Cat IslandOutdoor Escape Game & Treasure Hunt
Pristine beaches and authentic charm of the Bahamas
Cat Island, with its pristine beaches and authentic charm, is a Bahamian destination that invites gentle exploration and discovery. Far from the tourist hustle and bustle, this island offers total immersion in nature and local culture. For a memorable experience, why not embark on a unique outdoor escape game? Imagine solving riddles while strolling around the iconic Mount Alvernia, the highest point in the Bahamas, where The Hermitage, a miniature monastery, offers breathtaking views. This treasure hunt might lead you through the peaceful streets of Arthur's Town, the island's vibrant heart, or along the pink sand expanses of Greenwood Beach, transforming your visit into a true treasure hunt. It's an unusual activity that combines the adventure of a life-sized role-playing game with the natural beauty and heritage of Cat Island, allowing you to discover its secrets in a fun and engaging way.
Unusual things to do in Cat Island
For an unusual activity on Cat Island, beyond its dream beaches, let yourself be tempted by a thematic exploration. Imagine an original outing where you decipher codes amidst lush vegetation, or follow the traces of local legends while discovering secret coves. The island, with its rich history and varied landscapes, is perfectly suited for off-the-beaten-path adventures. Whether searching for hidden clues near the remains of historical plantations or solving riddles inspired by rake and scrape music, every corner of Cat Island can become the stage for your next great discovery, far from the usual crowds.
Things to do in Cat Island with kids
Cat Island is a fantastic destination for a family vacation, and our games are a great way to have fun together. What to do with family on Cat Island? Our escape games are designed to be accessible from 8 years old, offering a playful adventure where children and teens can actively participate in solving puzzles. It's a unique opportunity to share laughter and complicity while exploring the island. Beyond the game, the island is full of calm beaches for swimming, hiking trails suitable for younger ones, and opportunities to observe marine wildlife, guaranteeing unforgettable memories for the whole family.
Cat Island for couples
Cat Island for couples guarantees a romantic and memorable getaway. Imagine strolling hand-in-hand on deserted beaches at sunset, or exploring picturesque small streets leading to panoramic ocean views. Our games add an extra dimension to this intimacy, transforming your discovery of local heritage into a shared adventure. Solve mysteries together, admire the magnificent landscapes from Mount Alvernia, or enjoy a candlelit dinner in an idyllic setting. Cat Island is an invitation to reconnect, where every moment spent together is a precious discovery.
What to do in Cat Island when it rains
What to do on Cat Island on a rainy day? Although the island is primarily focused on outdoor activities, our escape game is designed to minimize inconvenience due to capricious weather. Approximately 80% of the route is planned to take place under natural arcades, covered passages, or temporary shelters, allowing you to continue the adventure even in case of light rain. This ensures a pleasant and continuous experience, protecting you from the elements while letting you enjoy the unique beauty of the island, even under a cloudy sky.
Where is Cat Island, and where do the routes start?
Starting points of our routes and the places they pass through.
Route starting points
Places in Cat Island
- Base of Mount Alvernia
- Ascension path to the Hermitage
- The Hermitage on Mount Alvernia (exterior)
- St. Francis of Assisi Church
- New Bight Beach (near the church)
- Remains of the old Loyalist settlement
- Viewpoint of New Bight Salt Pond
- New Bight Community Center Plaza
The history of Cat Island
From Guanima to Cat Island: A Shifting Identity
Cat Island, an inhabited island in The Bahamas, has a history marked by changing names and diverse inhabitants. The indigenous Lucayan people called the island Guanima, meaning "middle waters land." For over four centuries, the island was known as San Salvador. Some 19th-century historians believed it was Christopher Columbus's first landfall in the New World in October 1492. This theory is now largely disregarded due to geographical inconsistencies. In 1926, the name San Salvador was officially reassigned to Watlings Island, and the name Cat Island was reinstated.
Loyalist Plantations and Father Jerome's Legacy
The first permanent European settlement on Cat Island began in 1783 with the arrival of Loyalists fleeing the American Revolution. These Loyalists, some from Virginia, established cotton plantations. The ruins of some of these can still be seen today, such as the Deveaux Plantation in Port Howe. The island is also associated with Monsignor John Hawes, an English architect and Roman Catholic priest, known locally as Father Jerome. Beginning in 1939, Father Jerome constructed The Hermitage, a small medieval-style monastery, atop Mount Alvernia (also known as Como Hill), the highest point in The Bahamas at 206 feet (63 meters). He also built several churches on Cat Island and other Bahamian islands, often using local stone and incorporating a Greco-Celtic style with Moorish influences.
What to see in Cat Island
- Mount Alvernia and The Hermitage — Climb to the highest point in The Bahamas, 206 feet (63 meters) above sea level. Along the path, Father Jerome's hand-carved Stations of the Cross lead to The Hermitage, a miniature stone monastery he built in 1939. From the summit, views of the island and surrounding sea are visible.
- St. Francis of Assisi Church, New Bight — This church is one of four on Cat Island designed and built by Father Jerome, displaying his architectural style.
- New Bight Beach — A long stretch of sand, suitable for swimming and relaxation. It is accessible from the New Bight settlement.
- Loyalist settlement remains, New Bight — Remnants of plantations established by Loyalists who arrived in 1783 are visible, offering insight into the island's colonial past.
- New Bight Salt Pond — This natural salt pond historically contributed to the local economy. A viewpoint offers a different perspective of the island's landscape.
- Deveaux Plantation Ruins, Port Howe — The preserved 18th-century ruins of this Loyalist plantation are visible. It is believed to have been built by Colonel Andrew Deveaux.
When to visit Cat Island
The period between December and April is suitable for visiting Cat Island. Temperatures average 25°C to 27°C (77°F–81°F), and rainfall is lower. March and April offer warm, dry conditions for beach days and exploration. May and June are shoulder season, with warmer conditions and fewer people, though rainfall increases. June marks the start of hurricane season. Avoid visiting from June through November to bypass the Atlantic hurricane season, which brings higher temperatures and increased rainfall.
Getting around Cat Island
Cat Island is served by two airports: Arthur's Town Airport (ATC) in the north and New Bight Airport (TBI) in the central part of the island. New Bight Airport has Customs and Immigration facilities. Commercial flights typically connect through Nassau; some direct or charter services are available from South Florida. Cat Island can also be reached by mail boat from Potter's Cay Dock in Nassau, with journeys taking around 10 hours.
A rental car is the most flexible way to travel the island, as attractions and settlements are spread along Queen's Highway. Rental prices start from $75 to $95 daily. Taxis are available for airport transfers or specific trips. Cat Island does not have a public transportation system.
Smaller community markets and general stores are found in settlements like New Bight (New Bight Food Market), Smith's Bay (Alvernia Food Store), Port Howe (DZL General Store), and Orange Creek (Orange Creek Inn Store). Shopping early is advisable.
Things you probably do not know about Cat Island
Verified details most visitors walk straight past.
- Cat Island
- Before it was known as Cat Island, this Bahamian island carried a name that might surprise you, given its current identity. For over four centuries, Cat Island was called San Salvador, and was even considered by some to be the first landfall of Christopher Columbus in the New World in 1492, before the name was officially changed in 1926.
- Mount Alvernia
- The highest point in The Bahamas has a name that connects it to a famous Italian saint. Monsignor John Hawes, or Father Jerome, renamed the hill Mount Alvernia, drawing inspiration from La Verna in Tuscany, a place strongly associated with St. Francis of Assisi.
- The Hermitage on Mount Alvernia
- The miniature monastery atop Mount Alvernia was built by a man with a surprisingly diverse professional background. Father Jerome, born John Cyril Hawes, was a trained English architect before becoming an Anglican priest, then a Roman Catholic priest, and finally a hermit who built The Hermitage by hand in 1939.
- New Bight Salt Pond
- The salt ponds on Cat Island weren't just natural features; they were once vital to the island's economy. Historically, salt production from ponds like the New Bight Salt Pond was a significant industry for Cat Island, playing a crucial role in its economic development.
- Arthur's Town
- One of Cat Island's settlements holds a special connection to Hollywood history. Arthur's Town is the boyhood home of the internationally acclaimed, Academy Award-winning actor and diplomat, Sir Sidney Poitier.
- St. Francis of Assisi Church, New Bight
- The distinct architectural style of this church and others on the island is a testament to one man's vision. The St. Francis of Assisi Church in New Bight was the last church designed by Father Jerome before his passing in 1956, showcasing his unique blend of Greco-Celtic and Moorish architectural influences.
Questions about visiting Cat Island
How do I get around Cat Island?
The most flexible way to explore Cat Island is by renting a car, as settlements and attractions are spread out along Queen's Highway. Taxis are also available for specific trips or airport transfers. There is no scheduled public transportation network on the island.
How much does a trip to Cat Island cost?
While not a low-cost destination, expenses on Cat Island can be managed by planning ahead. A budget traveler might spend around $88 per day, while a comfortable trip averages about $266 daily. This includes accommodation, food, local transport, and activities. Self-catering for some meals can help reduce food costs.
Is Cat Island suitable for families with children?
Cat Island can be a choice for families who enjoy beaches, outdoor exploration, and local culture, rather than large resorts or commercial attractions. Activities like swimming, beach days, nature walks, and exploring small settlements are popular. Planning transportation and meals carefully is recommended.
What are the best areas to stay on Cat Island?
Accommodation options are spread across the island. For central access, consider areas around New Bight, The Bight, and Old Bight. Northern Cat Island has options around Orange Creek and Pigeon Cay, while southern Cat Island offers choices near Port Howe. The best area depends on planned activities and desired level of remoteness.
What kind of local food can I find on Cat Island?
Cat Island offers local Bahamian cuisine, often with a focus on seafood. Casual dining options and bakeries are available in settlements like New Bight (Blue Water's Restaurant & Bar, Olive's Bakery), Arthur's Town (Da Smoke Pot, Hotspot Cat Island), and Old Bight (Alnor's Bake Shop). Eating locally can provide both cultural value and flexibility for your budget.
Are there any unique local events or festivals on Cat Island?
Yes, Cat Island is known as the home of Rake 'n Scrape music, the indigenous music of The Bahamas. The Annual Rake & Scrape Festival takes place every June, celebrating this rhythmic music made with repurposed objects like saws and goatskin drums.
Frequently asked questions
How much does an outdoor escape game cost on Cat Island?
An outdoor escape game on Cat Island with OddballTrip.com is priced at €12 per team. This unique price per team, and not per person, makes the activity very affordable, whether you come as a couple, family, or with friends. It's excellent value for money for a two-hour experience that combines exploration, puzzle-solving, and discovery of the island in a fun and autonomous way. No hidden fees, just an exciting adventure awaiting you.
Is it suitable for children / families?
Absolutely! Our outdoor escape games on Cat Island are perfectly suitable for families and children from 8 years old. The puzzles are designed to be stimulating without being overly complex, encouraging collaboration between different generations. It's a fantastic activity to create memories together, where everyone, from the youngest to teens and adults, can contribute to the success of the mission. An excellent way to discover the island while having fun and strengthening family bonds.
How long does an escape game last on Cat Island?
An OddballTrip outdoor escape game on Cat Island generally lasts between 1 hour 30 minutes and 2 hours. The exact duration may vary slightly depending on your game pace and how quickly your team solves the puzzles. The important thing is to take your time, explore the locations, and fully enjoy the experience. It's the ideal format for an immersive activity that doesn't take up the whole day, leaving you time for other discoveries on the island.
Do I need to book in advance?
No, there's no need to book in advance for our outdoor escape games on Cat Island! That's one of the great advantages of our games: you can start the adventure whenever you want. Simply purchase your game online through our platform, and you'll immediately receive all the instructions to begin. This flexibility allows you to adapt the activity to your schedule and the whims of the weather, without constraint. Appreciable spontaneity for your vacation.
What to visit on Cat Island beyond escape games?
Cat Island is full of natural and cultural treasures. Don't miss Mount Alvernia and its Hermitage, offering breathtaking panoramic views. Explore pink sand beaches like Greenwood Beach for unforgettable relaxing moments. Visit Arthur's Town for an immersion in local life and discover the Boiling Hole, a natural curiosity. The island is also perfect for diving, fishing, or simply walking and admiring the flora and fauna. Every corner of the island promises an authentic discovery.
What is the best season to visit Cat Island?
The best season to visit Cat Island extends from November to May. During these months, the weather is generally dry, sunny, and temperatures are very pleasant, ideal for enjoying the beaches, water activities, and of course, our outdoor escape games. The rainy and hurricane season runs from June to October, although showers are often short and hurricanes are rare. For an optimal experience, prefer the dry season.
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