Cat Cays, Island group in northern Bahamas
The Cat Cays consist of two islands located approximately 16 kilometers south of Bimini in the northern Bahamas. They sit in shallow waters and serve as natural reference points for navigation in the surrounding area.
Queen Victoria transferred the islands to Captain William Henry Stuart in 1873 in recognition of his service at Gun Cay Lighthouse. During World War II, they became a military base used by British and Allied forces.
North Cat Cay hosts the Cat Cay Yacht Club, a private retreat where members gather, reflecting the islands' role as an exclusive destination for boating enthusiasts.
The islands are best reached by boat, as they are located offshore in open water. A lighthouse built in 1933 stands on the property and helps guide maritime traffic in the area.
Military leaders visited the islands during World War II when they served as a strategic base, a role that contrasts sharply with their current purpose. Today this wartime chapter remains a lesser-known part of their broader story.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.