Travel guide – cat island
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Overview
Shaped like a hook rather than a cat, Cat Island is the most unspoilt and undeveloped of the Bahamas, named after the pirate Arthur Catt, who has also lent his name to the main town, Arthur's Town. The ostentatiously named Queen's Highway is a ragged road running through the centre of the island, providing access to a myriad of beautiful, picture-postcard pink-sand beaches. Explorers can tackle the Armbrister Creek mangrove swamp in a canoe, while windsurfers are challenged by the wild waves and winds of the Atlantic coast. Divers head south to the offshore reefs. Being relatively undiscovered and lacking in infrastructure, Cat Island is inexpensive, featuring some comfortable small resorts and marinas.
Climate
In general the weather is good all year and the trade winds ensure that the temperatures remain relatively mild. There is little variation in temperature year round, but the coolest months are December to February, while the hottest are June to August. The rainy season extends from May to November when there is a slight chance of hurricanes. Peak season is between December and April. Generally the northern and western islands, including New Providence Island, are cooler than the southern islands.
Health
A yellow fever vaccination is required by travellers aged more than one year arriving from infected areas, and Hepatitis A immunisation is recommended for visitors over two years. Food and water is considered safe. Visitors should note that some types of fish, including tropical reef fish, are poisonous to eat even when cooked. Medical facilities are good in Nassau and Freeport, but expensive and usually require payment in cash on treatment. Medical insurance is advised. Princess Margaret Hospital in Nassau, where most emergency surgery is performed, is experiencing a chronic shortage of blood so those with rare blood types are advised to know the names and locations of possible donors in the event of an emergency. The Lyford Cay Hospital has a hyperbaric chamber for treatment of decompression illness.
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