New Bight Anchorage
The cruiser epicenter of Cat Island, where Mount Alvernia rises above a spacious bay with excellent holding and authentic Bahamian hospitality.
New Bight is the primary cruising destination on Cat Island, offering visiting sailors a spacious anchorage with excellent holding in sand and easy access to local amenities. The bay provides ample room to swing, making it ideal for boats of all sizes seeking a comfortable overnight stop or extended stay in this remote Out Island paradise.
Rising directly across the road from the government dock, Mount Alvernia and its iconic Hermitage create a stunning backdrop to this welcoming anchorage. The settlement serves as the island's commercial hub, with grocery stores, Fish Fry restaurants, and the friendly atmosphere that has made Cat Island a favorite among cruisers seeking authentic Bahamian culture.
Approach and Anchoring
New Bight lies on the western coast of Cat Island, open to Exuma Sound. The approach is straightforward in good visibility, with no offshore hazards requiring navigation around. Anchor in the area between the Fish Fry village and the government dock near the BTC cell tower, selecting a sandy patch for best holding in depths of 10 feet or more.
The anchorage can accommodate numerous boats with plenty of swinging room. You can tuck into the northeast corner of the bay to escape northerly swells and even weather moderate NNW wind events. However, the anchorage becomes untenable when winds have significant south or west components. Consult Explorer Charts and current cruising guides for detailed navigation information.
Protection and Conditions
New Bight offers reasonable protection when winds have easterly components, which is typical during settled weather. The bay's generous size means there is always room to reposition as conditions change. Like most Cat Island anchorages, exposure to the west makes this location unsuitable during frontal passages or when westerly winds are forecast.
Cruisers planning extended stays should monitor weather carefully and be prepared to relocate to Hawks Nest Marina at the southern tip of Cat Island if conditions deteriorate. The Abaco Cruisers Net and local VHF channels provide valuable weather updates for boats in the area.
Ashore at New Bight
Dinghy landing is available at the government jetty adjacent to the BTC tower, though dock conditions should be checked as storm damage may affect tie-up options. The beach near the prominent pink buildings offers an alternative landing spot when the dock is crowded.
New Bight Food Market, located about half a mile north of the Batelco tower, is well-stocked with provisions including some hardware and office supplies. The Fish Fry restaurants serve authentic Bahamian cuisine and provide a welcoming social scene for cruisers. Fresh water availability requires checking with the police station, and trash bins are located near the government complex.
Mount Alvernia and The Hermitage
The road to Mount Alvernia begins directly across from the government dock, making this a convenient anchorage for visiting the highest point in the Bahamas. At 206 feet, Mount Alvernia offers sweeping views of Cat Island and the surrounding waters, rewarding those who make the short but steep climb.
Atop the hill sits The Hermitage, a miniature monastery built by Father Jerome in 1939 as his retirement retreat. The hand-hewn stone structure includes a bell tower and Stations of the Cross along the path, making it one of the most remarkable historical sites in the Out Islands. The hike takes roughly 30 minutes round trip and is best undertaken in the cooler morning hours.
Getting there
New Bight lies approximately 130 miles southeast of Nassau and is typically reached by cruising vessels transiting from the Exumas or Eleuthera. The approach from the west is straightforward in settled conditions. New Bight International Airport receives scheduled flights from Nassau, making crew changes possible. Most cruisers arrive by sailing from Long Island to the south or the Exuma chain to the west, planning passages to take advantage of favorable wind windows.
Frequently asked questions
- Is New Bight a good all-weather anchorage?
- New Bight provides good protection when winds have easterly components but is exposed to south and west winds. During frontal passages or when west winds are forecast, cruisers should relocate to Hawks Nest Marina at the southern tip of Cat Island for better protection.
- Where can I land my dinghy at New Bight?
- The government jetty near the BTC tower provides dinghy landing, though conditions vary. An alternative is to beach your dinghy on the north shore near the prominent pink buildings and walk to the main road.
- How do I reach The Hermitage from the anchorage?
- The road to Mount Alvernia begins directly across from the government dock. The hike to The Hermitage at the summit takes about 15 minutes each way and offers the best views in the Bahamas from the highest point in the country at 206 feet.
Nearby
Fernandez Bay Anchorage
A picture-perfect protected bay where white sand meets turquoise water and the iconic Fernandez Bay Village welcomes cruisers to one of Cat Island's most scenic anchorages.
ExploreBennett's Harbour Anchorage
A historic settlement harbour with excellent holding in clear sand, protected mangrove creeks to explore, and genuine Out Island hospitality.
ExploreHawks Nest Creek Anchorage
Cat Island's only all-weather refuge, where a protected creek and full-service marina offer shelter when westerly winds make open anchorages untenable.
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