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Cat Island
Home of international acclaimed Bahamian actor and good well Ambassador, Sir Sidney Poitier. The Sixth Largest Island in the Bahamas Chain, Cat Island is 48 mile long by four mile, the island stretches out into the Atlantic Ocean, Arawak Indian caves can be explored, as well as the remains of slave huts dating back to the 1700s and the ruins of plantations created by Loyalist in 1783 who were the first permanent settlement can still be seen today.
The highest point Mount Alvernia with an elevation of 206 feet above sea level is the highest point in the Country. The hill served as the home of Father Jerome Hawkes, who settled on the island in 1939, where he built a miniature monastery and hand-carved steps out of solid rock, known as the Hermitage. He also built St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, in Old Bight. With its gothic facade and detailed interior sculptures and frescoes, the church may well be the most beautiful building on the island. Both land marks are a must see when visiting Cat Island and have been major attractions for both tourist and locals.
Believed to have been named after the pirate Arthur Catt who to frequented the island. For more than four centuries, Cat Island was called San Salvador and thought by some to be the first landfall of Columbus in the New World. In 1926, Watlings Island, also named after a pirate, was renamed San Salvador and the name Cat Island was used once again. However, much of the island remains undeveloped, which provides a unique vacation for those who want to get away in a private, relaxing, laid-back environment. Like Harbour Island, the pink sandy beaches of Cat Island are popular, but so are the world-class diving adventures, snorkeling and fishing. With 50 miles of rolling hills and miles of nature trails, one can truly experience the native feel of this island. Divers are attracted to the coral reefs, blue holes, coral walls, caves and shipwrecks. Shark dives, dolphins and stingrays are all part of the experience.
Whatever you decide, there’s something for everyone to see and do Cat Island or you can choose to simply do nothing at all.
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