Vacation Rentals by Owner

Honeymoon at the Boathouse!

Guest: Kevin J.
Date of Stay: 05/05/12 Review Submitted: 05/23/12

The boathouse was the perfect honeymoon getaway for my wife and I! The house has amazing views in every direction, a fantastic kitchen/living space and a very comfortable bedroom. We loved lounging under a Tiki hut while enjoying the softest sand I've ever felt, exploring the nearby reefs and paddling the flats behind the house. Cat Island is a little off the beaten path which is why I believe it is so unspoiled. The reefs were full of fish and best of all we were never hassled to buy anything. In fact I never saw anything resembling a souvenir shop. This is not to say that we had to rough it. The nearby Pigeon Cay Beach Club offered a fully stocked bar and great food and people. The locals were more than friendly, to the point that we felt safe enough to hitch hike to any destination. This trip was definitely a place to get away from it all and still have life's little luxuries (hot water, internet, tv, air conditioning, refrigeration, oven, bbq, just to name a few). The owners were also very friendly and we had zero issues with the home. I would highly recommend spending your time on Cat Island at the "boathouse".

Recommended for:

Definite 5 star experience

Guest: Andrea H. (Portland, OR)
Date of Stay: 04/15/12 Review Submitted: 04/28/12

My boyfriend and I stayed at the boathouse for a week and we loved every minute. It was the perfect type of vacation for us………….beautiful, peaceful, and private. The beach was breathtaking and when there you can’t believe you have it all to yourself. We frequently spent the entire day on the beach. It was quite comfortable to lounge and read in the tiki hut and then take a dip in the water. The house had everything we needed and wanted. The bed is very comfortable and we appreciated the mosquito net over the bed. Taking a shower outside with the view of the ocean was quite the experience! We only ate out once while there, and found the kitchen very well equipped for making anything we wanted. The large cookbook was really helpful and we were able to make our own tortillas and bread. We took the bikes out and since there is so little traffic we had no problems riding on the main road. I would recommend renting a car for at least one day to see the Hermitage which we had all to ourselves when we went. Pack a lunch because the view from the hilltop is incredible. We also highly recommend dinner at Da Smoke Pot. The food was so delicious and we enjoyed talking to the owners who were very friendly. Cat Island is a remarkable place. If your ideal vacation is like a Corona commercial then this is the place! We can’t wait to return.

Owner response:Andrea, Thank you for the wonderful review of the Boathouse, Sarah and I are thrilled that you really enjoyed it. It is amazing to find an island with such beautiful beaches, water, and people and very few tourists. Most visitors to our beach have the exact same experience that you did; privacy and virtually the only one on our stretch of beach for over 1 mile. Sometimes you can sit on the beach for a week without seeing another soul. It is also nice to get out and explore the island; there is much to explore, and no crowds. Last month we started making our Toyota 4 Runner available for guests to rent by the week. There are a couple of car rental agencies on the island should you want to rent for only a day or two, but ours is in the garage should you want to take advantage of it. Please come back and visit real soon, and thank you for choosing the Boathouse on Cat Island. Mark & Sarah

Recommended for:Age 55+, romantic getaway.

Great "Get-away from it all" Stay

Guest: travelingdinks (Washington, DC)
Date of Stay: 01/21/12 Review Submitted: 02/08/12

My husband and I had a lovely stay at The Boathouse on Cat Island. This was our first time traveling to Cat Island and The Boathouse was a perfect homebase for exploring the island as it's sort of halfway between the northern parts of Cat and the southern settlements and historic sites such as The Hermitage. Cat Island is a wonderful place--relatively easy to reach via Nassau. It is incredibly safe and friendly. Everyone waves to you and is up for a little chat. It's also incredibly peaceful--nature surrounds you with miles of empty, sugary beaches and trails to explore. I enjoyed the old churches and the ruined plantation homes all slowly being reclaimed by nature. The Boathouse has a lot to offer a couple--private and everything is thoughtfully arranged from the unique doors that allow you to open up the house during the day to take advantage of the lovely breezes to the well-designed kitchen. It's a simple and clean space and tastefully arranged. I appreciated the wireless access so we could (occasionally) check in on the real world for a few minutes. I also appreciated access to bikes and a canoe, which we took full advantage of--biking out to Alligator Point(amazing beach out there, we hiked out there another day, too) and exploring the marsh by canoe, happily spotting sea turtles darting about. We also took full advantage of the private palapa on the beach, which allowed my very pale husband to stay fully shaded from the sun. The entire time we were there, we saw just one person on the beach--a woman walking each day at 3 pm--she would wave to us and we'd wave back. Human interaction for the day!! This is the perfect rental for a couple looking for a break from the rat race and up for a little adventure. Be aware that food options are limited (we packed a bunch of things to get us started--pasta, wine, oatmeal, granola) and I would advise renting a car (the caretakers can set this up for you easy enough) for some or all of the time as other than a tiny general store and a fish shop, there isn't too much in easy biking distance. We also were bothered by sandfleas a bit, but not mosquitoes. We'll definitely go back and plan on recommending the island, the house to everyone we know.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Perfect Get Away

Guest: S M.
Date of Stay: 01/15/12 Review Submitted: 01/29/12

The house was awesome. The Beach House was even better than we expected. The description of the house and property are quite accurate, but it is still difficult to envision how beautiful peaceful and serene this location really is. Wen we arrived on Cat Island, Leslie (the local property manager) had a car waiting for us at the airport for transportation to the house. The house was very clean and ready for our arrival. The kitchen is stocked with anything you need to cook your favorite island meals. The king-sized Select Comfort bed is the perfect end to days spent enjoying the island. The on-site property manager was able to assist us with all of our vacation arrangements such as rental cars, groceries and recommendations for where to purchase fresh seafood. We also enjoyed the bikes and kayaks that come with the house. Cat Island is a perfect get-away from the hustle of everyday life. The beaches are beautiful and uncrowded and we found the locals friendly and very helpful with site seeing recommendations. The Beach House is the perfect place to stay if you want a remote and romantic get-away to a fabulous destination.

Owner response:Scott & Amy, Glad to hear that you really enjoyed the Boathouse, the beaches,and the island. The locals are truly warm and friendly souls; the nicest in all the Out Islands by my book. It is great to be able to really relax and get away from it all; Cat Island is just a wonderful place to chill, and without all the commercial, overbuilt, and crowded downside. And as you mentioned, beautiful white sand beaches, plenty of fresh conch, lobster, and fish (bought directly from the fishermen), and cold,cold Kalik. Thank you for the nice review, and for choosing the Boathouse for your holiday. Come back soon. Mark & Sarah

Recommended for:

Winter Escape

Guest: Il hunting family (Elburn Il)
Date of Stay: 01/06/12 Review Submitted: 01/16/12

My husband and I visited the Boathouse in Jan 1012 for a week. It was everything as advertised. Helpful hosts and owners. The house itself was absolutely spotless and well maintained. The views spactular. We recc Tito's fish for buying your fresh fish and lobster. Also, it helps to bring along packaged food items from home as the grocery shopping choices are extremely limited. We knew this going in. I like to cook and found the kitchen well stocked. Would definately recc the Boathouse to friends.

Owner response:Lauri, Tito is the connection for lobster, snapper, grouper and conch; and it is a short bicycle ride from the house to get there. The grocery stores with the largest selection are Margaret's in Orange Creek and Smith Bay Grocery (next to the wine & liquor store). The smaller markets in Roker's and The Bight have the major items(milk,bread,cheese,cereal,sodas,canned goods,etc), but for specialty items (spices, chutney,sauces,cream,lamb,etc) you need to stick to the bigger local markets. I recommend having the taxi stop at the Smith Bay store on your way in from the airport. The driver will stop for free and allow you to shop for everything you need. Pop next door to pick up wine,beer or sprits. We are thrilled that you enjoyed the Boathouse,our beach, and the island. Thank you for staying with us, and come back soon. Regards, Mark & Sarah

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, romantic getaway.

Relaxation at its BEST!

Guest: Chase S.
Date of Stay: 12/22/11 Review Submitted: 01/15/12

Where do I even begin when it comes to putting into words my wonderful stay at the Boathouse? If you’re even questioning staying at the Boathouse or wondering if everything is good to go since the hurricane, you can rest assured everything is the way it should be, perfect. My fiancée and I stayed at the Boathouse for twelve nights and truly still didn’t have enough time. The Boathouse is truly a relaxing place and somewhere I can’t wait to visit again. Having traveled a lot in my life and stayed at so many great places, your house was truly in my top three! The attention to detail in every aspect of your house is truly amazing. From the great king hammock on the porch to the “at home feeling” of the house, I was truly blown away. Your website doesn’t even begin to explain how wonderful your house or the beaches truly are. The Boathouse has all the amenities and more as the website reflects. If you’re looking for a quiet, relaxing, and perfectly secluded beach then look no further. There really isn’t much more you can ask for besides the amenities that are already included. The island as a whole was truly a great place to get away from it all. We were truly amazed and happy of how “un commercialized” the island truly is. Jennifer and I are very much the type of people who enjoy little quite places like Cat Island with people second to none. The locals were really great! The fact that a little nine-year-old boy stopped us and asked for a ride was truly something that shocked me but shows just how safe and comfortable the island locals are. Also if you’re looking to fish, I highly recommend Ricky, he may not have the best-looking boat but after three and a half hours we were twenty five fish deep in the cooler with a huge twenty five plus pound red snapper. Overall, I would rate the vacation a 9 out of 10, with the Boathouse earning a 10 out of 10, and the price was very cheap. I can’t believe Mark and Sarah rent their house for so cheap to be truthful but it’s something I liked ha-ha. You were so right about Cat Island and I now understand how you could so easily fall in love with the place. Again thank you for your great hospitality and letting us share a piece of your welcoming and loving home. Until Jen and I return again, like the old sailors say, “Fair winds and calm seas”. Thanks again for everything, this was a dream vacation come true. Cat Island and the locals simply ROCK!

Recommended for:

Paradise

Guest: Amy M.
Date of Stay: 12/05/11 Review Submitted: 12/23/11

This is our second time visiting The Boathouse. This trip was just as amazing as the first and in many ways better. The house had even more amenities than our first trip including a new hammock, some new kitchen gadgets and new bikes. We come to Cat Island for the isolation. You only have to see people if you want to. Most of the time you feel like you are on your own private island. But if you ever do need anything Leslie and Ned are just a short stroll or phone call away. And they have a new kitten which really made the trip perfect! We rented a car for a couple days and explored the northern most and southern most tips of the island. It was fun and reaffirmed to us that we have the best spot on the island. All the other days we just sat on the beach, swam and stared at the most beautiful water in the world. It's like a giant crystal clear, baby blue swimming pool. Photos cannot do it justice. There was a full moon while we were there and at night everything looked like a crazy dream-scape. You could see the color of the water like it was daytime. I've never experienced anything quite like it. We took the canoe out in the estuary and saw a baby nurse shark, sea turtles and schools of fish. I highly recommend going out in the estuary at least once during high tide. It is real shallow for a long time and then it turns into this beautiful emerald river that leads to the ocean and it's unreal. I can't say enough good things about this island and this house. Do yourself a favor and spend at least a week here. We can't wait to come back soon. FYI, bring some good bug spray and Benadryl if you allergic to sand flea bites. Not a complaint, just a friendly warning. My husband is not allergic at all and I am, so it's better to be prepared just in case.

Owner response:Amy & James, Welcome back! Your stay sounds amazing with the beautiful light of the full moon and the warm Caribbean breeze. Launching the kayaks (or canoe) behind the house on the back bay, and paddling around the point to the ocean is one of our favorites. It is totally unspoiled and the sealife and numerous bird species are always a thrill. The sea turtles are my favorite, along with the schools of rays that many times can been seen at the entrance to the sea. Thank you for choosing the Boathouse for your second visit in as many years. Mark & Sarah btw....the new tiki hut on our beach was completed on December 6th, and the bar/outdoor dining at Pigeon Cay Beach Club reopened a few weeks ago, should anyone desire to walk up the beach for dinner or a drink (Boathouse guests have signing privileges at PCBC for their entire stay). The exterior of the house was completely repainted in early December 2011, and a second king-size hammock is being installed on the deck as we speak.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, tourists without a car, romantic getaway.

Cat Island Getaway-Nov. 2011

Guest: DC (Brielle, NJ)
Date of Stay: 11/12/11 Review Submitted: 11/28/11

Cat Island is an unspoiled paradise- stunningly beautiful. The Bahamian people we met were without exception genuine and friendly. Yardi's is not to be missed. Buy vegetables from the guy who sells out of his truck- and don't miss Da Smoke Pot -we got a private musical performance there. Truly a great experience to share Cat Island with the locals if only for a short time. The Boat House is beautiful... very well appointed- thoughtfully equipped with every item a traveler might require. Our only real surprise was the composting toilet- we followed the tutorial provided and were able to figure out the basics - but it would have been nice to know about that detail ahead of time. It does leak a bit and there are some odor issues- but as long as you don't mind being hands on it should not be difficult to manage. Beach was incredible- private and pristine...however the palapa was still out from the August storm so a bit difficult to extend beach time without shade of some kind. We rented a car in order to be able to explore- but be prepared- it is expensive- $75 per day- AND the caretakers sent a driver to pick us up and deliver us to the house- rather than delivering the car to us at the airport as we had arranged- so we ended up paying $65 to the driver AND $75 for the car rental for the- when we had anticipated the car rental- the cab fare seemd excessive. Just a heads up if you plan on doing the same. The Pigeon Cay Beach Club was not available for our use- the bar was not open and we were told that meals were only available to guests of the Beach Club - so that was a bit of a disappointment- we chose the Boat House rental because it was so close to at least a restaurant and bar- in the event that we just wanted to wander up the beach. Cat Island is stunningly beautiful- and the house is worth the trip alone- a real jewel.

Owner response:Deb, We are very happy to hear that you loved the house, our beach, and Cat Island. As noted, our palapa (tiki hut) is currently being rebuilt with a completion date of December 7th. Hurricane Irene took out our tiki hut, along with the outdoor bar and dining area at the Pigeon Cay Beach Club up the beach from us. Guests will be happy to hear that the PCBC outdoor dining plus their bar will be completed this week, so our guests will once again have full access and sighing privileges for both dinner and the beach bar. Since the Boathouse is surrounded by water on 3 sides, the architect selected an environmentally friendly lavatory system due to our proximity to both the ocean and the back bay. As the toilet in the bathroom is very similar to what you would find in most homes, guests rarely notice a big difference. The entire automated compost system is located downstairs, hidden away from the naked eye. Yes, the cost of a rental car is a bit shocking to visitors of the Out Islands; we too feel they are quite expensive. That being said, all cars and parts on the island must be shipped in from the United States via barge so the renters costs are also very high. Guests typically will rent a car for 3-4 days of their stay to explore the island, and ride the bikes to Yardi's (Derrick's Conch Shack) or Sammy T's restaurant up the road in Bennett Harbor. We really appreciate you choosing the Boathouse on Cat Island for your holiday, and we hope you return very soon. Mark & Sarah

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, romantic getaway.

Relaxing, private, intimate, and well located!

Guest: Paul I. (Vicksburg, Mississippi USA)
Date of Stay: 11/05/11 Review Submitted: 11/13/11

We had an amazing week at The Boathouse. The house was perfect and was “home” very soon after we settled in. It was conveniently located for island exploration, which we did daily with a rental jeep. We covered everything from the 40-minute trail hike to Man-O-War Point on the north, to a drive all the way to Bain Town in the south. With the jeep we were able to traverse the island at several crossings to the Atlantic beaches, which were generally deserted for miles and miles. We enjoyed eating great Bahamian food prepared by locals, getting to know them while we ate. And at the end of the day we retreated to the Boat House for a refreshing hot shower, then wine and cheese on our private beach watching the sunset. Our caretakers Ned and Leslie were nearby to help out if needed. Using my wife's iPad we were able to keep up with business emails and Facebook via the wifi signal available to the house. The Bahamian people are the loveliest in the world, and they are appreciative of visitors and help out any way they can. Cat Island is a great destination for anyone with a sense of adventure and a desire to get away from it all! No concrete water slides, or scheduled activities, or tour busses to catch. But the grouper is fresh and the conch salads and fritters are legendary. There are few places left on earth like this, and its so reachable from the US.

Recommended for:

Not what we expected!!!

Guest: Sandy (Blanchardville, WI)
Date of Stay: 10/30/11 Review Submitted: 11/18/11

Unfortunately, we did not have the positive experience that everyone else seems to have had at the Boat House. On the positive side, the house was very clean, the kitchen was well stocked, plenty of towels and the house was quiet. We should have, however, been more skeptical when told that the island was ready for visitors. Although the beach was isolated, it was in poor condition since Hurricane Irene had done significant damage to the beach and the tiki hut was gone. The pictures of the beach are no longer accurate since the hurricane. We did enjoy our visit to the Hermitage and the locals are very friendly. The bugs were very bad night and day, not just at dusk and dawn, and we had bites for almost a week after leaving the island. Since the deck ceiling fans did not have blades we could not sit outside for meals or use the hammock, and there is no table indoors. We would have liked to have been able to leave doors open to hear the ocean but, with no screens and the bugs, we had to keep the doors shut and air conditioning on. One big thing to point out is that you cannot access the bedroom or bathroom from the kitchen area without opening up the doors, which are large double patio door types that are hinged in the middle and not made to be opened and closed regularly. The TV did not work the first two days until we noticed that the cable was not completely attached. We did eventually get the TV to work but it was not consistent. The wireless internet did not work while indoors, and with the bugs you couldn’t sit outdoors for very long. The bikes were nice, but again both had flat tires, something we would not expect to have to take care of when you rent a place. To reach the bay behind the house, you have to drag the canoe through brush to reach the water, even at high tide. We had planned on staying for the week but left after three nights, and were told that previous visitors to Pigeon Cay had done the same. We were led to believe that other people had stayed at the Boat House since the hurricane, but found out we were the first ones. Be prepared to pay double what you would pay in Chicago or San Francisco for a cab ride from the airport and the “rental car”. We should have stayed with our first instinct and cancelled the trip after Irene hit.

Owner response:Sandy, In fairness, the Boathouse experienced only cosmetic damage (the loss of 3 ceiling fans on the deck) from Hurricane Irene. You were told beach chairs and a beach umbrella were available while the tiki was being rebuilt. We also discussed that the beach had lost some sand due to erosion, but that there was still plenty of white sand beach. As promised on the website a canoe, kayaks, and bicycles were available to you free of charge; all in good working order. You were also told that the storm had originally knocked out the Internet and tv signal, and that they were working intermittently. We informed you of all of the above prior to your visit by phone and email and offered to cancel your reservation and return your deposit in full, but you said you still wanted to come. On day three of your stay, when you told Leslie that Cat Island was not what you expected (no casinos, nightlife, resorts), we allowed you to break your rental agreement without penalty or fee as a courtesy. Sarah and I care a lot about our guest’s satisfaction and have many repeat guests. However, we are sorry that it was not what you expected. Please read the guest reviews just prior and after your visit for a balanced review. Sarah & Mark

Recommended for:

Nice house and great beach! part 1

Guest: Dave and Julie (Livonia, Michigan USA)
Date of Stay: 10/01/11 Review Submitted: 11/29/11

My husband and I stayed at The Boathouse for 2 weeks for our 10 year wedding anniversary. Overall we had a great vacation on Cat Island. We were a little hesitant to keep our reservations because Hurricane Irene had hit the island about a month before our trip but we went anyways. Leslie (the property manager on the island and conveniently, a short walk away), assured us everything was in working order and most of the storm damage to the house had been repaired. We arrived to a very clean house and the only evidence of storm damage at the house we noticed was a missing gutter and the roof leaked a little during heavy rain. I believe both issues have been repaired. The beach is beautiful. Irene washed away some sand from beach side of the dune exposing the rocks but it was still beautiful and that was only a very small part of the beach. Plenty of sugar sand beach to lie on and walk on. The beach hut was gone for our stay but that didn't faze us. We probably never would have sat under it anyways. We brought a bag to the beach with the things we would need (rum & sun block) and stayed there for many hours every day. There was a beach umbrella and chairs we could have taken but we just stayed in the water most of the time and walked the beach. Overall, the house is nice. The huge wrap around porch makes it so you have a nice breeze no matter what direction the wind is coming from as well as nice views all around. The kitchen is well equipped and we made all of our meals at the house. There are restaurants on the island but we rarely go out to eat anyways and we chose to stay at the house for meals. The outdoor grill was nice to have and we used it frequently. The shower was great. Being able to drink and cook with the water from the tap was a big deal to us. The water comes from the cistern which gathers rain water and it is then filtered, treated and perfectly safe. It is a little awkward needing to leave the main living area to go outside in order to get to the bedroom/bathroom but it really isn't a big issue. I am only bringing it up due to a previous negative review and wanted to say that it’s not a big deal. 90% of the time the house was wide open anyways. We only closed up the house at night to keep the mosquitoes out and that’s the only time I wished the 2 sides were connected. (To be continued...)

Owner response:Julie, Congratulations on your 10th anniversary, and thank you for spending it on Cat Island. You were our first guests following Hurricane Irene and we are happy that you found everything at the Boathouse and our beach to be in great order. Although we lost the original tiki hut in the storm, a new one is under construction and will be completed on December 7th. As you mentioned our beach is still beautiful; although we experienced some erosion from the storm, the white sand beach still stretches for miles. Our rainwater catchment and filtration system has worked out very well. There is nothing quite like taking a shower in pure filtered rainwater or drinking fresh water without all the excess chemicals. Like you, we spend a lot of time either at the beach or on the wrap around deck. With a 360 degree 12' deck, you can always find a nice tropical breeze to lounge, read, or just chill. It sounds like you had a wonderful time and really got out and enjoyed the island. Please do not wait until your 20th to come back; we are saving you a spot on the beach. Mark & Sarah

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, romantic getaway.

Absolute Bliss - part one

Guest: Larodo (Montreal, Canada)
Date of Stay: 08/10/11 Review Submitted: 08/18/11

My wife and I aren't new to the "Out Islands". The boathouse was our third rental in the "Real Bahamas" - as the locals call them ... I'm saying this because the way we were swept away by this beautiful little house, reminded us of our first visit on those pristine islands: love at first sight. We stayed a total of 17 days. There is not a minute of inconvenience, not a single thing that was out of place. Ned and Leslie, the caretakers and owners of nearby Pigeon Cay Beach Club, will greet you. They're so nice! Tips on everything and anything, help if you need any and absolutely charming hosts. Actually aided us in a time of dire need. Our second night there, when still learning where to get basic supplies we lacked an essential part of any romantic diner: a decent bottle of wine. In a second Leslie had two bottles out of her personal reserve and managed to order us a full case the very next day! I should warn you here. The first time you will step over that dune and around to the Boathouse's spacious and private Tikki, you will experience true amazement: the beach is ... Perfect. It simply cannot be improved. Kilometers of pure white sand, untainted gin-like crystalline turquoise hued water. Everyday I had to pinch myself over that sight. I couldn't believe it was ours for two weeks. And ours it was. During our sixteen-day stay, the most crowded that 3 km stretch of powdered sand ever got was … six people. I think. They were so far from us; I’m still not sure. The house is also quite a find. An elevated pagoda-like gem sitting atop a hill, exposed to gentle winds during the day. At night the AC does the trick. When you open up all the doors and lounge around the huge wraparound balcony, whether it’d be on the comfortable chairs, or the hammock – you feel like royalty surveying a gorgeous domain of wild greenery, ocean and lagoon.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

The Boat House on Cat Island: The Perfect Villa

Guest: Day Tripper (Stow, MA. USA)
Date of Stay: 04/16/11 Review Submitted: 06/13/11

Over the last few years my wife and I have become enamored with the Bahamas "Out Islands". After spending two weeks each on Exuma and Eleuthera, next up was Cat Island, and the first task was finding a villa to rent. My wife enjoys this phase of vacation planning, and spends weeks poring through the multitude of travel sites on the Internet, reading reviews and recommendations, to find the perfect villa. She's very good at this, has always put us in wonderful locations, and she definitely picked the right place for this trip: The Boat House. The Boat House has everything going for it that a couple could want: a fabulous location, near the middle of Cat Island; a stunningly beautiful beach with sand the consistency of powdered sugar and with a private palapa, and where we spent nearly every afternoon relaxing after a day of exploring the island; comfortable privacy, but with a nearly 360 degree view through the multitude of fold-out glass doors that really bring the outdoors in; a fully equipped kitchen, plus an excellent Weber gas grill on the huge wrap-around deck; a refreshing outdoor shower with plenty of hot water; and a very comfortable king size bed, with a wonderful view towards the rising sun. And if one has the urge to connect with the outside world, all of the major broadcast networks were available on the television, and wireless internet access for teasing friends and family with pictures of the days travels. And for the flyfishing spouse, there is a mile long fantastic bonefish flat right out the door! Truly special, one memorable day I caught and released over 15 bonefish on a white Sili-Shrimp pattern that the fish just could not resist - my best day of bonefishing ever! When we visit Out Islands, we like to cover the entire island, and this trip to Cat Island was no exception. We were fortunate to have rented a Jeep Grand Cherokee from the folks that run the Pigeon Cay Resort (and who also capably manage The Boat House) and traveled every ancient cross-island plantation road that was passable to hit the Atlantic side beaches, which we always had to ourselves. We also visited every settlement and resort from North End Point to the southernmost ends of the island at Port Howe and Devils Point, and came to the conclusion that there simply is no better place to call "home" on Cat Island than The Boat House. Our two weeks there over the Easter holidays in April 2011 will be fondly remembered forever. Carol and David T.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Part 1 - Excellent stay at the Boat House

Guest: Chris (Greenville, SC, USA)
Date of Stay: 04/09/11 Review Submitted: 05/11/11

My wife and I stayed at the Boat House in April of 2011. All in all, we were very pleased with the Boat House and our decision to stay there. The pictures and reviews that you've probably seen already are a pretty accurate representation of the Boat House. If you need more, check out this blog (http://catisland2011.blogspot.com/) which includes links to pictures and a walkthrough tour of the Boat House. We've done two all-inclusive vacations and wanted to try something on the opposite end of the spectrum. The Boat House and Cat Island were definitely it. You simply can't imagine how beautiful the beach is unless you have seen it in person. Every time you walk over the dune and see that water, you want to take yet another picture. This was our first big vacation that we didn't use a travel agent, so we were a little nervous about going some place that we'd never been before and that we didn't know anyone else who had been there. Let me say that if you are feeling the same way, put your worries aside. If you like the pictures you've seen, you like the videos you've seen, and you like the reviews you've read, what are you waiting on? Just call Leslie and she will get you set up. Our weather was pretty much perfect. It never rained and it hadn't rained in a while (which may be abnormal, I don't know), and so the bugs were not a problem at all. There were some noseeums at sunrise and sunset, but a little bug spray took care of that. It was sunny and in the upper 70's all week. By now you've seen lots of pictures of the Boat House and it was pretty much as expected. It was very relaxing, very quiet, and quite comfortable. The owners have included manuals for pretty much everything in the house, as well as information on about everything regarding the island. Look near the bookshelves for several big white binders and spend some time going through them. You'll find information about the house, the island, restaurants, appliances in the house, etc. I should have spent more time reading through them because I missed the drawings of the channel in Alligator Creek - the elusive channel I searched for several times. We found the bed to be super comfortable and the outdoor shower was perfect. We didn't spend too much time in the main room other than when we were preparing meals, but it was nice with the doors open and the breeze flowing through. We made use of the propane grill almost every day.

Owner response:Chris: Thank you for sending me the photographs from your stay at the Boathouse; I have incorporated a number of them on both this site and www.catislandboathouse.com. Mark

Recommended for:Age 55+, romantic getaway.

Spring Break Heaven!

Guest: Jill G. (Philadelphia)
Date of Stay: 03/21/11 Review Submitted: 04/02/11

Moving to the Chilly Northeast from the mild Northwest, I never really knew what winter felt like. This winter broke me down! My husband and I needed an escape and fast!! I found the boathouse looking on HomeAway 2 years ago after a friend had visited Cat Island. As soon as I saw the beach pictures I was hooked. So I carefully planned our trip and finally got an opportunity to go (3/2011). I can't say enough about this beautiful island, the wonderful people, and the awesome boathouse. The house its-self is clean and perfect. We loved the absolute seclusion and the chance to unplug. The private beach is nothing short of pure heaven and the Tiki hut was a wonderful addition to beat the heat on the sand. It was comforting to have Leslie at Pigeon Cay so close for anything we needed and we recommend going to her dinners. It was nice to meet people from all over the world and share stories. Our stay was all too short, but we definitely will be returning as soon as we can.

Recommended for:Romantic getaway

Great house, beautiful beaches, friendly people

Guest: heidi (New Hampshire, USA)
Date of Stay: 02/26/11 Review Submitted: 03/28/11

We had a wonderful time and loved the Boathouse. This was our second visit to Cat Island and we are already planning to return next winter. Our favorite thing about Cat Island is the people - how friendly, warm and welcoming they are. We really appreciated all the thoughtful extras and high end fixtures at the house. The bikes, kayaks, canoe, comfortable bed, sheets, comforter, abundance of towels, hammock, deck furniture, kitchen appliances, ice maker, music system, BBQ grill, washer, dryer, tiki hut, beach chairs with cushions, etc. We have rented several vacation houses and they usually don't come with these amenities. At the house we loved opening all the doors. It makes the place seem huge and feels like you're living outdoors. Being so high up really adds to this experience, great 360 views. Loved the shower too! The beach is so beautiful. Took my breath away each time I walked over the dune, and also looked different day to day. We walked the length of the beach every day and hardly ever saw anyone else. We spent evenings watching the sunset. The tiki hut is great, perfect for the days when I had enough sun but wanted to stay at the beach. We also loved kayaking in the creek. We had done this the last time we visited Cat Island and were happy to see it is still pristine. We saw turtles, rays, barracuda and a nurse shark. Kayaking along the beach was also very beautiful. Thank you for sharing your beautiful house. We will definitely be back!

Owner response:Heidi, Sarah and I are thrilled to hear that your second visit was so wonderful. We certainly agree that the people of Cat Island are so welcoming,warm and friendly. This is our 18th year visiting the island, and we feel very lucky to have been here early, and able to secure such a special piece of paradise, on such a beautiful stretch of beach. Thank you for staying at the Boathouse; we look forward to your return in winter. Mark & Sarah

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Cat Is. fied !

Guest: JK (Cincinnati OH USA)
Date of Stay: 02/01/11 Review Submitted: 03/13/11

Our leap of faith in the VRBO property description paid off at the Boathouse. We jumped into the magnificent Pigeon Cay Bay with both feet...and rented the cabin, sight-unseen for 2 weeks. The pictures on the website do not begin to do justice to the locale. Ours was a comfortable, relaxing and flawless stay. The helpful managers of the small resort right down the beach provide great advice, beach toys, food, and even an "Honor Bar" stocked with plenty of cold Bahamian refreshments. Local friendly folks sell fresh conch, crayfish, grouper and veggies. Cat Island has the best tomatoes we have ever tasted ! The Boathouse includes a well-equipted kitchen / living area, a great Sleep Number bed, cruiser bikes, and a huge wrap-around porch. There's always a shady, breezy place suit even the laziest clients. A wonderful cabana is provided, on the most pristine sunrise to sunset white sand beach we ever have seen. Several other resturaunts on the Island offer menus spanning basic to gourmet, and can be reached by car, rented by the day or week. There is nothing fancy to be had on Cat Island, only simplicity, innocence, and perfect weather. That is the ultimate luxury.

Recommended for:Age 55+, tourists without a car, romantic getaway.

secluded

Guest: J & J (great falls, mt)
Date of Stay: 10/30/10 Review Submitted: 02/26/11

This property is for you if you like a quiet, peaceful location. The property is well maintained & was very clean on the inside. Even though you do not have a view of the beach, the setting is still very beautiful. The walk across the road to the beach was easy . Of all the beaches we have visited this was the cleanest we have ever been on. We walked everyday & never saw another person! The bikes were a perfect mode of transportation for exploring the area. Since we were there on the off season there were not alot of resturaunts open. Grocery store were close so we cooked all our meals there. The barbeque was convenient. There are no screens on the doors so I had to close everything up in the evenings to keep the bugs off me. There is airconditioning so it worked out fine. If fly fishing is your thing, the flats are right there. A car is necessary.

Owner response:J & J: We were glad to hear that you enjoyed the house and our beach; we love it too. With over 3 acres of property, and water on three sides, we decide early on to site the house between the ocean and the back bay for maximum privacy. The dune does provide a fair windbreak and protection from the elements. It is quite common to stay at the house for a week or two and not see another soul on our beach. Being from Montana and a fly fisherman, I take it that you had great luck catching bonefish behind the house; there is very little pressure there so fly fishing for bonefish (and sometimes permit), can be quite good. Thank you for staying at the Boathouse; we do hope that you return again real soon. Mark & Sarah

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guest: Amy M. (Ft Worth, TX)
Date of Stay: 03/01/10 Review Submitted: 03/01/10

My husband and I stayed at the boathouse for our anniversary/my birthday. It was perfect! We wanted to get away from everything for a few days and do nothing but stare at the water and that is exactly what we did. The whole 5 days we were there we only saw 6 people pass our spot on the beach. There was a group of 4 and then a few days later a group of 2. Most of the time we felt like we were on our own private island. The beach was the most beautiful I've ever seen. Crystal clear water and on most days smooth as glass. The sand was super soft and white. The house was amazing. It's situated about 100 yards from the beach but that is perfect because it lets you see the estuary and the ocean in all directions. We cooked all our own meals and found all the cooking utensils we needed. The wrap around porch was amazing as was the outdoor shower. I was happy to find that it is a pretty environmentally friendly house with rain catchers and a not-gross composting toilet. The property managers, Leslie and Ned, were super nice. In fact, everyone we met on Cat island was nice. The owners, Sarah and Mark, e-mailed us as soon as we got home to make sure we had a good time and to see if we has any suggestions about how to make the place better (I had to really rack my brain to come up with anything to make it better). We can't wait to go back. We'd stay there for months if we could. FYI, if you are allergic to bug bites bring some bug spray and watch out for no- see-ums at dusk and dawn.

Recommended for:

Guest: Molly S.
Date of Stay: 01/03/10 Review Submitted: 01/02/10

The Boathouse, Molly S.,Jackson, Michigan Date of stay: December 20-28,2009 The Boathouse was exactly what the website pictures promised and more. It even felt roomier than the pictures indicated. Every item you've chosen for the house is of the highest quality. I never looked for a thing that wasn't available: flashlights, lighters, kitchen utensils, etc. The linens were wonderful and plentiful. We loved going through the guest binder and learning the ins-and-outs of Cat Island: where to eat, how to get around, sights to see, history, activities... Your insight there is priceless. We spent many hours on the Pigeon Cay beach and took long walks. I think we probably saw other people maybe a dozen times in the week we were there, but it was usually the same 3 or 4. No one ever bothered us or disrupted our peace and enjoyment in any way. We felt like we were in our own romantic world. The water was amazing; the sand like powdered sugar. The palm frond tiki hut even sheltered us from passing rainshowers. Leslie was a very nice hostess for a Christmas Eve meal at their resort. She also easily arranged a rental car for us, even had it delivered there at the resort. The Cat Island experience is very unique and one I will always remember. I'm sure we will visit again, although probably in the spring or early summer to avoid some of the inclement weather that can muddle up the winter season. I also have a few couples from work who are interested in the Boathouse, and I'm sharing great reviews with them, too. One of the couples is a pair of avid divers who spend lots of time around the Caribbean. Although they usually travel resort-style, they also seek out a getaway like your place every year or two. Watch for the Baldwins from Michigan, I bet they'll be your guest someday. In closing, a lot of friends and family have asked would we do it again. I have said, without hesitation, yes! You have a lovely getaway spot on a special island. Thank you so much for allowing us to be your guests. We look forward to a chance to stay again.

Recommended for:

a dream house

Guest: elisa b. (Toronto)
Date of Stay: 09/04/09 Review Submitted: 09/15/09

The house was over our expectation. So perfect and so beautiful.It is really a dream house. Excellent choice of color and furniture. The design enable you to have a 360 view and always have fresh air by opening all the glass door. It is like living outside for the all week and enjoy the view . We loved the outside shower and the air con in the bedroom for the night. House is really 2 minutes walking distance from the beach and what beach !! immaculate and very clear. Too bad there was not so much shade on the beach so it was not possible to stay and read there without burning. But the water was warm and so clear. 2 miles north from the house you can buy lobsters tails at TITO's place .(thanks Leslie for the advice ) Kitchen is fully equipped to cook them . My husband like to cook and he enjoyed reading the cook book about Bahamian recipes . We will definitively come back to this lovely gateway . It is perfect for 2. Very secluded place and perfect for our honeymoon. Cat island is like a gem. Very few tourists and people are very friendly . Nothing to do except relaxing and find yourself but that 's what we wanted . Leslie was also so nice with us. Thanks a lot .

Recommended for:Romantic getaway

Guest: Dennis and Sandra D.
Date of Stay: 08/11/09 Review Submitted: 08/10/09

Cat Island/Boathouse Dennis & Sandra D, Southeast Texas Review Submitted: August 11, 2009 Date of Stay: July 2009 This was our 1st trip to the Bahamas and it was a leap of faith to go to an outer island based only on reviews. A storm knocked out the phones and we stayed during a week that Pigeon Cay was closed, so having a vehicle all week was the way to go. With phones and Pigeon Cay open for meals, I believe all we needed was a 2 or 3 day rental. We bought the items we needed for breakfast and light meals and started to the house. The one major road was fine and the ocean views were stunning. The houses and restaurants were close to the road; small structures and kept up in a minimal manner. Our first impression was that these were not inviting places to visit. That impression would change. The Boathouse is unique: the downstairs area is for storage and laundry, the wrap around porch includes the shower area, the kitchen/living room area, and the bedroom/toiletry area. All the double doors will lock in an open position so the whole house is open to the wind. When we arrived a nice breeze was blowing so we opened the doors and started to experience the uniqueness. The breeze was wonderful even in late July and the sounds you hear are of the wind and the waves. It was a wonderful way to sleep and to wake up. We could see a few houses on the beach side, but the Boathouse is the only home on the estuary side. With the complete realization of an outside bathing area, and everything in the home in great shape, including the AC, we had everything we needed. The beach is the most beautiful beach I have been on. Pigeon Cay is a short walk to the left as you enter the beach and you quickly walk past the homes on the right to a completely natural beach area. The beach turns to volcanic rock before you reach Alligator Point which is one of the most beautiful spots I have seen. We visited the other island resorts and beaches. All of them were absolutely spectacular, but with the Boathouse, a beach that seemed to have no end, and Alligator Point, I never saw anything that made we wish I had another spot. We came to Cat Island knowing it was an outer island and we could face some issues. The phones being down and having to use some bug spray were the most that came our way. The actual largest issue we had came on our last day when time returned as a weight on our shoulders. A whole week of tropical paradise and it was ending. We snorkeled and walked the

Recommended for:

Cat Island/Boathouse July 21-28 2009

Guest: De & Sa (Southeast Texas)
Date of Stay: 07/21/09 Review Submitted: 08/11/09

This was our 1st trip to the Bahamas and it was a leap of faith to go to an outer island based only on reviews. A storm knocked out the phones and we stayed during a week that Pigeon Cay was closed, so having a vehicle all week was the way to go. With phones and Pigeon Cay open for meals, I believe all we needed was a 2 or 3 day rental. We bought the items we needed for breakfast and light meals and started to the house. The one major road was fine and the ocean views were stunning. The houses and restaurants were close to the road; small structures and kept up in a minimal manner. Our first impression was that these were not inviting places to visit. That impression would change. The Boathouse is unique: the downstairs area is for storage and laundry, the wrap around porch includes the shower area, the kitchen/living room area, and the bedroom/toiletry area. All the double doors will lock in an open position so the whole house is open to the wind. When we arrived a nice breeze was blowing so we opened the doors and started to experience the uniqueness. The breeze was wonderful even in late July and the sounds you hear are of the wind and the waves. It was a wonderful way to sleep and to wake up. We could see a few houses on the beach side, but the Boathouse is the only home on the estuary side. With the complete realization of an outside bathing area, and everything in the home in great shape, including the AC, we had everything we needed. The beach is the most beautiful beach I have been on. Pigeon Cay is a short walk to the left as you enter the beach and you quickly walk past the homes on the right to a completely natural beach area. The beach turns to volcanic rock before you reach Alligator Point which is one of the most beautiful spots I have seen. We visited the other island resorts and beaches. All of them were absolutely spectacular, but with the Boathouse, a beach that seemed to have no end, and Alligator Point, I never saw anything that made we wish I had another spot. We came to Cat Island knowing it was an outer island and we could face some issues. The phones being down and having to use some bug spray were the most that came our way. The actual largest issue we had came on our last day when time returned as a weight on our shoulders. A whole week of tropical paradise and it was ending. We snorkeled and walked the beach one last time. Would we go back? Absolutely! Would we stay at the Boathouse? Absolutely!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guest: Mattie and Philip G.
Date of Stay: 07/18/09 Review Submitted: 07/17/09

Relaxing Mattie and Philip Austin, TX Review Submitted: July 18, 2009 The boathouse was amazing. We were very pleased to learn that all the reviews and descriptions are right on. This was just what we were looking for, a quiet place in a beautiful location. Our favorite thing about the boathouse is definitely the outdoor shower, it was absolutely wonderful. We have never before looked forward to taking so many showers! It was great during the day with the ocean breeze and at night with all the stars. Oh the stars, it was awesome to see so many stars! The wrap around deck made it easy to find the best place to lounge. The majority of the cooking was done at the house and it was great to eat outside all the time. We loved the beach, it was perfect, the sands are white, the waters are turquoise, and you can see to the bottom of the ocean floor. Most days we were the only ones at the beach! It is the perfect place to simply relax. Leslie was great, she was very nice and very helpful. The people there are very friendly. For a self-sufficient vacation, we could have not asked for more. We loved it!

Recommended for:

Relaxing

Guest: Mattie and Philip (Austin, TX)
Date of Stay: 06/23/09 Review Submitted: 07/18/09

The boathouse was amazing. We were very pleased to learn that all the reviews and descriptions are right on. This was just what we were looking for, a quiet place in a beautiful location. Our favorite thing about the boathouse is definitely the outdoor shower, it was absolutely wonderful. We have never before looked forward to taking so many showers! It was great during the day with the ocean breeze and at night with all the stars. Oh the stars, it was awesome to see so many stars! The wrap around deck made it easy to find the best place to lounge. The majority of the cooking was done at the house and it was great to eat outside all the time. We loved the beach, it was perfect, the sands are white, the waters are turquoise, and you can see to the bottom of the ocean floor. Most days we were the only ones at the beach! It is the perfect place to simply relax. Leslie was great, she was very nice and very helpful. The people there are very friendly. For a self-sufficient vacation, we could have not asked for more. We loved it!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, romantic getaway.

Guest: Robin & James E
Date of Stay: 06/01/09 Review Submitted: 05/31/09

"AWESOME HONEYMOON!" Robin & James E., Harleysville, PA, Date of Stay: March 22-28,2009. "Cat Island is beautiful. The people are friendly, the atmosphere is laid back, the food is delicious, and the scenery is gorgeous. The Boat House is an awesome place! We went there for our honeymoon. It was a bit of a risk to pick a honeymoon destination based soley on pictures and reviews posted on the internet, but it turned out to be a great choice. The reviews were accurate. The pictures don't do it justice though. It is even more beautiful in person. The Boat House is was a very comfortable place to stay. Very well thought out with everything you need. Very private and romantic, yet just a short walk from Pigeon Cay Resort. Getting there was easy. Lesley & Ned (At Pigeon Cay) arranged for a taxi to pick us up at the airport, and we stopped at the grocery store on our way to the house. You could spend every day relaxing on the beach... or you could do what we did. Every day we packed a lunch and either hiked, biked or drove somewhere. We swam and snorkeled by the resort, biked over to the North Shore to go fishing, and took the canoe down the creek. Every day was an adventure. We were only there for a week, and we ran out of time before we ran out of things to do. Next tme we're going for at least two weeks! We are definitely going back!!"

Recommended for:

AWESOME!

Guest: James_Robin (Harleysville, PA USA)
Date of Stay: 03/22/09 Review Submitted: 05/30/09

Cat Island is beautiful. The people are friendly, the atmosphere is laid back, the food is delicious, and the scenery is gorgeous. The Boat House is an awesome place! We went there for our honeymoon. It was a bit of a risk to pick a honeymoon destination based soley on pictures and reviews posted on the internet, but it turned out to be a great choice. The reviews were accurate. The pictures don't do it justice though. It is even more beautiful in person. The Boat House is was a very comfortable place to stay. Very well thought out with everything you need. Very private and romantic, yet just a short walk from Pigeon Cay Resort. Getting there was easy. Lesley & Ned (At Pigeon Cay) arranged for a taxi to pick us up at the airport, and we stopped at the grocery store on our way to the house. You could spend every day relaxing on the beach... or you could do what we did. Every day we packed a lunch and either hiked, biked or drove somewhere. We swam and snorkeled by the resort, biked over to the North Shore to go fishing, and took the canoe down the creek. Every day was an adventure. We were only there for a week, and we ran out of time before we ran out of things to do. Next tme we're going for at least two weeks! We are definitely going back!!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guest: D. and L. James
Date of Stay: 03/18/09 Review Submitted: 03/17/09

Mark, I just want to say that the Boathouse was exactly what Lauren and I were looking for in a secluded,romantic honeymoon. The beach was one of the most gorgeous I've seen and definitely the most private. We have done other "touristy" vacations around the Carribean and I have to say that this was MUCH more relaxing and I can honestly say we enjoyed it much more than a resort type vacation. I really loved the wrap around porch on the house and of course the "open" floor plan. We did a whole lot of relaxing, just laying around in the lounge chairs upstairs. We loved the bed as well, can't wait to get one at our house! I have passed your info to some of my friends that are getting ready for their honeymoons and are looking for some real "one on one" time. I can honestly say I really want to return to Cat Island maybe for 2 weeks this time. Thank you for lending us your beautiful home. DJ

Recommended for:

Idyllic retreat

Guest: Waterlily (Toronto, Ontario, Canada)
Date of Stay: 02/20/09 Review Submitted: 01/14/10

My husband and I were in need of some R & R, and the Boathouse on Cat Island fit the bill perfectly. We stayed for two weeks, in Feb and March, but I can envision staying for months and years. The Boathouse is exactly as described and pictured, a very comfortable, beautiful and environmentally conscious place, perfect for one couple. The view in all directions is simply stunning. The house is very clean, everything works well, the owners kindly phoned us several times from the US to make sure that we were happy, and the property is maintained by the owners of the Pigeon Cay Resort nearby. We ate at the resort every second or third night; there was a set menu (no choices) but the food was outstanding and the ambiance friendly. All the guests (perhaps 10 people) mixed and ate at one large table. The beach is superlative, and in fact Cat Island is ringed with beautiful beaches, some of which have outstanding snorkeling. We usually had the beach to ourselves, picture a wide expanse of soft pink sand, gradual easy entry into the warm, calm caribbean waters. If there had been someone else on the beach, it would have been crowded by Cat Island standards. Wish for surf? Dramatic surf is a short car ride away on the Atlantic side. Cat Island is a great destination for the independent travellers who like to organise their own activities and enjoy lots of contact with the friendly local people. Shop at the local grocery stores, and arrange for delivery of your fresh veggies and fruits to your door, meet the salesman who is also the local preacher, one of many because the inhabitants are very religious. There is no crime to speak of, and we felt safe everywhere. Restaurants? ask and you will be directed to many small eateries where the menu might be limited, but the food was always delicious. Scuba diving is available. What we did not find in Cat Island: crowds, noise, traffic jams, casinos, large resorts, cruise ships, organised activities/tours, nightclubs, room service. There is no shopping to speak of, either. If you can do without these things, you will be happy at the Boathouse in Cat Island.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, romantic getaway.

Cat Island Explorers - A view in all directions

Guest: buddtown z (Jersey Shore)
Date of Stay: 01/18/09 Review Submitted: 01/28/09

This is a great house to rent if you are wanting to explore the beauty of Cat Island. Beautiful views in all directions, miles of undisturbed beaches and shoreline for hiking and exploring. Flats for bonefishing just down the stairway behind the house! This house is perfect for 2! Great outdoor shower with giant "rainhead", well equipped kitchen with gas grill, glass cooktop, plenty of small appliances, pots and pans for your bahamian home-cooked meals. The house is well-maintained and has everything you need for a relaxing in the Bahamas.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, romantic getaway.

Boathouse, Cat Island

Guest: walshero (United States)
Date of Stay: 01/05/09 Review Submitted: 01/21/09

We truly loved our week on Cat Island, and the Boathouse was the perfect place for us to spend it. First, Cat Island was everything we hoped for. We're not very good at all-inclusive resorts or places that have catered to tourism so much that they've lost some of their charm. Cat Island is a rare place. When Tito was on island, we grilled up some fish and had some lobster tails; when the reverend came around we had our pick of fruit; we drove rocky roads to the Atlantic side and walked along pink sand beaches to Turtle Cove; we dived with Veldimar out of Greenwood and saw reefs teeming with grouper and glass-eyed, saw spiny lobster, lion fish and peered over the wall into the deep blue with almost 200' of visibility; we met a grandma who cooked us the best coconut bread and white bread, and dined with Leslie and her guests next door. It was a blast. Plenty to explore, and a pleasure to head back to the Boathouse for a Kalick, a paddle in the canoe, a walk on the beach just over the dune. There are many things that made the Boathouse remarkable, and clearly its unique design tops the list. The panoramic views, the rope and clip doors, the beautiful deck and outside shower, the bed, the grille. Lots to love. We loved the sound of the ocean at night, the little lizards that ran about outside, the moon over the creek out back. And some of the very practical things too, like the stove, grille, spices, washer and dryer were good too. I'm going out tomorrow to get a Griffon Evolve. A one-of-a-kind place...truly a little slice of heaven.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Secluded Memorable Beach Getaway

Guest: Bill & Alice (Franklin TN)
Date of Stay: 11/15/08 Review Submitted: 01/05/09

This is the kind of place you rarely find. The house is great. The description and photo's are accurate. The house lies just behind the dunes, between an estuary and the ocean. The house was well kept and very clean. The kitchen was well equiped and the gas grill was excellent. Leslie at Pigeon Cay made sure we had everything we needed, including kayaks and canoes. The deck was perfect, since it circled the house you can always find sun or shade. Great bed. Great shower. The beach was the best we have ever seen, and almost deserted, only once In 7 days did we see any other people. Cat Island is fun. The locals are friendly and helpful. We always felt welcome and safe. (You will probalby want a car - makes things much easier. Leslie will arrange a car if you ask) Resturants run on "island time" - sometimes they are open and sometimes not - we cooked at the house most nights. The Boathouse is perfect for a couple looking for a real get away. We would return.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, romantic getaway.

paradise!!!

Guest: Miles and Stephanie (Virginia Beach, VA USA)
Date of Stay: 11/08/08 Review Submitted: 11/20/08

The Boathouse was just perfect! This site describes the Boathouse very accurately, but we were still in awe of the beauty of the beach, the water, and the island once we set foot in this paradise. The house was well equipped and had everything we needed. It was easy to get groceries or eat out (the local food was fabulous!) We would recommend having a car to explore this scenic island. The Boathouse truly is a romantic place to relax on one of the comfortable lounge chairs, experience the cool breeze while taking a warm shower on the deck, or to enjoy the large music and book collections. We felt that we were away from it all, but we were pleased that there was a phone in the house just in case we needed to contact “the outside world.” Of course, the Leslie at Pigeon Cay was close by and helped us with anything we needed. Internet access was close by, and there were beach chairs and plenty of towels and kitchen equipment. The Boathouse was everything we expected and more. We cannot wait to return.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, romantic getaway.

Paradise

Guest: Chris and Sarah (Buffalo, New York)
Date of Stay: 10/10/08 Review Submitted: 12/29/08

You won't be disappointed! The Boathouse is everything you'd want in a home away from home... but with an island feel! It was 10-days of peace, solitude, natural beauty and all the amenities you'd ever need (and then some). The Boathouse is equipped with everything you'd need to live comfortably during your stay... a very comfy bed, an AWESOME outdoor shower, the deck surrounding all sides of the house, a fully equipped kitchen and living area, grill, etc.... and those are just the highlights! No matter which direction the breeze was coming from, you could sit out on the deck and enjoy and/or get away from it if that's your preference. The beach is just a short walk away. There you find the most peaceful and beautiful beach. We spent the majority of our time sitting or walking on the beach, swimming, snoozing, drinking, playing. You're only limited by your imagination. Each day around 4 the little sand crabs would come out of their holes. If you kept very still you could watch them as they explore the beach and waters edge, encounters with their neighboring crabs, etc. It was fun to do as we waited for each night's sunset. And the sunrise was just as spectacular and could be viewed from the deck just outside the bedroom. Of course there are plenty of other things to do while you're there. Some things we enjoyed included a long walk on the beach to Alligator point, snorkling, kayaking, a bike ride to the ocean side of the island, a day trip via car to explore the island from tip to tip (we especially liked the north end for views, scenery, etc.), lunch at a local eatery and visit to a local bakery, hike to the highest point on the island (Mt. Alvernia) and canoeing in the bay. All that and still had time to read a book. One of many selections kept right there at the Boathouse. If you love relaxing, peaceful and beautiful surroundings, this is the place for you!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, romantic getaway.

Guest: Ray & Susan McD
Date of Stay: 09/15/08 Review Submitted: 09/14/08

The Boathouse on Cat Island was the best Ray & Susan McD Surry, Maine May 31 - June 7, 2008 My husband and I were very pleased and not one bit disappointed with our accomodations on Cat Island. The Boathouse was perfect. It was all we were looking for and more. The description of the property was very accurate, we loved having Alligator Creek on one side and the beautiful beach on the other. The house was exceptionally clean and well maintained. Ned and Leslie at Pigeon Cay were great, they know it all about good customer service! They helped us arrange for a car, told us where to get groceries and just really helped us with everything. Everything at Pigeon Cay is very relaxed and friendly. We felt like "family" so to speak. The beaches were pefect, clean, private. We had kayaks, canoes, bikes all at our disposal. Ned even let my husband use one of his fishing rods when his got broken. The people on Cat Island were wonderful, very warm, friendly and sincere people. We felt very safe everywhere we went and all the people really wanted us to enjoy our stay on their island. The food was wonderful, even the meals we cooked ourselves. We plan on going back again next summer. If you are looking for a very quiet, serene place to just get back in touch with nature and humanity you need to try the Boathouse on Cat Island. The house was like living under the stars. It was all a wonderful experience.

Recommended for:

The Boathouse on Cat Island was the best

Guest: Northern Travelers (Maine, USA)
Date of Stay: 05/31/08 Review Submitted: 07/11/08

My husband and I were very pleased and not one bit disappointed with our accomodations on Cat Island. The Boathouse was perfect. It was all we were looking for and more. The description of the property was very accurate, we loved having Alligator Creek on one side and the beautiful beach on the other. The house was exceptionally clean and well maintained. Ned and Leslie at Pigeon Cay were great, they know it all about good customer service! They helped us arrange for a car, told us where to get groceries and just really helped us with everything. Everything at Pigeon Cay is very relaxed and friendly. We felt like "family" so to speak. The beaches were pefect, clean, private. We had kayaks, canoes, bikes all at our disposal. Ned even let my husband use one of his fishing rods when his got broken. The people on Cat Island were wonderful, very warm, friendly and sincere people. We felt very safe everywhere we went and all the people really wanted us to enjoy our stay on their island. The food was wonderful, even the meals we cooked ourselves. We plan on going back again next summer. If you are looking for a very quiet, serene place to just get back in touch with nature and humanity you need to try the Boathouse on Cat Island. The house was like living under the stars. It was all a wonderful experience. Ray and Susan

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guest: Bob17
Date of Stay: 05/21/08 Review Submitted: 05/20/08

Charming house ! Bob17 Berlin / Germany. April 26- May 3, 2008 First, I have to apoligize for my bad english and hope everybody understand what I mean. Now I try to describe the experience we made at this very charming and romantic house. There's everything you need. The description of the house and the amenities was accurate. Everything was clean, enough towels and beach towels. Beach chairs and umbrella were also available. The caretakers were awesome, we got everything we need from them (fish, car). The beach was perfect, best beach I've ever been. If you want to see something from the island or go shopping you need to rent a car. The largest supermarket and liquor store is by the airport. Recommended for: Romantic Getaway

Recommended for:

Charming house !

Guest: Bob17 (Berlin / Germany)
Date of Stay: 04/27/08 Review Submitted: 05/21/08

First, I have to apoligize for my bad english and hope everybody understand what I mean. Now I try to describe the experience we made at this very charming and romantic house. There's everything you need. The description of the house and the amenities was accurate. Everything was clean, enough towels and beach towels. Beach chairs and umbrella were also available. The caretakers were awesome, we got everything we need from them (fish, car). The beach was perfect, best beach I've ever been. If you want to see something from the island or go shopping you need to rent a car. The largest supermarket and liquor store is by the airport.

Recommended for:Romantic getaway

Guest: Bill and Kathy R
Date of Stay: 03/25/08 Review Submitted: 03/24/08

Bill & Kathy R. Highland Park, Illinois March 15-22, 2008 "Spectacular !" "The Boathouse is exactly as described. It is quiet (except for the birds and the breeze), very well appointed, and is a perfect spot to rest, unwind and enjoy Cat Island. The house has all of the amenities, including an awesome Weber, and a Select Comfort bed (now I have to get one for home!). The beach is one of the most beautiful in the world, and on a busy day - we saw 3 other people! The bonefishing was great, but not for the flyfishing beginner (wide open flats white sand flats - skinny water - big fish (all singles or doubles) and no place to hide from the wind. Cat Island is beautiful, quiet and friendly - and the Boathouse is a great place to enjoy this one-of-a-kind destination. We'll be back!"

Recommended for:

Guest: Stephen & Andrea C
Date of Stay: 03/17/08 Review Submitted: 03/16/08

Stephen & Andrea C. Saint Paul, MN March 1-15 , 2008 Mark and Sarah: Our choice of the Boathouse was instantaneous: love at first sight. The moment we saw it on the web, we knew we wanted to stay there. We've traveled extensively around the Caribbean and the continental coasts, and our trip to Cat Island was one of our favorite vacations because we loved your house so much. It may sound corny, but we truly appreciate that you are willing to share such a wonderful and unique accommodation with others. The doors stayed wide open for the whole stay to allow us to enjoy the breezes and hear the birds. The primary pleasure of the island was its remote feel and easily found solitude. We rented a 4x4 and drove all over during our two week stay. Exploring the variety of beaches on both sides of the island was a lot of fun. We like to collect shells and beachcomb; Andrea found a glass float for a fishing net and some spectacular King Helmet shells on the Atlantic beaches. We also had wonderful afternoons at Fine Bay north of Greenwood and Port Royal near Orange Creek. The off-road driving is a little risky and challenging, but we found it quite rewarding. Most of all we enjoyed having these spectacular beaches all to ourselves for hours at a time. Our canoe paddles on the creek were also a highlight. I'm an experience canoeist but the creek presented some unusual challenges. We saw dozens of sea turtles of all sizes, as many as eight stingrays at a time, and blacktip sharks swimming underneath our canoe. It was truly exciting. We also enjoyed driving the Pigeon Cay road out towards the tip of Alligator Point (parking just short of the sand pit), then walking out to the mouth of the creek, and finally swimming across to the beaches full of shells. We really liked the heavy teak furniture on the deck, especially the substantial pads on the lounge chairs. They're the best we've ever experienced. The outside deck shower was fantastic and we may even try to find a similar shower head for our soon-to-be remodeled bathroom at home. Great touches. We liked the collection of books (and movies) and even read some of your offerings instead of the ones we brought with us. The music CDs were fun and I would encourage you to keep adding to the collection. We cooked all but a couple of our meals. We also found the Orange Creek grocery preferable to the one in New Big

Recommended for:

Guest: Jane and Owen B
Date of Stay: 03/06/08 Review Submitted: 03/05/08

Jane and Owen B Plainfield, Vermont February 16 -March 1, 2008 Hi Mark and Sarah, Where to begin...everything was fantastic in Cat Island - especially the Boathouse. The CD's were great - all of our favorites and we had a blast just dancing on the deck, sitting in the chairs, reading, relaxing. Most days we were the only people on the beach. Leslie and Ned were great - there if we needed anything but wonderfully respectful of our space. - Great shower - Awesome bed, linen, pillows, towels - all top notch - Kitchen fully equipped - The most comfortable lounging chairs we've ever sat in - Views we never got tired of looking at - got up everyday before the sun rose just to take in as much as possible We took over 500 photos so as soon as I get them all sorted out, I'll send you a link to my Picassa site. You have a beautifully designed house. Simple, yet elegant. Thank you so much for providing such a wonderful spot for our anniversary. Owen & Jane

Recommended for:

As incredible as the island.

Guest: Steve and Andrea (Minnesota)
Date of Stay: 03/01/08 Review Submitted: 03/27/08

The Boathouse was as enjoyable as the island itself and really enhanced our vacation experience. We especially liked the folding glass doors on all sides which we kept fully open to enjoy the sea breezes and varied sunlight. The outdoor shower with plenty of hot water was fantastic. The spacious, shaded deck with luxurious teak furniture made it sometimes hard to choose between lounging on the beach or at the house. In the morning songbirds would frequently alight on the deck railings as we sipped our tea and coffee. The primary pleasures of Cat Island come from its remote feel and easily found solitude. We were usually alone on most beaches for hours at a time and discovered that the beach at Pigeon Cay is one of the best on the island (and only a two minute walk over the dunes). We also loved to paddle the creek behind the Boathouse and saw dozens of sea turtles of all sizes, as many as eight stingrays at a time, and blacktip sharks swimming underneath our canoe. It was truly exciting. Ned and Leslie are helpful, friendly hosts who meticulously maintain the house. They gave us good advice not found in the guidebooks and put us in contact with local fishermen who sold us fresh lobster and conch. We cooked almost all of our own meals for our two week stay. There is nothing else like the Boathouse on Cat Island (or any of the other islands we have visited), and we were thankful that its owners were willing to share it with others.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, romantic getaway.

Spectacular !

Guest: Bill & Kathy (Highland Park, Illinois)
Date of Stay: 03/01/08 Review Submitted: 03/24/08

The Boathouse is exactly as described. It is quiet (except for the birds and the breeze), very well appointed, and is a perfect spot to rest, unwind and enjoy Cat Island. The house has all of the amenities, including an awesome Weber, and a Select Comfort bed (now I have to get one for home!). The beach is one of the most beautiful in the world, and on a busy day - we saw 3 other people! The bonefishing was great, but not for the flyfishing beginner (wide open flats white sand flats - skinny water - big fish (all singles or doubles) and no place to hide from the wind. Cat Island is beautiful, quiet and friendly - and the Boathouse is a great place to enjoy this one-of-a-kind destination. We'll be back!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, romantic getaway.

Outstanding rental property

Guest: Jane and Owen (Plainfield, VT)
Date of Stay: 02/01/08 Review Submitted: 03/07/08

Where to begin...everything was fantastic. The CD's were great - all of our favorites and we had a blast just dancing on the deck, sitting in the chairs, reading, relaxing. Most days we were the only people on the beach. Leslie and Ned were great - there if we needed anything but wonderfully respectful of our space. - Great shower - Awesome bed, linen, pillows, towels - all top notch - Kitchen fully equipped - The most comfortable lounging chairs we've ever sat in - Views we never got tired of looking at - got up everyday before the sun rose just to take in as much as possible You have a beautifully designed house. Simple, yet elegant. Thank you so much for providing such a wonderful spot for our 25th anniversary. This is a great place for a quiet and restful vacation. This is the place is for long walks on the beach, other outdoor activities (kayaking, biking), eating well, reading and watching nature. Folks on the island are very friendly and helpful.

Recommended for:

Guest: Damon B
Date of Stay: 10/21/07 Review Submitted: 10/20/07

Damon BBulverde, TexasOctober 5-21, 2007Mark:Your house is amazing, as well as the island, the people, Leslie & Ned, etc. I’ll try and give you my impressions, but it’s hard for me to say any of it was less than perfect.• The bed was perfect, probably better than mine here • The shower was also excellent. • Beach: perfect• Fishing: world class. I have been fishing on the fly in Mexico, Keys, Costa Rica, Texas, Canada, Alaska, etc., but this was my first time looking for the bonefish exclusively. The vicinity of the flat of Pigeon Creek to the house is amazing; the amount of fish is ridiculous. There were several days where I made casts to probably 30-40 bones, and one morning I landed 7, with several being large• Library is great, I read several, and added to it with a few of my own.• All the maps and guidebook were extremely helpful, and Leslie and Ned I can’t say enough about.Thank you for letting me spend some time in your home, I am looking forward to visiting again VERY soon.Thanks again,Damon B

Recommended for:

The Island

Guest: Dboat (Bulverde, TX)
Date of Stay: 10/01/07 Review Submitted: 10/22/07

Beautiful house, beautiful island, beautiful beach. It truly is a vacation. Bring plenty of books, plenty of bonefish flies, plenty of sunscreen. Ned & Leslie are beyond helpful with any questions you may have, and my only regret was that I couldn't stay longer, as there is an endless amount of scenery, beaches, fishing, etc. to explore.

Recommended for:

Guest: Tim and Hettie K
Date of Stay: 08/11/07 Review Submitted: 08/10/07

Tim & Hettie KCharlotte, North CarolinaAugust 4-11, 2007Mark,We loved Cat Island. We have never, ever, met friendlier people anywhere. The highlights:The beach was wonderful. The views from the deck were superb. The outdoor shower was a real treat. It's on our "must have" list for our own island home someday. We grilled on the Weber each of the nights we were there. The breezes were delicious and the sunsets were spectacular. The kitchen was great. Being able to cook to such a level - either on the Weber or using the induction cooktop or the convection/microwave - is a real plus. Having local contacts for fresh fruits, vegetables, and seafood was very helpful. Having a fridge with an icemaker was awesome. The linens and the bed were great - beyond the level of what we've found before in a private out-island home. The bed was the most comfortable we’ve ever experienced in our 20 years of island travel. That’s a real perk. I was very, very happy to have a telephone. A working phone is on my list of must-haves... not so much so I can make a call, just from a peace-of-mind standpoint knowing someone at home could reach me if the need arose. We took some DVDs and also enjoyed a few from your collection. Everything was in great working order.We also made the side-trip to the Hermitage and spent a few hours on one of the windward beaches. Both excursions added to our enjoyable week and I would recommend them to anyone visiting the island.We had a great time and we loved Cat Island. We'll be back. I don't know if I'd previously mentioned that I used to write for Caribbean Travel & Life magazine - and I look at every trip recap with some of that travel-writer/researcher perspective. What made this a memorable trip? What could have made it better? What would someone else think of the island and the accommodations, etc.? What homework did I fail to do before I got there? I do think it takes a special attitude and hardiness to appreciate the out islands. There are tremendous payoffs you get in exchange for not having room service or guided tours or a maintenance man on-call. I would choose an out island trip - including a little "roughing it" - over a 4-star resort any day. I'd take that deal tomorrow! So no worries at all. We came home with big smiles.Thanks for all your help and info - and for giving us a great launching pad for our 2007 vacation. I hope our paths cross someday.Best,

Recommended for:

Guest: Ryk & Allison S
Date of Stay: 06/01/07 Review Submitted: 05/31/07

Ryk & AllisonToronto,OntarioMay 25-June 1, 2007"Hi Mark,Well, we’re back home now after a truly enjoyable stay. The Boathouse is a marvelous design which really suits the location. We found that the easy transition from the “indoors” space to the veranda provides the feeling of being in a much larger home. You have obviously given the design a great deal of thought and it has worked out very well. Being in the commercial real estate development industry, I couldn’t help but wonder how you managed to find labor on the island that was able to adapt to the challenges of a rather unique form of construction.You have thought of everything—the manuals, the maps, the Cat Island booklet, a reasonable selection of movies and books (we enlarged the latter slightly), a great BBQ, good kitchen appliances, a huge cistern for rainwater (treated to ensure that the water was potable), beautiful and comfortable outdoor furniture, an unbelievably comfortable bed and, my personal favorite—a composting toilet. Combined with an amazingly pristine and almost deserted beach, clear warm water, friendly locals and virtually no commercialism, we had a refreshingly restful and rejuvenating stay. Thank you for everything—we sincerely enjoyed it all."Ryk

Recommended for:

wonderful property, quiet surroundings

Guest: canuck (Toronto)
Date of Stay: 05/01/07 Review Submitted: 07/03/07

Magnificent setting, amazing almost-private beach, excellent accommodations, friendly and helpful locals. Ad is very accurate except that it was difficult to get fresh produce/meats in summer months and when deliveries to island are interrupted. Did not go to local restaurants because of our food allergies, but heard they were quite good. Was good idea to rent a car. Owner is helpful, forthright and eager to please.

Recommended for:

Guest: Beverly & Brian D
Date of Stay: 04/29/07 Review Submitted: 04/28/07

Beverly & Brian D Connecticut USA April 22-29, 2007 "Hi Mark, Brian and I had a wonderful time staying at your house on Cat Island last week, very peaceful and relaxing. The house was very comfortable(LOVED the views from the deck and the outdoor shower), everything went generally very well (Leslie is a treasure!) And even if an extended stay isn't possible, we definitely intend to spend as much Time there as we can, coming a little better prepared (cash, food, niceties, etc.) next time. Also a car is a necessity for us at least a couple of times a week, so I need to work on that as well. We can't wait to go back!" ---- Beverly

Recommended for: