Old Bight Settlement

Old Bight Settlement combines a coastal setting with a remarkable church history. Old Bight Beach stretches along the settlement’s western shore. White sand and calm, turquoise water define the beach, and conditions are well suited to swimming. If you’re looking for a place that offers both beach and cultural attractions, Old Bight has two distinct highlights that are readily distinguished by their history.

Church History in Two Periods

The Church of Saint Francis of Assisi is located in Old Bight on Cat Island. Construction began in 1944 and was completed in March 1945. A crucifix is a defining feature of the church. It is a historic ruin with a Gothic facade, frescoes, engravings, and sculptures. The church is not usually open to the public; check access with local residents.

St Mary the Virgin Church in Old Bight has an older history: the congregation was founded in 1884, and the church was consecrated in 1889. It is regarded as the only actual monument to emancipation in The Bahamas. Together, the dates represent different chapters of local religious history: the congregation’s founding and the church’s consecration took place in the 19th century, while Saint Francis was built in the mid-20th century. When choosing an area to search for a vacation rental, the beach and churches may therefore appeal to different interests, without equating the historical themes with a beach stay.

More to Discover Across the Wider Destination of Cat Island

Beyond Old Bight, Cat Island offers other landscapes and cultural attractions. Mount Alvernia, also locally known as Como Hill, is the highest point in The Bahamas at 206 feet (63 meters). At its summit stands The Hermitage, a small medieval monastery built from local stone in 1939. The route there follows a stone staircase up a steep, rocky slope. Hand-carved stone reliefs of the Stations of the Cross line the ascent; from the summit, there are panoramic views across the lush island. These details relate to Cat Island as a whole, not to the coast or churches of Old Bight.

The island’s musical tradition is also part of its character: Rake & Scrape has its roots on Cat Island. The Annual Rake & Scrape Festival takes place every June, and the festival includes quadrille dancing. Check the dates before you travel; the program may vary from year to year. For another culinary attraction, the Fish Fry is in New Bight on Cat Island. When planning your trip, you can consider the beach, history, scenery, music, and food as different interests rather than attributing them all to a single place.

Getting There and Choosing an Area

Old Bight is accessible by road from New Bight Airport, which is about 10 miles to the north. Western Air offers flights between Nassau and Cat Island. Check the route and flight schedule before you travel. These directions help you understand how to get there and choose an area, without implying a specific driving time.

When searching for a vacation rental, you can first decide what you’d like to focus on during your stay: the white-sand beach and churches in Old Bight, or other landscape and cultural attractions across the wider destination of Cat Island. Comparing the options highlights different interests without conflating destinations on the island with Old Bight.

Discover more destinations: Smith Town, Orange Creek, Arthur's Town.

Back to the main travel guide: Cat Island.