Old Bight Anchorage

Approach and Anchoring

Old Bight Landing is located near Armbrister Creek on Cat Island's western coast, just south of New Bight. The approach is straightforward in good visibility, with no significant hazards to navigate around. Anchor in sand with good depths allowing you to position reasonably close to shore, perhaps within 100 feet with larger boats.

A secondary anchorage offshore of McQueens provides similar conditions with good holding in sand. Both spots share the same exposure limitations, offering protection only from east through south. Consult Explorer Charts CAT-1, CAT-3, and CAT-8 for detailed navigation guidance.

Protection and Conditions

Old Bight provides protection from easterly through southerly winds only, making it suitable for settled weather conditions or short daytime stops. The anchorage is exposed to north and west winds, which can make conditions uncomfortable or untenable.

In settled weather with eastern trades, Old Bight can be a romantic overnight anchorage with stunning sunset views over the open water. Monitor weather forecasts carefully and be prepared to relocate to New Bight or Hawks Nest if conditions change.

The Beach and Beachcombing

Old Bight Beach stretches for five miles along Cat Island's western shore, from the north end of the bay around Orange Creek Point to the mouth of Orange Creek. This extensive sweep of white sand offers some of the best beachcombing in the Out Islands, with shells, sea glass, and interesting flotsam washing ashore regularly.

The extreme north end of Cat Island, accessible from Sand Point, can be reached from this anchorage and is particularly rewarding for those who enjoy exploring. Early morning walks on the nearly deserted beach, with the sun rising over the island's interior hills, create memorable experiences.

Dining at Rollezz Resort

Anchoring at Old Bight puts you directly in front of Rollezz Resort and Restaurant, a culinary highlight on Cat Island. Owners Yvonne and Carl Rolle are warm and welcoming to cruisers, but dinner reservations are essential as they serve a fixed-price ($48), fixed-menu, three-course dinner that requires advance preparation.

The quality of the cuisine and gracious hospitality make Rollezz a destination dining experience worth planning your cruise around. Call ahead at 242-557-0005 to secure your reservation. Beach the dinghy and walk to the restaurant for an evening that rivals any fine dining experience in the Bahamas.

Getting there

Old Bight is located on Cat Island's western coast, just south of New Bight. Cruisers typically reach Old Bight by sailing along the coast from other Cat Island anchorages or by crossing from the Exumas or Eleuthera. The anchorage near Armbrister Creek is straightforward to approach in good visibility.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a reservation for Rollezz Resort?

Yes, reservations are required for dinner at Rollezz Resort. They serve a fixed-price, fixed-menu three-course dinner that requires advance preparation. Call 242-557-0005 to reserve your table.

How far does Old Bight Beach extend?

Old Bight Beach stretches for five miles from the north end of the bay, around Orange Creek Point, to the mouth of Orange Creek. This extensive beach offers some of the best beachcombing in the Out Islands.

Is Old Bight suitable for an overnight anchorage?

Old Bight can be a romantic overnight anchorage in settled weather with easterly winds, offering stunning sunsets over the water. However, it is exposed to north and west winds and should be avoided when these conditions are forecast.