Smith’s Bay Cat Island Where the Water Turns Impossibly Clear

Cat Island recorded a near 70 percent increase in foreign air arrivals in 2022 compared to pre-pandemic 2019 — the highest jump in the Bahamas.

That stat alone tells you something is shifting on this long, quiet Out Island. For years, Cat Island flew under the radar — fewer flights, limited infrastructure, and a population of just 1,602 according to the 2022 census. But in May 2023, Prime Minister Philip Davis stood at Fernandez Bay Village in Smith’s Bay and laid out a development agenda that touches nearly every part of the island. New airports, paved roads, potable water lines, a major resort project, and upgraded clinics and schools are all in motion. If you’ve been waiting for Cat Island to become easier to reach and more comfortable to explore, that window is opening right now.

Below, I’ve broken down the key developments announced at the Cat Island Business Outlook — what they mean for your trip and how they’re reshaping the island.

New Bight International Airport and Arthur’s Town Upgrades

Getting to Cat Island has been the biggest hurdle for most travelers. The two main airports — Arthur’s Town in the north and New Bight in the central part of the island — have limited capacity and short runways that restrict the size of aircraft that can land. That’s changing with two major investments.

The government committed to building a new multimillion-dollar state-of-the-art International Airport at New Bight. Alongside that, a $10 million runway rehabilitation at Arthur’s Town airport will include solar runway lights, an upgraded airport beacon, apron flood lighting, and a police station adjacent to the airport. These upgrades mean more reliable flights, potentially larger planes, and less chance of weather-related cancellations.

50 Miles of Paved Roads and 90 Miles of Water Lines

Once you land, getting around Cat Island has traditionally meant navigating unpaved roads that turn challenging after rain. A public-private partnership will fund 50 miles of road paving across the island, which will cut travel times and make rental cars far more practical.

At the same time, the Water and Sewerage Corporation will complete 90 miles of water installation to provide potable water across Cat Island. The project also includes road drainage and a new seawall. For visitors, that means fewer logistical headaches — you won’t need to haul bottled water from the airport or worry about rental car damage on rough roads.

PGA Village: A $160 Million Resort and Golf Project

The biggest single tourism investment on Cat Island is the PGA Village project in Southeast Cat Island. Originally proposed in 2009 by Cat Island Partners, the $160.45 million mixed-use development received government approval and includes a golf course, resort accommodations, residential lots, and a marina.

Phase I calls for 125 single-family residential lots, 11.6 acres of multifamily residential pads, 9 holes of the original Rees Jones golf design plus an additional 9 holes, a welcome center, a full-service restaurant, a pro-shop, 12 private one- and two-bedroom cabanas, and a multi-use pavilion. During construction, the project is expected to provide 150 Bahamian jobs, with 150 to 300 jobs during operation.

The Crown Lands on Cat Island will also be made available on a lease-to-own basis for second-home or approved developments, aimed at encouraging Cat Islanders to return. That could open up more long-term rental options for repeat visitors down the line.

Tourism Growth That’s Already Here

Before any of these projects break ground, Cat Island is already seeing real momentum. The Bahamas government opened a Tourism office on Cat Island in 2022 — a concrete sign that the island is being treated as a priority destination rather than an afterthought.

The numbers back it up. In January 2022, Cat Island experienced a 175.4 percent increase in foreign air arrivals compared to January 2019. For the full year 2022, the island recorded a near 70 percent increase over 2019 — the best performance in the Bahamas. That spike came before the airport upgrades and the PGA Village approval, which suggests even stronger demand once the infrastructure catches up.

On nearby San Salvador, the government reopened the Club Med resort, bringing back jobs and visitor traffic. Trevor Williams, a San Salvador native, operates a 100 percent Bahamian-owned water company that supplies Club Med and other local customers — a small example of how tourism investment creates local business opportunities.

Community Services: Clinics, Schools, and Housing

Infrastructure isn’t just about tourism — it’s about making the island functional for the people who live there and the visitors who rely on those services. Contracts have been awarded for renovations and repairs to the Old Bight and Orange Creek clinics, with further upgrades planned for clinics across Cat Island, San Salvador, and Rum Cay through an Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) financing package.

A four-classroom extension will be built at Arthur’s Town Comprehensive School. On San Salvador, a new administration building will replace one destroyed by fire in 2020, and the Cockburn Town Clinic received building renovations, workspace redesign, and an upgraded air conditioning system for negative air pressure and triage. On Rum Cay, a new administration building and a new airport terminal — a replica of the terminal in Ragged Island — are planned. Upcoming fiscal year plans include a housing program on San Salvador and completion of the San Salvador Primary School, with construction of the San Salvador Comprehensive School slated to begin.

For families considering a trip to Cat Island, these upgrades matter. Better clinics mean peace of mind if someone gets sick. Improved schools mean a more stable community for local staff working at resorts and restaurants. It all adds up to a destination that’s becoming more self-sufficient and visitor-ready.

Practical Tips for Visiting Cat Island Right Now

The developments are real, but they’re not all complete. Here’s what you should know before booking.

Getting There

Fly into Arthur’s Town airport for northern Cat Island, or wait for New Bight International to open for central/southern access. Flights connect through Nassau on Bahamasair and a few private carriers. The 70 percent jump in arrivals means seats fill up faster than they used to — book early.

Where to Stay

Fernandez Bay Village in Smith’s Bay is the island’s best-known resort and hosted the Business Outlook. The PGA Village project will add significant capacity once Phase I is operational, but for now, accommodations are limited to smaller resorts, rental cottages, and a handful of guesthouses. If you’re still weighing which side of the island to sleep on, this interactive map of Cat Island’s hotels and rentals makes it easier to compare against the beach or the trailhead.

When to Visit

Cat Island is busiest between December and April, when the weather is driest and the temperatures are mild. The summer months bring higher humidity and a greater chance of rain, but also lower rates and fewer crowds. The new water infrastructure should reduce the dry-season water shortages that have historically affected some parts of the island.

Before You Go — Cat Island

Is Cat Island safe for families?

Yes. Cat Island has very low crime rates compared to Nassau and Freeport. The small population and tight-knit communities make it a comfortable choice for families with kids.

How many days should I spend on Cat Island?

Plan for at least four to five days. The island is 48 miles long, and the road improvements will make it easier to explore, but you’ll want time to settle in without rushing between spots.

Do I need a rental car?

Strongly recommended. Public transport is minimal, and the paved road network is expanding. A rental car gives you access to beaches, the Hermitage, and the quieter southern end of the island.

What’s the biggest downside right now?

Limited dining and evening options. Most accommodations serve meals on-site, and there aren’t many standalone restaurants. If your family likes to eat out every night, Cat Island might feel restrictive until more development comes online.

Can I visit Cat Island on a budget?

Yes, but flights are the main expense. Once you’re there, accommodation ranges from modest guesthouses to higher-end villas. For more tips, check out this guide to Bahamas island hopping on a budget.

Smith’s Bay and the Road Ahead

Prime Minister Davis framed the 2026 development theme as “Forward, Upward, Onward, Together” — and for Cat Island, that’s not just a slogan. The pieces are real: a new airport, 90 miles of water lines, a $160 million resort, and a tourism office that didn’t exist three years ago. Smith’s Bay, where it all got announced, sits at the center of that shift. The water has always been clear here — what’s changing is how easy it is for the rest of us to get to it. If you’re looking for a Bahamas that still feels undiscovered but won’t stay that way long, Cat Island is worth a serious look. For another quiet beach escape, read about the Bahamas’ most secluded swimming holes here.

References

Bahamas Press. “Prime Minister Davis Speaks of Infrastructure Developments on Cat Island, San Salvador, and Rum Cay.” May 2023. ↗

ZNS Bahamas. “PM Davis: Family Island Development Is Not a ‘Mere Political Catchphrase’.” May 2023. ↗

If Cat Island’s blend of quiet beaches and growing infrastructure appeals to you, you might also enjoy the pink sands of Harbour Island or the windsurfing at Treasure Cay. Both are more developed than Cat Island but share that Out Island sense of space. Read about Harbour Island’s pink sand beach here, and check out Treasure Cay for windsurfing. For something quieter still, the cenotes and swimming holes covered in our secret spots article are worth adding to your Bahamas list.