Fernandez Bay Village: Cottages, Beachfront Dining & Activities on Cat Island
INTRODUCTION
Fernandez Bay Village is a small beachfront resort on the western side of Cat Island near New Bight, offering a distinctly low-density alternative to the large resort complexes found elsewhere in The Bahamas. Its accommodations are arranged as individual cottages and villas close to Fernandez Bay's white-sand shoreline, making the beach rather than extensive resort infrastructure the center of the experience.
The Bahamas' official tourism site describes Fernandez Bay Village as a relaxed resort with cottages and villas along approximately a mile of white sand and crystal-clear water. The property includes a restaurant, bar and lounge, water sports and beachfront facilities.
Guests can combine swimming and beach time with kayaking, paddleboarding, snorkeling, boating and excursions around Cat Island. Fernandez Bay Village also operates a beachfront clubhouse and restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner.
The resort is particularly suited to couples, families and independent travelers who value direct beach access and a quieter island setting. For broader planning beyond the property, link naturally to the Ultimate Cat Island Travel Guide as the primary destination hub.
WHERE IS FERNANDEZ BAY VILLAGE?
Fernandez Bay Village is located at Fernandez Bay near New Bight on Cat Island. The official Bahamas tourism listing gives its location as Fernandez Bay, New Bight.
Its central Cat Island location is useful because New Bight also provides access to some of the island's most important historical and geographic landmarks.
Mount Alvernia and Father Jerome Hawes' Hermitage can therefore be incorporated into a stay without relocating to another part of the island.
The resort's own transportation information states that it is approximately five minutes from New Bight Airport, making it particularly convenient for travelers flying directly into central Cat Island.
This combination of airport access and a relatively secluded beachfront setting is one of the property's practical advantages.
THE BEACHFRONT SETTING
Fernandez Bay is central to the resort experience.
Rather than placing guests behind a large central hotel structure, Fernandez Bay Village uses cottages and villas distributed close to the shoreline.
The official Bahamas tourism listing describes the resort as occupying a mile of white-sand beach with clear water, while the resort itself promotes beach views from its accommodations.
Guests can swim, walk along the shoreline or simply spend time beside the bay without needing transportation to reach another beach.
The relatively low-density setting also helps distinguish Fernandez Bay Village from conventional full-scale Caribbean resorts.
COTTAGES AT FERNANDEZ BAY VILLAGE
The cottages are designed around proximity to the beach and outdoor living.
The resort currently lists several individually named accommodations, including Shane's Shack, Coconut Palm, Travelers Palm, Royal Palm, Seabreeze Cottage, Tamarind Suite, Caretaker's Cottage and Reefs Room.
Amenities vary, but cottage descriptions commonly include air conditioning, small refrigerators, coffee facilities, private patios or terraces and garden-style bathrooms.
Several cottages can also be connected or combined for families or friends traveling together. Coconut Palm and Royal Palm, for example, adjoin one another, while Travelers Palm and Tamarind can similarly accommodate groups needing connected spaces.
Shane's Shack sits particularly close to the water and is described by the resort as offering a 180-degree beach view.
Travelers should compare individual accommodation layouts rather than assuming every cottage has identical features.
VILLAS FOR FAMILIES AND GROUPS
Fernandez Bay Village also offers villas, making the property relevant to travelers needing more space than a conventional hotel room.
This can be particularly useful for:
The property's cottage information specifically directs larger families and groups toward its villa accommodations.
Because layouts and availability can change, travelers should compare current villa configurations directly with the property before booking.
This is especially important when determining sleeping arrangements for children or larger groups.
DINING AT FERNANDEZ BAY VILLAGE
Dining is an important part of the resort because Cat Island does not have the dense restaurant infrastructure found in Nassau.
Fernandez Bay Village provides both indoor and seaside dining. Its current dining page lists hot or continental breakfast, casual lunch dishes and a nightly dinner menu. Lunch options include conch burgers and fritters, grilled fish, sandwiches and salads.
The Bahamas tourism authority categorizes the restaurant's cuisine as Bahamian, American and seafood and notes dishes such as grilled lobster tail as well as fresh local fruit and sandwiches made with homemade bread.
The beachfront setting is an important part of the dining experience.
The Clubhouse provides indoor and outdoor seating overlooking Fernandez Bay, with patio dining beside the water.
THE CLUBHOUSE AND TIKI BAR
The Clubhouse functions as the social center of Fernandez Bay Village.
It combines the front desk, dining facilities, patio, lounge areas and beachfront Tiki Bar. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available in the Clubhouse area, and a small boutique offers gifts, beachwear, snacks and ice cream.
The Tiki Bar sits directly beside the beach.
The official Bahamas listing also notes an honor-system tiki bar available to resort guests.
This centralized setup is useful because guests can access dining, drinks, information and common areas without leaving the property.
KAYAKING AND PADDLEBOARDING
Kayaking and paddleboarding are among the signature activities at Fernandez Bay Village.
The resort describes its kayaks and paddleboards as wide and stable and promotes Fernandez Bay's calmer water as suitable for learning. Guests can paddle around the bay and into a nearby creek.
This makes paddling particularly relevant for visitors who prefer independent, low-impact water recreation rather than scheduled excursions.
Conditions can still vary with weather and wind, so guests should follow local advice before setting out.
SNORKELING AND BLUE HOLES
Guests can also use Fernandez Bay Village as a base for snorkeling.
The resort suggests snorkeling around nearby cays and states that guests should preferably bring their own snorkeling equipment, although a limited supply may be available through the property.
Another distinctive activity involves traveling by kayak through the creek toward the Boiling Hole, which the resort describes as a snorkel-friendly blue hole.
That adds a different environment from conventional beach snorkeling.
Travelers whose primary goal is extensive reef exploration should also consult a dedicated Snorkeling on Cat Island Guide rather than relying solely on the resort's immediate waters.
BOATING, FISHING AND ECO TOURS
Fernandez Bay Village provides access to activities beyond its immediate beach.
The resort lists boating, snorkeling, fishing and sailing excursions among its recreational possibilities. It also promotes guided eco-tours through mangrove environments, where guests may encounter turtles, juvenile sharks and birdlife.
Fishing excursions can explore shallow reef environments, while seasonal sailing options may include trips to nearby cays or sunset cruises along the Cat Island coastline.
Availability should always be confirmed before arrival because guides, boats and seasonal excursions can change.
EXPLORING CAT ISLAND FROM THE RESORT
Fernandez Bay Village can also function as a base for exploring beyond Fernandez Bay.
The resort specifically recommends driving along Queen's Highway, Cat Island's principal road, and identifies historical sightseeing, shelling, sea-glass searching and local cultural exploration among potential activities.
One of the most important nearby excursions is The Hermitage on Mount Alvernia.
Located near New Bight, Mount Alvernia is the highest point in The Bahamas and contains the small stone monastery built by Father Jerome Hawes.
This creates a useful central Cat Island itinerary:
Fernandez Bay Village → New Bight → Mount Alvernia → The Hermitage
GETTING TO FERNANDEZ BAY VILLAGE
New Bight Airport is the most convenient arrival point for the resort.
Fernandez Bay Village states that it is approximately five minutes from the airport. The property currently provides travel information for flights from both Nassau and Fort Lauderdale, although schedules should always be verified directly with airlines before booking.
Travelers intending to explore Cat Island beyond the resort should consider arranging a rental vehicle.
The island's attractions and settlements are dispersed along Queen's Highway, so independent transportation provides considerably more flexibility than remaining entirely at the property.
WHO IS FERNANDEZ BAY VILLAGE BEST FOR?
Fernandez Bay Village is particularly suited to travelers who prioritize direct access to nature rather than extensive resort infrastructure.
It works especially well for couples seeking a beachfront stay, families wanting easy access to swimming and paddling, and independent travelers planning to explore central Cat Island.
Its combination of accommodations, dining and activities also reduces the need to drive elsewhere for every meal or recreational activity.
Travelers looking primarily for nightlife, large pools, extensive shopping, casinos or a large all-inclusive resort environment should recognize that those are not the defining characteristics of Fernandez Bay Village.
Its strength is its scale and location.
COST AND BOOKING EXPECTATIONS
Accommodation rates vary by cottage or villa, travel dates and occupancy, so current pricing should be checked directly with Fernandez Bay Village rather than relying on older published rates.
The resort currently publishes separate dining prices. At the time of research, its dining page lists a hot breakfast at $20, continental breakfast at $10, lunch at approximately $8–$18 per person and nightly dinner at $48 per person.
These prices can change and should be treated as planning references rather than guaranteed future rates.
Travelers should also confirm meal-plan arrangements, taxes, gratuities, transfers and activity charges when calculating the total cost of a stay.
SEASONAL CLOSURES AND PLANNING AHEAD
Seasonality deserves particular attention when planning a Cat Island stay.
The official Bahamas tourism listing for Fernandez Bay Village Restaurant currently identifies closure periods from August 15 to November 1, December 7–17 and January 9–17.
Because schedules can change from year to year, travelers should confirm the resort's operating dates directly before purchasing flights.
This is especially important during late summer and fall, when some businesses across the Bahamian Out Islands operate reduced schedules or close seasonally.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
IS FERNANDEZ BAY VILLAGE ON THE BEACH?
Yes. Fernandez Bay Village is directly on Fernandez Bay and offers cottages and villas along approximately a mile of white-sand beach.
WHAT TYPE OF ACCOMMODATION DOES FERNANDEZ BAY VILLAGE OFFER?
The resort offers individually styled beachfront or ocean-view cottages as well as villas suitable for families and larger groups.
WHERE IS FERNANDEZ BAY VILLAGE LOCATED?
It is at Fernandez Bay near New Bight on Cat Island, The Bahamas, approximately five minutes from New Bight Airport according to the resort.
CAN YOU EAT AT FERNANDEZ BAY VILLAGE?
Yes. The resort has indoor and seaside dining serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, plus a beachfront Tiki Bar.
ARE THERE WATER ACTIVITIES AT FERNANDEZ BAY VILLAGE?
Yes. Activities include kayaking, paddleboarding, snorkeling, boating and opportunities to arrange fishing, sailing and eco-tours.
IS FERNANDEZ BAY VILLAGE GOOD FOR FAMILIES?
Yes. Connected cottages, larger villas, beach access and relatively accessible paddling activities make the property suitable for many families. Parents should still supervise children around natural water environments.
HOW DO YOU GET TO FERNANDEZ BAY VILLAGE?
Most visitors fly to Cat Island and transfer by road to the resort. New Bight Airport is the closest airport, and the resort states that the drive is approximately five minutes.
WHAT CAN YOU DO NEAR FERNANDEZ BAY VILLAGE?
Nearby experiences include Fernandez Bay, New Bight, Mount Alvernia and The Hermitage. The resort can also serve as a base for driving along Queen's Highway and exploring other parts of Cat Island.
EXPLORE MORE CAT ISLAND GUIDES
LOCAL & DESTINATION CONTEXT
Fernandez Bay Village connects Fernandez Bay with New Bight and central Cat Island, creating a useful base for combining beachfront accommodation with cultural and natural experiences. Guests can spend time swimming and paddling in Fernandez Bay, travel into New Bight, climb Mount Alvernia to Father Jerome's Hermitage or follow Queen's Highway toward other settlements and beaches. This relationship between beachfront lodging, coastal ecosystems, historical sites and road-based exploration reflects the dispersed character of travel across Cat Island and the wider Family Islands of The Bahamas.
CONCLUSION
Fernandez Bay Village stands out on Cat Island because it combines beachfront accommodation, dining and water activities in a relatively small-scale setting.
Its cottages and villas place guests close to Fernandez Bay's white-sand shoreline, while the Clubhouse provides meals and a social gathering point beside the water. Kayaking, paddleboarding, snorkeling, boating and locally arranged excursions add opportunities to explore beyond the beach.
The resort is particularly suitable for couples, families and travelers seeking direct beach access without the scale and infrastructure of a major resort destination.
Its location near New Bight Airport and central Cat Island also makes it practical for exploring Mount Alvernia, The Hermitage and other communities along Queen's Highway.
For complete planning beyond Fernandez Bay Village, continue to the Ultimate Cat Island Travel Guide for beaches, transportation, dining, settlements and other things to do across the island.
Fernandez Bay Village, Fernandez Bay, Cat Island, The Bahamas, Bahamas Out Islands, Family Islands, New Bight, New Bight Airport, The Bight Airport, Queen's Highway, Mount Alvernia, The Hermitage, Father Jerome Hawes, Boiling Hole, Fernandez Bay Village Restaurant, Fernandez Bay Village Clubhouse, Fernandez Bay Tiki Bar, Cat Island resorts, Cat Island hotels, where to stay Cat Island, beachfront cottages Cat Island, Cat Island villas, beachfront accommodation Bahamas, white-sand beach, turquoise water, mangroves, blue holes, shallow reefs, swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, boating, fishing, sailing, eco-tours, beach walking, family travel Cat Island, couples travel Cat Island, Cat Island dining, rental car Cat Island, flights to Cat Island, New Bight flights