Old Bight: White-Sand Beaches and Quiet Yacht Cruising on Cat Island

Old Bight is one of the most peaceful yacht charter stops on Cat Island, stretching along a broad bay on the island's western coast beneath a shoreline of soft white sand. The settlement is surrounded by clear Bahamian water, bonefish creeks and very little development, creating the kind of quiet anchorage that makes the Southern Out Islands so rewarding to explore by yacht. The Bahamas tourism authority specifically highlights the white sands of Old Bight Beach as one of Cat Island's standout coastal experiences.

The beach is the main attraction. Old Bight Beach follows the protected side of Cat Island for a considerable distance, with shallow turquoise water that is ideal for swimming, paddleboarding and relaxed tender trips along the coast. Nearby Armbrister Creek adds excellent bonefishing opportunities, while the wider Cat Island coastline offers snorkeling and fishing in waters that remain noticeably less crowded than the Exumas or Nassau.

Old Bight also has more history than its sleepy waterfront initially suggests. St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church stands on a ridge above the settlement and is one of the distinctive churches created by Father Jerome, the priest and architect responsible for The Hermitage at nearby Mount Alvernia. New Bight lies just north, while Port Howe and the quieter southern reaches of Cat Island can be incorporated into an easy southbound yacht charter itinerary.

Old Bight occupies the southern half of the large bay between Hawksnest Point and Bone Fish Point, with New Bight forming the northern section. The western coast is generally the preferred side of Cat Island for cruising, but there is no conventional marina entrance at Old Bight. Yachts approach the open roadstead directly and select an anchoring position according to draft, wind and sea conditions.

The approach is relatively uncomplicated in suitable weather, although depths decrease toward the shoreline. Recent cruiser reports describe it as shallow but straightforward when following current charts and monitoring the depth sounder carefully. Good daylight remains valuable for identifying clear sand, darker bottom and any shallow areas before committing to an anchoring position.

Old Bight offers one of the better open anchorages along southern Cat Island. Typical depths in the main anchoring area are approximately 8 to 12 feet, with excellent holding in clear sand. Although yachts can anchor along much of the bay, the usual position is between the public beach and the beachfront properties farther south. Protection is strongest from east-northeast through south.

The bay remains open from roughly south-southwest through north, so swell can quickly make the anchorage uncomfortable when weather arrives from the western side. In prevailing easterly conditions, however, Old Bight can be a beautiful overnight stop with easy tender access to the beach. Its sandy bottom, generous space and peaceful surroundings make it particularly attractive for yachts cruising slowly between New Bight and the southern end of Cat Island.

Old Bight is one of Cat Island's principal settlements and retains the relaxed character of a traditional Bahamian Out Island community. The historic St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church sits above Queen's Highway and features a Gothic facade along with frescoes, engravings and sculptures. The church is now a historic ruin and is not normally open to the public, although visitors may be able to arrange access locally.

The surrounding area is particularly appealing for charter guests interested in fishing and low-key exploration. Armbrister Creek is associated with bonefishing, while the long beach provides an easy setting for swimming and walking ashore. With New Bight, Mount Alvernia and the southern settlements of Cat Island all within easy reach, Old Bight works well as both a destination and a relaxed overnight anchorage.