North Cat Cay (Cat Cay)
- Freeride, Foil
- Best for
- Intermediate to Advanced
- Skill Level
- Flat, Shallow, Chop
- Spot Type
- Moderate
- Crowd Level
This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.
About
North Cat Cay is an ultra-remote, private Bahamian sandbank area known for exceptionally clear water and shallow conditions that can run flat-to-choppy. The shoreline is described as small (and black-sand in some accounts), with limited public access and many visitors arriving by private boat. For kitesurfing, winds are reported year-round with thermal and frontal influences, and the most reliable periods cluster in winter and early spring. The best wind directions are consistently given as N, SE, and NW, with typical riding in the ~15–20 knots range and gustiness described as moderate to steady depending on conditions. The water setup favors intermediate riders, with experts also able to enjoy the venue, but the shallow nature means you must be especially cautious around reefs/coral heads. Access and logistics are a major part of the experience: land access is restricted to members and invited guests, and riders should expect that most launches are boat-supported. The beach can get quickly overcrowded on weekends, and multiple sources highlight the afternoon window (12–4pm) as the best time to aim for when you want the most manageable crowding. Water temperatures stay warm year-round (roughly the mid-20s °C in winter, rising toward ~28–30°C later). A shorty or 3/2mm full suit is typically recommended in winter months, while otherwise sun protection is the main consideration.
- Crystal-clear, high-visibility shallow water
- Winter winds align well with N, SE, and NW directions
- Boat-supported, private-spot environment
- Crystal-clear, shallow sandbank riding (flat to choppy)
- Consistent winter wind with cold-front support
- Good alignment for kite directions (N, SE, NW)
- Reefs/coral heads require extra caution
- Small beach can become quickly overcrowded on weekends
- Land access restrictions (members/guests only) and boat-supported logistics
- Launch can be limited; some launches may occur from the water
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- N, SE, NW
- Wind Range
- 15–20 kts
- Wind Type
- Thermal — Thermal and frontal winds are year-round; winter can be supported by cold fronts (often steadier).
- Reliability
- high
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts — Gusts described as moderate; another source characterizes winds as steady.
- Best Months
- January, February, March, April, November, December
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 9–14 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Flat, Shallow, Chop
- Beach
- Sand — Sand beach.
- Beach Size
- Small
- Chop Level
- Moderate chop — Often described as flat-to-choppy / flat with chop depending on side and conditions.
- Launch
- Small — Small, narrow, sandy access on the west side; east side may require launching from the water. Some sources describe limited access due to private property.
- Launch Difficulty
- Easy — Described as easy access in one account; another describes launch difficulty as moderate due to private property and limited beach access.
Through the year
Weekends can be overcrowded; afternoon (12–4pm) is typically best.
June to November (Atlantic hurricane season).
By sport
What to expect for each.
Shallow flat-to-choppy riding with flat-water opportunities; best wind directions are N, SE, and NW. Riders should be cautious of reefs/coral heads.
- Kite Sizes
- 9–14 m²
Foil-friendly in consistent winter conditions; shallow sandbanks must be navigated carefully, but deeper channels exist off the area.
- Foil Friendly
- Yes — Foil-friendly.
- Min Depth
- shallow
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for North Cat Cay (Cat Cay) in the full forecast view.
North Cat Cay (Cat Cay) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 10–23 ktsGusts 31 kts
- Direction
- NE45°
- Strongest day
- Mon, Oct 2623 kts
- Windy days
- 7/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.2–0.8 m3s period
- Temperature
- 26–27 °C
Over the next 7 days, North Cat Cay (Cat Cay) is forecast for daytime winds of 10–23 kts, peaking around 23 kts on Monday, October 26 with gusts to 31 kts. The prevailing direction is NE. Waves run 0.2–0.8 m with a period of about 3s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.
Other spots in the area
What to know before you launch
Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.
Hazards
- Reefs
- Coral heads
- Private property restrictions
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- None — No formal public lifeguard service.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — No public rescue service at the spot; emergency assistance relies on regional resources and private vessels.
- Emergency Info
- Local emergency number is 911 (also cited as 919). For major emergencies, medical evacuation may be required to facilities on Florida or Nassau.
- Localism / Vibe
- Mild — Private, member-only environment; visitors should expect restrictions and follow access rules.
Rules of the spot
Land access is restricted to members and invited guests; respect private property markers.
- Access to land is restricted to members and invited guests of the Cat Cay Yacht Club.
- Most riding is boat-supported; no public parking.
- The beach is small and can overcrowd quickly on weekends; afternoon (12–4pm) is typically best.
- Use caution around reefs/coral heads while on the water.
- Avoid disrespecting private property markers on the island.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Alice Town
- Nearest Town
- Bimini District
- Nearest Airport
- Cat Cay Airport (MYCC) or South Bimini Airport (BIM)
- Parking
- No public parking; boat anchorage only.
- Public Transport
- Public transport is non-existent; access is exclusively via private boat, yacht charter, or seaplane.
- Access
- Access is primarily by private boat; land access is limited due to private property.
- Cost Level
- Luxury
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town
- Food & Drink
- Dining is available at the private club for members.
- Equipment Rental:
- No public equipment rental available in the immediate area.
- Gear Storage
- Private lockers available for members.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at North Cat Cay (Cat Cay)?
The best overall months at North Cat Cay (Cat Cay) are January, February, March, April, October, November, December. The best wind months are January, February, March, April, November, December.
Which wind directions work at North Cat Cay (Cat Cay)?
North Cat Cay (Cat Cay) works with N, SE, NW winds.
What equipment sizes are recommended at North Cat Cay (Cat Cay)?
Recommended equipment sizes at North Cat Cay (Cat Cay): Kitesurfing: 9–14 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 15–20 kts.
What skill level is North Cat Cay (Cat Cay) suitable for?
North Cat Cay (Cat Cay) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Intermediate to Advanced · Wingfoiling: Intermediate to Advanced.