New Bight
Beneath the Bahamas' highest peak, where a hermit's monastery touches heaven
New Bight anchors the central coast of Cat Island, a quiet settlement that serves as the gateway to the most iconic landmark in the entire Bahamas archipelago. Here, Mount Alvernia rises 206 feet above sea level, the highest natural point in the nation, crowned by a hand-built stone monastery that has drawn pilgrims and wanderers for nearly a century.
The settlement itself embodies authentic Out Island life, where the pace is measured by the rhythm of fishing boats returning with the day's catch and children playing barefoot in dusty lanes. Fernandez Bay curves nearby, its crescent of white sand and impossibly clear water offering some of the finest swimming in the islands.
The Hermitage on Mount Alvernia
Father Jerome Hawes arrived on Cat Island in 1939, a Catholic priest, trained architect, and devoted admirer of St. Francis of Assisi. He purchased the island's highest hill and set about building a miniature medieval monastery entirely by hand, using local stone and his own remarkable skill. The result is a structure that seems to grow organically from the rock itself.
The climb to the Hermitage takes fifteen to thirty minutes via a steep stone staircase. Along the way, Father Jerome's hand-carved Stations of the Cross mark the path, each relief rendered in careful detail. At the summit, the monastery's small chapel and living quarters open onto a 360-degree panorama that stretches across Cat Island's entire length and out to the empty Atlantic.
Fernandez Bay and the Western Shore
Just north of New Bight, Fernandez Bay creates a perfect natural harbor, its calm turquoise waters protected by the curve of the land. The Fernandez Bay Village resort has welcomed guests for generations, offering beachfront cottages that blend seamlessly into the coconut palms. The beach itself runs for about a mile, rarely crowded and always beautiful.
The western coast of Cat Island catches the sunset in spectacular fashion, with the sky turning through shades of orange and pink that reflect off the still water. Kayaking, snorkeling, and simply floating in the bath-warm shallows occupy most visitors, though the ambitious can arrange bonefishing expeditions on the nearby flats.
Old Bight Beach and Island Explorations
A short drive south of New Bight leads to Old Bight Beach, nearly five miles of unbroken white sand that ranks among the longest beaches in the Bahamas. A narrow road crosses the mangrove swamp to reach this pristine strand, where you can walk for an hour without seeing another soul.
The area around New Bight serves as the cultural heart of Cat Island, with local churches, small shops, and the airport that connects the island to Nassau and beyond. Bush medicine practitioners still gather herbs from the surrounding hills, maintaining healing traditions passed down through generations.
Getting there
New Bight Airport (TBI) is Cat Island's primary commercial airport, with daily flights from Nassau via Bahamasair, Western Air, and Southern Air Charter. The flight takes approximately 45 minutes. Makers Air operates several weekly flights from Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport. The weekly mailboat from Nassau takes 10-12 hours and docks at various points along Cat Island. Rental cars and taxis are available at the airport; advance arrangements are recommended during peak season.
Frequently asked questions
- How difficult is the climb to Mount Alvernia and the Hermitage?
- The climb is moderately challenging, involving a steep stone staircase with uneven steps. Those with reasonable fitness can complete it in 15-30 minutes. Wear sturdy shoes with good grip, bring water, and avoid climbing during the hottest midday hours. The path has no shade, so morning or late afternoon visits are most comfortable.
- Can you go inside the Hermitage monastery?
- Yes, visitors can explore the small chapel and Father Jerome's living quarters at the summit. The rooms are tiny, built to the monk's diminutive scale, with low doorways and intimate spaces. There is no entrance fee, and the site is open during daylight hours. Treat the space with respect as it remains a place of spiritual significance.
- What is the best beach near New Bight?
- Fernandez Bay offers the most accessible and beautiful beach near New Bight, with calm protected waters ideal for swimming and snorkeling. For a more adventurous option, Old Bight Beach to the south provides nearly five miles of empty white sand, though reaching it requires crossing a mangrove track. Both beaches have powder-fine sand and crystal-clear water.