Coastal Sites: Lighthouses in the Bahamas to Add to Your Boating Bucket List

The Islands of the Bahamas are famous for turquoise waters, white-sand beaches and vibrant marine life. But they’re also home to some of the Caribbean’s most fascinating lighthouses. These historic beacons have guided sailors through treacherous reefs and busy shipping lanes for centuries. Today, they offer travelers a chance to explore history, legends and unbeatable island views.

1. Elbow Reef Lighthouse (Hope Town, Abaco)

Built in 1864, Elbow Reef Lighthouse is one of the last hand-wound, kerosene-fueled and manned lighthouses in the world. It has not been electrified at all. Its red-and-white candy stripes make it a photographer’s dream. Visitors can climb 101 steps to enjoy sweeping views of Hope Town and the Atlantic Ocean.

2. Great Isaac Lighthouse (Bimini)

Towering 151 feet, the remote Great Isaac Lighthouse in Bimini was completed in 1859. It guarded ships passing through the treacherous Florida Straits and the Bermuda Triangle. Surrounded by mystery, legends tell of ghostly figures linked to a shipwreck and the unexplained disappearance of keepers in 1969.

3. Hog Island Lighthouse (New Providence)

Hog Island Lighthouse, built in 1817, is the oldest surviving lighthouse in the West Indies. It’s located at the entrance of Nassau Harbour, where it greets cruise ships and yachts. Though weathered, it remains a favorite for photographers capturing Nassau’s harbor skyline from private boat slips for rent or marinas.

4. Hole-in-the-Wall Lighthouse (Abaco)

First lit in 1836, Hole-in-the-Wall Lighthouse was one of the earliest Bahamian lighthouses. It was originally built to protect ships navigating around the southern tip of Great Abaco. Today, its remote ruins attract adventurous visitors from marinas and private boat lift rentals seeking history and wild coastal scenery.

5. Egg Island Lighthouse (Eleuthera)

Egg Island Lighthouse is a lesser-known beacon marking the approaches near North Eleuthera. Though not as tall or famous as others, it played an important role in navigation. The surrounding waters are great for snorkeling and exploring hidden coves.

6. San Salvador Lighthouse (Dixon Hill, San Salvador Island)

Built in the late 19th century, San Salvador Lighthouse is a towering 163-foot-tall white structure perched high on a hill. It’s still active and helps ships navigate the eastern Bahamas. It’s one of the very few manually-operated lighthouses left in the world. San Salvador is believed to be where Columbus first landed in the New World, adding historical significance to the site.

7. Great Stirrup Cay Lighthouse (Berry Islands)

Great Stirrup Cay Lighthouse was constructed in 1863 to protect ships in the Berry Islands. Though it no longer operates, it’s a striking feature on Norwegian Cruise Line’s private island and a scenic backdrop for day visitors enjoying the island’s beaches. If you aren’t a passenger on the cruise line, arrangements must be made to visit the lighthouse.

Travel Tip: Many Bahamian lighthouses are in remote or rugged areas, so reaching them may require a guided excursion, or a good hike or a boat trip from a private boat dock rental or charter. Be prepared for an adventure, and bring your camera. You’ll be rewarded with incredible views and a glimpse into the maritime history of the islands.