You step off the plane in Andros Town and the only sound is wind through the pines. No cruise ship horns, no jet ski buzz. That’s the point. The Bahamas has 700 islands and 2,400 cays, yet most visitors never leave the Nassau–Paradise Island corridor. This itinerary is built for people who want to trade crowds for quiet, schedule for surrender. It focuses on two of the least-visited islands — Andros and Cat Island — with a brief stop in Nassau only to catch the connecting flight. Each day is designed to feel spacious, but you’ll still need to respect the limited ferry and flight schedules that keep these places remote.
Andros is the largest island in the Bahamas, yet it receives fewer than 5% of the country’s annual visitors.
This is not a go-go-go trip. You’ll have afternoons with nothing planned — and that’s by design. The tradeoff is that you need to book flights and car rentals well ahead (small planes seat 8–12 people). If you only have four days, drop Cat Island and stay on Andros the whole time.
| Day | Where You’re Going | What You’re Doing | Time Needed | Key Tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Nassau → Andros Town | Arrive, settle in, evening walk on the beach | Half-day travel + rest | Book the earliest flight from Nassau to Andros — afternoon flights often get cancelled. |
| Day 2 | Andros – Blue Holes & Mangroves | Guided kayak tour of blue holes, snorkel, bonefishing | Full day (8am–5pm) | Bring a compact drone for aerial shots — the blue holes are stunning from above. |
| Day 3 | Andros → Cat Island | Fly to Cat Island, afternoon at Fernandez Bay | Travel + half-day | The flight is only 35 minutes but runs just twice a week on some routes — check Bahamas Air schedule. |
| Day 4 | Cat Island – The Hermitage & Beaches | Hike Mount Alvernia, explore The Hermitage, relax on Atlantic side | Full day (8am–4pm) | Start early to beat the heat on the hike — the Hermitage is at the highest point in the Bahamas (206 ft). |
| Day 5 | Cat Island → Nassau → Home | Return flight to Nassau, connect to international departure | Travel day | Have a 3+ hour layover in Nassau — small-plane delays are common. |
Heading into this week, the key decision is whether you’re comfortable with small planes and limited backup options. Andros has no stoplights. Cat Island has one ATM. That’s the appeal. But if you’re coming with kids, make sure they’re okay with long quiet stretches — Lily and Ethan loved the kayaking but got restless on the afternoon of nothing. Bring a pair of good noise-cancelling earbuds for the flight segments.
Andros: The Big Yard
Why start here? Andros is the least developed of the major Bahamian islands, yet it has the infrastructure to support a few days of exploration. It’s also the logical base for blue holes — the island is nicknamed “the Big Yard” and hosts over 200 blue holes, the world’s largest network.
Your flight from Nassau takes about 20 minutes on a small turboprop. After landing, pick up a rental car from Andros Island Rentals (book 2 weeks ahead). Drive to your lodging — the Kamalame Cay or Small Hope Bay Lodge are the two main resorts. Settle in, then take a short walk to the beach. No schedule for the rest of the day.
A guided kayak tour of the blue holes near Fresh Creek typically runs 8am–2pm. You’ll paddle through mangrove tunnels and stop at a freshwater blue hole for swimming. The largest blue hole system here has some holes over 600 feet deep. Bring snorkel gear — the visibility is exceptional. Lunch is included at a local fish camp. Afternoon free for bonefishing or just reading. Note: This is an ambitious day if you have young kids — the kayaking is 3–4 hours paddling. If you’re short on time, skip the kayak and just visit the Forfar Field Station blue hole on foot.
At Small Hope Bay Lodge, ask about their bonefishing flats — they offer guided half-day trips for around $250 per person. September to November is peak season for bonefish.
Cat Island: Hermitage and Empty Beaches
Cat Island is even quieter than Andros — about 1,500 residents spread across 150 square miles. The main draw is The Hermitage, a small monastery built by Father Jerome atop Mount Alvernia, the highest point in the Bahamas. The island is also believed to be Christopher Columbus’s first landing site in the New World in 1492.
The flight takes 35 minutes on Bahamas Air or a charter. Schedule is limited — often only twice a week. Book the earliest morning flight. Arrive at Arthur’s Town Airport. Pick up a rental car (again, reserve ahead). Drive to Fernandez Bay Village or The Beach House. Afternoon is free — walk the beach, swim, do nothing.
Start at 8am to hike Mount Alvernia. The trail is a short but steep climb — about 15 minutes to the top. The Hermitage is a stone monastery built in the 1930s with a small chapel. The view from the top is 360 degrees of ocean and empty land. After descending, drive to the Atlantic side of the island — the road is unpaved but passable. Stop at Greenwood Beach for a picnic. No restaurants there, so bring lunch. Return to your lodging by 4pm. This day is tight if you also want to explore the northern tip of the island — you can safely drop the Atlantic beach if you’re running late.
Cat Island has only one paved road running north–south. The unpaved side roads can become impassable after heavy rain. Ask your hotel about road conditions before driving to the Atlantic side.
Making It Work
The biggest challenge of a remote islands trip is the logistics. Here’s what you need to know about getting around, when to go, and what it costs.
Getting between islands
Flights from Nassau to Andros and Cat Island are operated by Bahamas Air and Western Air. You can book directly on their websites. Prices for a one-way flight from Nassau to Andros are typically around $120–$160 per person. The flight from Andros to Cat Island is less frequent — check the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism for current schedules. Do not try to island-hop by ferry; the routes are almost nonexistent between these islands.
Trip timing
The best months are December through April — dry season with lower humidity. May to November is wetter and hotter, but also cheaper. Hurricane season officially runs June 1 to November 30. If you travel in that window, get trip insurance. The research summary notes that Cat Island is the birthplace of Rake and Scrape music — if you’re there in August, the Cat Island Regatta includes music and food stalls.
Cost reality
Accommodation on these islands is not cheap — expect $250–$400 per night for a basic room, often with meals included. Rental cars run about $80–$100 per day. Flights are the biggest variable. A rough budget for a family of four for 5 days is around $5,000–$7,000, excluding international airfare. A sturdy luggage set helps because small planes have strict weight limits (usually 50 lbs per checked bag).
- Book flights and rental cars at least 4–6 weeks ahead — supply is limited.
- Pack for self-sufficiency: snacks, a first-aid kit, and a mobile power bank (cell reception is spotty on Cat Island).
- Consider a dive computer smartwatch if you plan to explore blue holes — it tracks depth and safety stops.
Cat Island & Andros: Your Questions Answered
Is it safe to visit these islands with kids?
Yes, but you need to be realistic about amenities. There are no hospitals on Cat Island — the nearest clinic is in Arthur’s Town. Andros has a small clinic in Fresh Creek. Both islands are very safe with low crime rates.
What’s the biggest downside of this itinerary?
The isolation. If you’re someone who needs a coffee shop or a bar with music, you’ll feel stranded. Also, the flights are small and subject to weather — you could get stuck an extra day. Plan a buffer day in Nassau on the way back.
Can I skip Andros and go straight to Cat Island?
You can, but Andros gives you a better introduction to the blue holes and bonefishing. Cat Island is more about beaches and solitude. If you have to pick one, choose based on your interest: blue holes = Andros, empty beaches = Cat Island.
Are there any guided tours included?
You can book a blue hole kayak tour with Small Hope Bay Lodge or Andros Island Bonefishing. On Cat Island, the Hermitage hike is self-guided. The Glass Window Bridge on Eleuthera is a different island — not included in this trip.
What’s the one thing I should pack that I might not think of?
A mosquito repellent with DEET — the mangroves and blue holes are breeding grounds. Also, a waterproof phone case for the kayak tour.
Why Disappearing Here Is Different
This trip isn’t about ticking off sights. It’s about the mornings when you wake up to nothing but wind and water. The blue holes in Andros and the summit of Mount Alvernia give you a physical sense of depth — both literal and metaphorical. If you’re looking for a week where the only decision is whether to walk left or right along the beach, this itinerary delivers. For more on how to stretch a Bahamian trip without the crowds, see our guide on a solo traveler’s week alone in the Bahamas — it’s built on the same philosophy of quiet and space.
Sources and further reading
Pride Travelers. “Bahamas Hidden Gems: Beyond Nassau.” 2025. 🔗
Adventure Girl. “Hidden Bahamas Islands.” 🔗
Christoph Albeck. “The real Bahamas: 7 undiscovered island adventures.” 🔗
Related reading on IslandHopperGuides
How to spend a cruise ship day in Nassau without wasting a minute — if you have a layover in Nassau, this helps you make the most of a few hours.
A sailing charter week through the Exuma Cays — a different kind of remote island experience, by water.
A food-first week in the Bahamas built around every meal — for those who want to trade solitude for seafood.