Arthur's Town Travel Guide

City Main settlement on Cat Island, Bahamas

Cat Island’s main settlement, Arthur’s Town mixes fishing piers, empty stretches of sand and the climb to Mount Alvernia’s hermitage; visitors come for serene beaches, bonefishing and slow island rhythms.

Costs

Affordable compared with major Bahamian hubs

Expect $80-$140 per day for modest hotels, local food and island excursions.

Safety

Safe but remote

Quiet and safe; rural island risks and limited emergency services are the main concerns.

Best Time

Best during the dry season (Nov-Apr)

November-April for calm seas, comfortable temperatures and better access to beaches and trails.

In This Guide

Why Visit Arthur's Town?
Top Things to Do
Plan Your Visit
Where to Stay
Where to Eat

Time

—

Weather

—

Population

1,175

Infrastructure & Convenience

Limited services and shops; car rental or taxi needed to reach attractions; English widely spoken.

Popularity

Favored by travelers seeking solitude, hiking and cultural authenticity rather than resorts.

Known For

Mount Alvernia, Hermitage, secluded beaches, fishing, local festivals, historic churches, ruins, rural Bahamian culture

Cat Island's Mount Alvernia, the Bahamas' highest point, and the Hermitage monastery are located on the island near Arthur's Town.

Why Visit Arthur's Town? #

Cat Island’s Arthur’s Town appeals to travelers seeking quiet beaches and cultural depth rather than crowds. Hikers trek to Mount Alvernia and Father Jerome’s Hermitage for island panoramas, while local Rake-and-Scrape music nights and seafood shacks serve fresh conch and lobster. Low-key guesthouses, historic churches and annual festivals keep traditional Bahamian life at the heart of visits.

Top Things to Do in Arthur's Town

All Attractions ›

Little San Salvador Island

Private Bahamian island on Cat Island, sandy beaches

Island

Don't Miss

Mount Alvernia (The Hermitage) - Climb the island's high point to visit the solitary stone hermitage and chapel.
Arthur's Town Harbour - Visit the harbor to observe fishing activity and local ferry connections to nearby cays.
Local beaches near Arthur's Town - Walk to nearby sandy shores for quiet swimming and simple seaside relaxation.

Hidden Gems

Bishop's Hill and nearby trails - Hike lesser-known tracks around low hills for coastal views and solitude.
Cat Island craft markets - Browse small markets for handcrafted goods and local foods in quieter island settings.
Small private beaches and coves - Seek out tucked-away sand pockets for undisturbed swimming and sunbathing on Cat Island.

Day Trips

The Hermitage and Mount Alvernia - Climb to Father Jerome's Hermitage atop Mount Alvernia for island panoramas and history.
Cat Island driving loop - Drive coastal roads to visit beaches, small settlements, and low limestone hills.

Best Time to Visit Arthur's Town #

Arthur's Town is nicest between November and April when cooler, drier weather favors hiking and beach time. Summer and hurricane months bring heat, humidity, and storm-related uncertainty.

Cool Season

November - April · 18 - 25°C (64 - 77°F)

Dry, breezy conditions make Cat Island's beaches and hikes wonderful; expect fewer crowds and comfortable evenings.

Hot Season

May - September · 25 - 31°C (77 - 88°F)

Warm and humid with occasional showers; great for sunrise beach time but midday heat can be intense.

Hurricane Season

June - November · 26 - 31°C (79 - 88°F)

Increased storm potential and heavy rain - quieter tourism and lower prices, but carry travel insurance and stay weather-aware.

Best Time to Visit Arthur's Town #

Climate

Tropical climate with hot summers (peaking in August) and warm winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 19°C to 32°C. Moderate rainfall (947 mm/year).

Best Time to Visit

MarchFebruaryApril

Temperature & Rainfall

Temperature Range

31°

Warmest Month

17°

Coldest Month

Monthly Conditions

January

January is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 19°C. Moderate rainfall (36 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

88 Excellent

Comfort

22°

Feels Like Mild

22°C

Temperature

19° – 25°

75%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

36 mm

Rainfall

4.2 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

1.1

UV Index

High

10.7h daylight

February

February is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 19°C. Moderate rainfall (39 mm).

90 Ideal

Comfort

22°

Feels Like Mild

22°C

Temperature

19° – 26°

75%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

39 mm

Rainfall

4.4 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

1.5

UV Index

Very High

11.2h daylight

March

March is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 20°C. The driest month with just 27 mm.

92 Ideal

Comfort

23°

Feels Like Mild

23°C

Temperature

20° – 27°

74%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

27 mm

Rainfall

4.4 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

1.9

UV Index

Very High

11.9h daylight

April

April is warm with highs of 27°C and lows of 22°C. Moderate rainfall (39 mm).

90 Ideal

Comfort

25°

Feels Like Warm

25°C

Temperature

22° – 27°

75%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

39 mm

Rainfall

4.5 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

2.2

UV Index

Extreme

12.6h daylight

May

May is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 23°C. Regular rainfall (100 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

80 Excellent

Comfort

26°

Feels Like Warm

26°C

Temperature

23° – 29°

77%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

100 mm

Rainfall

4.4 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

2.2

UV Index

Extreme

13.2h daylight

June

June is hot, feeling like 30°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (145 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

78 Very Good

Comfort

30°

Feels Like Hot

27°C

Temperature

25° – 30°

79%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

145 mm

Rainfall

3.8 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

2.3

UV Index

Extreme

13.5h daylight

July

July is hot, feeling like 32°C due to high humidity. Moderate rainfall (70 mm).

78 Very Good

Comfort

32°

Feels Like Hot

28°C

Temperature

25° – 31°

77%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

70 mm

Rainfall

4.7 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

2.5

UV Index

Extreme

13.4h daylight

August

August is the hottest month, feeling like 33°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (106 mm).

74 Very Good

Comfort

33°

Feels Like Hot

28°C

Temperature

25° – 32°

77%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

106 mm

Rainfall

4.4 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

2.4

UV Index

Extreme

12.9h daylight

September

September is hot, feeling like 31°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (119 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

80 Excellent

Comfort

31°

Feels Like Hot

28°C

Temperature

25° – 31°

77%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

119 mm

Rainfall

5.1 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

2.0

UV Index

Extreme

12.2h daylight

October

October is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). The wettest month with heavy rain (168 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

76 Very Good

Comfort

26°

Feels Like Warm

26°C

Temperature

23° – 30°

77%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

168 mm

Rainfall

4.8 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

1.6

UV Index

Very High

11.5h daylight

November

November is warm with highs of 27°C and lows of 22°C. Moderate rainfall (57 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

86 Excellent

Comfort

25°

Feels Like Warm

25°C

Temperature

22° – 27°

75%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

57 mm

Rainfall

5.8 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

1.2

UV Index

High

10.8h daylight

December

December is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 20°C. Moderate rainfall (41 mm).

90 Ideal

Comfort

23°

Feels Like Mild

23°C

Temperature

20° – 26°

76%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

41 mm

Rainfall

5.0 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

1.0

UV Index

Moderate

10.5h daylight

How to Get to Arthur's Town

By Air

Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS): Nassau is the international hub; to reach Cat Island you can fly domestically from Nassau.

Arthur’s Town / Cat Island (regional airport): Cat Island’s small airport serves Arthur’s Town; domestic flights from Nassau are the usual option. From the airstrip a short taxi ride brings you to Arthur’s Town - travel times and fares are short and modest for the short distance.

By Train & Bus

Train: There is no rail service on Cat Island.

Bus / Local Shuttle: Cat Island has no formal public bus system; taxis and rental cars are used to move between settlements. Road conditions outside main towns may be basic; a rental car is useful if you plan to explore widely.

How to Get Around Arthur's Town #

Arthur’s Town on Cat Island is small and easily walked in its centre, but much to see is spread across the island, so renting a car or hiring local taxis is common. Bikes can work for short distances on quieter roads. Access is by regional flights or limited ferry service; check schedules and arrange transfers in advance.

Where to Stay in Arthur's Town #

Budget

Arthur's Town - $60-160/night

Arthur's Town has limited hotel choices; budget travelers typically pick local guesthouses or small beachfront properties like Fernandez Bay Village.

Fernandez Bay Village - Laid-back beachfront rooms on Cat Island
Local guesthouses (Airbnb listings) - Basic guesthouses and cottages

Mid-Range

Arthur's Town / Fernandez Bay - $140-280/night

Mid-range lodging is small-scale resort or bungalow style, focused on beach access and relaxed island activities rather than big-hotel amenities.

Fernandez Bay Village - Comfortable beachfront bungalows and villas
Regional resort listings (Cat Island) - Other small resorts around the island

Luxury

Fernandez Bay / Arthur's Town - $200+/night

Luxury options are intimate and villa-based; Cat Island offers boutique beachfront villas rather than large luxury chains.

Fernandez Bay Village - Boutique upscale cottages and private villas
Private villa rentals (regional listings) - Higher-end private villas by arrangement

Where to Eat in Arthur's Town #

Nightlife in Arthur's Town #

Nightlife is very limited in Arthur’s Town. Most evenings are quiet and centered on guesthouses or small restaurants; formal bars and live music are rare.

Shopping in Arthur's Town #

Shopping is minimal-expect basic groceries and a few local vendors selling crafts and island goods. For specialty purchases or more variety, larger islands are better-equipped.