Port Howe
Eight miles of pink sand where plantation ruins whisper of fortunes lost
Port Howe clings to the southeastern corner of Cat Island, an ancient settlement that once served as the island's primary harbor before roads connected its scattered communities. Today it stands as a quiet monument to another era, its weathered buildings overlooking eight miles of velvet pink sand that ranks among the most spectacular beaches in all the Bahamas.
This remote stretch of coast faces the open Atlantic, where the waves have polished coral fragments into the distinctive rose-hued sand that gives the beach its character. Behind the shore, the ruins of Deveaux Plantation crumble slowly back into the earth, remnants of an 18th-century cotton empire that once brought wealth and tragedy to these shores.
The Pink Beach of Columbus Point
The beach at Port Howe runs for eight uninterrupted miles, its sand blushing pink from crushed coral and foraminifera shells ground fine by the Atlantic surf. This is not a gentle swimming beach but a wild and windswept strand where the waves roll in from thousands of miles of open ocean.
Columbus Point marks the southeastern tip of Cat Island, where some historians believe Christopher Columbus first sighted land in 1492. Whether or not this claim holds historical weight, the promontory offers dramatic views along the coast in both directions. The beach is almost always empty, its length simply too vast for the handful of visitors who make the journey.
Deveaux Plantation Ruins
Colonel Andrew Deveaux received this land in 1783 as a reward for recapturing Nassau from the Spanish during the American Revolution. He built a grand mansion here, the center of a cotton plantation worked by enslaved laborers whose descendants still live on Cat Island today. The two-story structure now stands roofless and overgrown, its whitewashed walls slowly surrendering to the tropical vegetation.
Wandering through the ruins requires some imagination and sturdy shoes, as no formal trails or interpretive signs guide visitors. The main house, slave quarters, and outbuildings can still be identified among the undergrowth. Local guides can provide context about the plantation's history and its place in the broader story of Bahamian cotton cultivation.
The Quiet End of Cat Island
Port Howe represents Cat Island at its most isolated. The settlement has no real tourist infrastructure, no hotels or restaurants catering to visitors. Instead, it offers an authentic glimpse into Out Island life at its simplest, where fishing and subsistence farming still shape the rhythm of days.
The roads leading to Port Howe wind through some of Cat Island's most scenic terrain, passing rolling hills unusual in the flat Bahamas archipelago. Birders find the area rich in both resident and migratory species, while the lack of development means dark skies perfect for stargazing on clear nights.
Getting there
Port Howe is reached by road from New Bight, approximately 15 miles to the north. The journey takes about 30-40 minutes on the Queen's Highway, which runs the length of Cat Island. A rental vehicle is essential as no public transportation serves the area. The settlement has no services, so bring water, food, and sun protection. Most visitors base themselves at resorts near New Bight and make Port Howe a day trip. The beach is accessed via unmarked tracks; local guidance helps locate the best access points.
Frequently asked questions
- Is it safe to swim at Port Howe beach?
- The beach faces the open Atlantic and can have strong currents and surf, especially during winter months or unsettled weather. It is generally better suited for walking and beachcombing than swimming. If you do enter the water, stay close to shore and be aware of conditions. There are no lifeguards or emergency services nearby.
- Can I explore the Deveaux Plantation ruins on my own?
- Yes, the ruins are accessible to visitors, though there are no formal paths, signs, or facilities. Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes to navigate the overgrown site safely. Be cautious of unstable walls and hidden hazards in the vegetation. Hiring a local guide enhances the experience with historical context and helps locate the various structures.
- Are there any restaurants or shops in Port Howe?
- Port Howe has essentially no tourist facilities. Bring everything you need for the day including water, food, and sun protection. The nearest restaurants and shops are in the settlements between Port Howe and New Bight. This isolation is part of the area's appeal for those seeking genuine solitude.