Cat Cay

A Storied History

Cat Cay's history spans centuries of Caribbean adventure. Named for its resemblance to a ship's "cat line," the island was once used by pirates Edward Teach, known as Blackbeard, and Charles Vane. Queen Victoria granted the original deed to Captain William Henry Stuart in 1873 as a reward for his service as keeper of the Gun Cay lighthouse.

The modern era began when Milo Strong purchased the island in 1915 and built the Manor House, which stands today. In 1931, advertising executive Louis Wasey acquired Cat Cay for $400,000 and transformed it into a private club by 1935, establishing the exclusive character it maintains to this day.

The Birth of Big Game Fishing Innovation

Cat Cay played a pivotal role in sport fishing history. The waters surrounding the island, with deep water lying just a mile offshore, attracted record catches through the 1930s, 1940s, and beyond. The fishing tournaments held here drew anglers from around the world competing for tuna, marlin, and other big game species.

The tuna tower — the elevated platform now standard on sportfishing boats worldwide — was invented on Cat Cay and first used by a skipper in the 1952 Cat Cay Tuna Tournament. This innovation revolutionized the sport by giving captains an elevated vantage point to spot fish.

World War II and Beyond

During World War II, Cat Cay served as a paramilitary base for PT boats of the British and Allied Forces, adding a chapter of military service to its colorful history. After the war, the island returned to its role as a private retreat.

In the latter part of the 20th century, Al Rockwell and a group of investors purchased the island, maintaining its status as a private members' club. Today, the Cat Cay Yacht Club continues to operate the island as an exclusive community with residential compounds, the historic Manor House, and the nine-hole Windsor Downs golf course.

Marina and Port of Entry

The Cat Cay marina features 107 slips and serves as an official Bahamas port of entry, allowing yachts arriving from the United States to clear customs directly on the island. This designation makes Cat Cay a practical first stop for vessels crossing from Florida, even though the island itself is accessible only to members and their registered guests.

A breakwater lighthouse constructed in 1933 marks the approach, standing 12 feet tall with a 5 nautical-mile range, guiding vessels into the protected harbor.

Getting there

Cat Cay is accessible only by private yacht or aircraft, and visiting requires membership in the Cat Cay Yacht Club or an invitation from a member. The island serves as an official Bahamas port of entry, allowing yachts arriving from the United States to clear customs at the marina. The crossing from South Florida takes approximately three to four hours depending on conditions.

Frequently asked questions

Can you visit Cat Cay?

Cat Cay is a private island operated by the Cat Cay Yacht Club. Access is restricted to members and their registered guests. However, the marina serves as an official Bahamas port of entry for yachts requiring customs clearance.

What was invented on Cat Cay?

The tuna tower — the elevated platform now standard on sportfishing boats worldwide — was invented on Cat Cay and first used by a skipper in the 1952 Cat Cay Tuna Tournament.

Who owns Cat Cay?

Cat Cay is owned and operated by the Cat Cay Yacht Club as a private members' club. The island has been under private ownership since the early 20th century, passing through several owners including advertising executive Louis Wasey who established it as a club in the 1930s.