Coastal Sites: 7 Lighthouses in Haiti to Add to Your Boating Bucket List
From the northern hills of Cap-Haïtien to the turquoise shores of Jacmel, Haiti’s rugged coastline and deep maritime history have given rise to several fascinating lighthouses that continue to guide ships through the Caribbean waters of the Greater Antilles. These coastal sentinels, many built during the 19th and early 20th centuries, offer both historical significance and breathtaking ocean views. Here are some of the most noteworthy lighthouses in Haiti for those traveling from boat slips for rent near me, marinas and private boat lift rentals.
1. Point Picolet Lighthouse
The Point Picolet Lighthouse, also known as Phare du Cap-Haïtien, is located near the historic city of Cap-Haïtien. This lighthouse overlooks the northern coast and the Bay of Cap-Haïtien. It has long served as a guiding light for ships entering one of Haiti’s most important ports. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the coastline and nearby beaches.
2. Île de la Tortue Lighthouse
Île de la Tortue Lighthouse, located on the northern coast of Haiti’s Tortuga Island, overlooks turquoise waters and rugged cliffs. Though small, it plays a vital role in aiding navigation for ships traveling between Cuba and Haiti. The lighthouse also offers a glimpse into the island’s storied past, once a haven for buccaneers in the 17th century. Today, visitors to Tortuga can admire its serene coastal views, vibrant fishing villages and the lighthouse’s enduring presence.
3. Phare du Môle-Saint-Nicolas
At the northwestern tip of Haiti lies Môle-Saint-Nicolas, where a solitary lighthouse guards the Windward Passage, which is a major route between Cuba and Haiti. Filled with history, it’s believed that Christopher Columbus first landed nearby in 1492. Built in the early 20th century, this historic beacon guides vessels navigating the Windward Passage between Haiti and Cuba. Its strategic location marks one of the most scenic and historically significant coastal areas in the country.
4. Cape Dame Marie Lighthouse
The Cap Dame Marie Lighthouse, located near the coastal town of Dame Marie in southwestern Haiti, serves as a vital guide for ships navigating the Caribbean Sea. Positioned on a rugged headland overlooking the Gulf of Gonâve, the lighthouse offers a commanding view of the coastline and nearby fishing communities.
It’s a functional aid and a cultural landmark. The surrounding area is known for its natural beauty, including pristine beaches and lush hillsides, making the lighthouse a scenic point of interest for travelers exploring Haiti’s picturesque southern peninsula from private boat dock rentals.
5. Phare des Cayes (Les Cayes Lighthouse)
Standing watch over Haiti’s southern peninsula, Phare des Cayes is near Les Cayes and vital for navigation through the area’s busy shipping routes. The surrounding region is known for its pristine beaches and proximity to Île à Vache, making it a scenic stop for travelers and boaters cruising from marinas and private boat slip rentals.
6. Navassa Island Lighthouse
The Navassa Island Lighthouse stands on the remote and uninhabited Navassa Island, located between Haiti and Jamaica in the Caribbean Sea. Built in 1917 by the United States, the lighthouse rises from the island’s steep limestone cliffs to warn ships navigating the busy Windward Passage. Its isolated location made it one of the most challenging lighthouses to maintain, relying on keepers who faced difficult conditions. Although automated and later deactivated, the structure remains a historic maritime landmark. Today, Navassa Island is a protected nature reserve, and the lighthouse endures as a silent witness to the region’s maritime history.
7. Phare de Petit-Goâve
Situated west of Port-au-Prince, Phare de Petit-Goave serves as a beacon for vessels along Haiti’s central coast. Petit-Goâve itself is one of the country’s oldest towns, and a visit to the lighthouse pairs well with exploring its colonial streets and local markets.
