Port Howe: Pink-Sand Shores and Colonial Ruins on Cat Island

Port Howe lies near the southeastern end of Cat Island, surrounded by quiet coastline, coral reefs and some of the most secluded beaches in the Southern Out Islands. Far removed from Cat Island's larger settlements, this historic community offers yacht charter guests a more adventurous side of the island, where days can be spent snorkeling, fishing, exploring old ruins and discovering beaches with almost no development in sight.

One of the area's greatest attractions is its coastline. Near Port Howe, the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism highlights a rose-colored stretch of sand, while nearby Greenwood Beach extends for approximately eight miles along the Atlantic shore. The water here ranges from brilliant turquoise shallows to reef-lined ocean, creating excellent conditions for swimming, snorkeling, diving and kiteboarding when weather allows.

Port Howe also adds an important historical dimension to a Cat Island yacht charter. Just outside the settlement stand the Deveaux Plantation Ruins, the remains of an 18th-century cotton plantation once owned by Colonel Andrew Deveaux. Combined with nearby Cutlass Bay, southern Cat Island and the isolated coastline toward Devil's Point, Port Howe is an excellent stop for charter guests interested in both Bahamian history and remote cruising.

Port Howe lies on the more exposed southeastern side of Cat Island, where navigation differs considerably from the open roadstead anchorages along the western coast. Reefs protect parts of the shoreline, but they also make the approach more demanding. Cruising guidance for Port Howe describes entering through a break in the reef before proceeding toward the settlement, making good daylight particularly important for identifying coral, sand and shallow water.

Yachts should approach using current charts, depth soundings and up-to-date local information rather than relying solely on previous tracks. There is no major full-service yacht marina at Port Howe, so deeper-draft yachts may prefer to remain in appropriate water outside the shallower coastal areas and use tenders for shore access. The wider Cat Island cruising area generally favors careful weather planning because many anchorages offer limited protection when winds shift toward the west.

Port Howe has a reef-protected anchoring area that can provide useful shelter in appropriate conditions. Published cruising guidance describes anchoring in approximately 6 to 12 feet of water over sand after entering through the reef, with the settlement and Deveaux Plantation Ruins visible from the anchorage. The reef can significantly reduce incoming sea conditions, making Port Howe an unusual option on Cat Island compared with the more exposed western roadsteads.

The approach and inner waters remain shallow, so vessel draft and tide must be considered carefully. Tender access to shore is possible along suitable sections of beach, although very shallow water near low tide can make the final approach more difficult. Because local conditions and reef passages can change, captains should verify current navigation information before using Port Howe as an overnight anchorage.

Port Howe is regarded as one of Cat Island's oldest settlements and is closely associated with the Deveaux Plantation. Colonel Andrew Deveaux received land on Cat Island after helping recapture Nassau from Spanish forces in 1783, and the surviving great house and outbuildings remain among the most significant historic ruins on the island. The site can be visited free of charge.

Nearby Greenwood Beach adds a completely different experience. Its long pink-tinged shoreline is one of the most impressive beaches in southern Cat Island, with diving, snorkeling and other water sports available in the surrounding area. Together, the beach, reefs and colonial ruins give Port Howe an unusually varied character for such a small and secluded Bahamian settlement.