Fernandez Bay: Cat Island's Crescent of Calm Water and White Sand

Fernandez Bay is one of the most inviting yacht charter stops on Cat Island, a sheltered crescent on the island's western coast where clear turquoise water meets a long stretch of soft white sand. Located close to New Bight, the bay offers a peaceful alternative to developed marina destinations and perfectly captures the quiet character of the Southern Out Islands.

The calm, shallow water is ideal for swimming, kayaking and paddleboarding, while reefs and small offshore cays provide opportunities for snorkeling and tender exploration. The beach extends for about a mile in front of Fernandez Bay Village, creating plenty of space for a relaxed afternoon ashore before returning to the yacht for sunset.

Fernandez Bay also works particularly well within a wider Cat Island yacht charter. New Bight and Mount Alvernia are nearby, while yachts can continue south toward Old Bight and Port Howe or cruise north toward Smith Bay and the island's more secluded anchorages. Its combination of good holding, straightforward shore access and a beautiful beach makes Fernandez Bay one of Cat Island's most appealing cruising stops.

Fernandez Bay lies on the western side of Cat Island, north of Bone Fish Point and close to New Bight. The bay is a relatively small indentation in the coastline, so it can appear larger from offshore than the usable anchoring area actually is. Depths decrease toward the northern shore, and captains should approach using current charts, visual navigation and careful depth monitoring.

The western coast is generally Cat Island's preferred cruising side because it faces Exuma Sound and offers more practical anchoring opportunities than the exposed Atlantic coast. There is no full-service marina in Fernandez Bay, so yachts remain at anchor and guests reach the beach or Fernandez Bay Village by tender. New Bight Airport is only a short distance away, which can also make the area convenient for guest transfers.

The main Fernandez Bay anchorage lies toward the northern end of the bay in approximately 7 to 11 feet of water. Holding is generally good in sand, with useful protection from winds between north-northeast and southeast. The bay is open toward the west, however, and can become uncomfortable or unsuitable when strong westerly winds or swell arrive.

In settled easterly conditions, Fernandez Bay can be exceptionally comfortable. Recent cruiser reports describe deep sand, calm water and good access for dinghies, kayaks and paddleboards. The southern part of the bay also provides access toward mangrove waterways, while larger yachts can remain farther offshore where depth allows.

Fernandez Bay Village is the principal establishment on the shore and gives visiting yacht guests an easy opportunity to enjoy the island without leaving the bay. The relaxed beachfront property has cottages and villas, a restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, and an honor-system tiki bar overlooking the water. Visiting boaters are welcomed ashore at the restaurant.

The surrounding area also rewards exploration. Kayaks can follow nearby creeks through mangrove habitat, and a route from Fernandez Bay leads toward the locally known Boiling Hole, a snorkel-friendly blue hole. Bonefishing, snorkeling and small-boat excursions around nearby cays add further options for guests spending a full day or overnight at anchor.