lauderdale or Miami to to Cat Island:<BR>1. Bahamasair doesn't fly from the U.S. to Cat, only from Nassau. Call 242-377-8451, 242-377-7408 (fax) <BR><BR>2. Island Express 954-359-0380 flys to Cat from the U.S. mainland, I believe Ft. Lauderdale. <BR><BR>3. Gulfstream Airlines 954-992-8532 <BR><BR>4. Tony Armbrister flies private charters to Cat, call 242-342-3043 <BR><BR>5. Call Larry Meredith who flies private charters too, 242-342-3018 <BR><BR>A best kept secret! You lucky son of a gun! Greenwood is at the SE section of Cat Island, by The Bight airport. You can access a coral patch reef directly in front of the Greenwood Inn. It's about 14 feet of water, with huge stands of Elkhorn coral, and in the seagrass beds there, you'll see a friendly pair of Grey Angle fish wish have befriended the snorkelers. Wrasse, hermit crabs and sand gobies abound in that neat patch of ocean as well. The waters of the Atlantic side of Cat may be a bit choppy during the winter months though. Still, purchase a good quality pair of flippers, snorkels and face mask to pack in the suitcase. You will be in a very remote section of the Bahama's archipelago. The weather will probably never get below 60 degrees at night; 70 degrees during the day. Still, bring a sweater; you never know for sure. Also, the ocean is cooler so bring a thin wetsuit, or see if Greenwood has some for you. You'll have fun. Robert

Hi Paul!<BR>When my husband and I went to Cat Island two years ago, I distinctly remember someone from Greenwood meeting some people at the airport. Robert is correct and you may want to double check whether the hotel still offers that service. We stayed at the Hawks Nest Resort and Marina for 10 days, and absolutely loved our trip. We rented a car and stopped at Greenwood while taking a tour of the island. The resort is on the Atlantic side of the island, which I found to be windier and the water rougher, but it is glorious all the same. The island only got electricity about five or so years ago, so don't expect any highrise hotels, flashy cars or fancy restaurants ... it is the perfect getaway place. And for that privilege, you will have to pay a bit of money. We flew to Bight Airport (even though Hawks Nest has its own runway) from Nassau and it cost about $75 pp. I would go as late in March as possible. Have a wonderful time.

Susan; My wife and I will be staying at Hawknest when the weather grows a bit warmer. I will be doing reef surveys there. Any shallow reefs offshore, within snorkeling distance? Also, I heard Sidney Poitier's daughter owns a pub where they do the rake and scrape. Do you know the name of the place? Robert

Hi Robert! First off, I want to say that I think you will thoroughly enjoy your stay at Hawks Nest. It is a perfect getaway place. The managers Brian and Jennifer are fantastic. The accomodations are clean and comfortable with wicker furniture, ac, hair dryer, etc. You will lack for nothing. As for reefs, yes there are several of them within snorkeling distance. One in particular I remember is just off the point from the rental house (called the Point House) on the resort property. About 30 yards or so off-shore. There is a dive shop at the resort and they will be more than happy to point you in the direction of numerous reefs in close proximity. Make sure you get a kayak and check out the Hawks Nest River. It can be a bit of a bear when low tide, but at high tide it is fantastic. You can kayak to a real secluded beach just around the point, and have a picnic lunch. Yeah, Sidney Poitier was born and raised on Cat Island, but the only place I can think of that may be run by a daughter is the Mountain View Restaurant. One night the managers took us there for dinner, since we were the only guests that night at the resort. The staff got the night off and Brian, Jennifer and the two of us went to the Mountain View. Not fancy, but some of the best homemade food I have ever had - especially the macaroni and cheese. It is known throughout the island for its fried chicken. Ask Brian and Jennifer about her place. If anyone knows about it, they will. By the way, I would encourage you to rent a car while there. We did for a couple of days and enjoyed our walk up Mount Alvernia, at 206 feet the highest point in the Bahamas! Also, the views on the Atlantic side are worth checking out. Warning: nothing is posted as far as signs, so be prepared to get lost - but have fun doing so!!! Have a wonderful trip and please post a report when you return.

Thanks, Susan; Can't wait. Will rent a car and island explore. I heard tha trail through the mangroves to the private beach is a great trip. Will make sure to do it at high tide. I talked to Brian about it and they will even pack a picnic lunch for us. LynxAir has flights to Cat from Ft. Lauderdale, but they won't have the new flight schedules until after the start of the new year, for 2003. I will post our trip report. Robert