Hawk's Nest Resort & Marina
Cat Island's only full-service marina where world-class wahoo fishing meets unspoiled Out Island solitude.
Hawk's Nest Resort & Marina stands as Cat Island's only full-service marina, a remote outpost where serious anglers and cruisers find refuge on one of the Bahamas' least developed islands. Located at Devil's Point on Cat Island's southern tip, the 28-slip facility provides everything needed for extended stays in waters that remain remarkably uncrowded despite world-class fishing.
The marina's position puts legendary wahoo grounds within minutes of the dock, while the surrounding island offers 48 miles of empty beaches, historic plantation ruins, and the Hermitage atop Mount Alvernia, the Bahamas' highest point. For those willing to venture off the beaten path, Hawk's Nest delivers an authentically remote Bahamian experience with surprisingly complete infrastructure.
Marina Facilities and Services
The protected marina basin maintains depths of 10 to 11 feet with a well-marked entrance channel offering 7-foot draft clearance at mean low water. Twenty-eight slips accommodate vessels up to 115 feet LOA, with 30, 50, and 100 amp power service available at each dock.
A 40,000-gallon fuel storage facility ensures reliable diesel and gasoline supply, a critical consideration on an island this remote. Two air-conditioned fish cleaning stations rank among the finest in the Out Islands, letting anglers process their catch in comfort. Fresh water, ice, showers, and laundry facilities round out the essentials.
World-Class Sportfishing
Cat Island's position on the edge of Exuma Sound creates exceptional offshore fishing, with the continental shelf dropping away within sight of the marina. The waters around Devil's Point, Columbus Point, and Tartar Bank produce wahoo, yellowfin tuna, mahi-mahi, white marlin, and blue marlin throughout the season.
The marina attracts a dedicated following of anglers who return year after year, drawn by productive waters that see a fraction of the fishing pressure found in more accessible Bahamian destinations. Bonefishing flats dot Cat Island's western shore for those seeking shallower pursuits.
Resort Amenities and Airstrip
Beyond the docks, Hawk's Nest operates as a complete resort with beachfront accommodations, swimming pool, and the Plane to Sea Pub serving Bahamian cuisine and cold drinks. The property welcomes families and pets, maintaining a relaxed atmosphere that suits extended visits.
A 4,900-foot paved private airstrip allows direct access by small aircraft, with 3,100 feet currently approved for immediate use. This aviation connection proves invaluable for guests arriving from Florida or Nassau who prefer to fly directly rather than navigate the crossing.
Exploring Cat Island
Cat Island stretches 48 miles from Hawk's Nest in the south to Orange Creek in the north, offering exploration opportunities found nowhere else in the Bahamas. The Hermitage, a hand-built stone monastery atop 206-foot Mount Alvernia, stands as Father Jerome's architectural masterpiece and the highest point in the nation.
Scattered ruins of colonial-era cotton plantations tell of Cat Island's agricultural past, while the island's small settlements maintain traditions dating back generations. The eight-mile pink sand beach near Port Howe rivals any in the Caribbean, yet remains virtually empty most days.
Getting there
Hawk's Nest Resort & Marina is located at Devil's Point on Cat Island's southern tip, approximately 130 miles southeast of Nassau. The marina approach waypoint lies at 24 08.600N, 75 31.899W, roughly three-tenths of a mile southwest of the entrance. The channel is well-marked and straightforward in good conditions. Alternatively, fly into the resort's private airstrip or to Arthur's Town Airport in northern Cat Island. Contact the marina on VHF 16 for docking assistance.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Hawk's Nest really the only marina on Cat Island?
- Yes. Hawk's Nest Resort & Marina is Cat Island's only full-service marina facility. Other anchorages exist around the island, but Hawk's Nest provides the only slips, fuel, power, and marina services.
- What fishing is best near Hawk's Nest Marina?
- The waters around Devil's Point, Columbus Point, and Tartar Bank are renowned for wahoo, yellowfin tuna, mahi-mahi, and marlin. Wahoo fishing is particularly exceptional, drawing dedicated anglers from across the region.
- Can I fly directly to Hawk's Nest?
- Yes. The resort operates a 4,900-foot paved private airstrip with 3,100 feet currently approved for use. Pilots can arrange landing permission through the resort in advance.