Bennett's Harbour Anchorage

Approach and Anchoring

Bennett's Harbour lies on Cat Island's western coast, roughly fifteen miles south of Arthur's Town. The anchorage is positioned at the mouth of the short channel leading to the government dock, where depths of 10 to 12 feet and excellent holding in clear sand make anchoring straightforward.

The harbour provides good protection from northeast through southeast winds. When westerly winds are forecast, it is best to seek shelter inside Bennett's Harbour proper or relocate to Hawks Nest Marina at the island's southern tip. Consult Explorer Charts and current cruising guides for detailed approach information.

Protection and Conditions

Bennett's Harbour offers reliable protection in the prevailing easterly trade wind conditions that characterize settled Bahamas weather. The harbour's orientation and surrounding shoreline create a comfortable lee for overnight anchoring in typical conditions.

Tidal range runs approximately 2.5 to 3.75 feet, which should be factored when anchoring close to shore or planning dinghy excursions into the shallow mangrove creeks. Like all Cat Island anchorages on the western coast, exposure to westerly winds makes relocation necessary during frontal passages.

Creek Exploration

The highlight of a Bennett's Harbour stay is exploring Alligator Creek and the interconnected waterways by dinghy or kayak. If you paddle into Bennett's Harbour near the end of the flood tide, you can travel all the way through to Alligator Creek and emerge on the other side, making a complete circuit.

These mangrove-lined waterways teem with wildlife including sea turtles, rays, and wading birds. Time your exploration with the tides, as the water flows through the creeks and going against the current can be exhausting. The scenery is spectacular, with narrow passages opening into wider basins surrounded by healthy mangrove ecosystems.

Ashore at Bennett's Harbour

The settlement features a gorgeous beach lined with modest homes, a government dock for the mailboat, and essential services within walking distance. Yardie's, managed by Odette and Derek, is a short walk from the dock and serves delicious meals and fresh conch salad. The restaurant also sells gasoline.

An elementary school, library, gas station, and small shop round out the available amenities. While not suitable for major provisioning, Bennett's Harbour provides enough services for cruisers to extend their stay comfortably. The locals are notably friendly and accustomed to welcoming visiting sailors.

Getting there

Bennett's Harbour is located on the western coast of Cat Island, approximately fifteen miles south of Arthur's Town and the main airport. Cruisers approaching from the north typically sail down from Arthur's Town or cross from Eleuthera. Those coming from the south may have departed New Bight or Hawks Nest. The anchorage is straightforward to approach in good visibility with no offshore hazards.

Frequently asked questions

Can I explore the creeks at any tide?

Timing with the tides is important for creek exploration. Enter near the end of the flood tide to travel with the current through to Alligator Creek. Going against the current in these narrow waterways can be exhausting. Plan your paddle to work with the tidal flow.

Is Bennett's Harbour good for provisioning?

Bennett's Harbour has a small shop but is not suitable for major provisioning. Stock up in Nassau, Eleuthera, or the Exumas before transiting to Cat Island. Yardie's restaurant provides excellent meals when you need a break from cooking aboard.

How far is it from Bennett's Harbour to Arthur's Town?

Bennett's Harbour lies approximately fifteen miles south of Arthur's Town by road. By water, the distance along the coast is similar. Arthur's Town has the island's main airport for crew changes or emergency travel.