If you're looking for a fun adventure in the Bahamas, a visit to the iconic Elbow Cay Lighthouse in Hope Town is a must! 

One of the most memorable parts of a trip to Hope Town for any mariner is a trek to the top of the Elbow Reef Lighthouse. While the red and white candy-striped lighthouse is cute to look at and makes spectacular postcard-like photos from the harbor, seeing the inner workings of this original hand-cranked and kerosene-burning lighthouse is awe inspiring.

Elbow Reef Lightstation was one of 11 built by the Imperial Lighthouse Service in the Bahamas (then under British rule) between 1836 and 1887. Of these 11, all but Elbow Reef have been converted to automatic lights (and only a few still work at all).

The 89-foot tall lighthouse was built between 1862 and 1864 to warn mariners of the dangerous Elbow Reef that lines the island. The light was renovated in the 1930s. At that time, it was updated with a five-lens First Order Fresnel lens and a state-of-the-art Hood Petroleum Burner, both of which can be seen in operation today. 

To keep the light on, lighthouse keepers must wind the turning mechanism (426 turns) every two hours. This spins the enormous 7,000-lb. Fresnel Lens assembly, which floats in liquid mercury around the fixed kerosene burner. The Coleman Company has custom built the mantles to help keep the light on since 2012.

In true Bahamian fashion, the lighthouse is free to tour and visit-just walk right in! Keeping the light operational is made possible by the Elbow Reef Lighthouse Society, which runs a gift shop at the base of the lighthouse and puts on charity events throughout the year. The lighthouse has a free dock at the base of the hill. 

Visitors to the lighthouse can climb the 101 steps to the top and take in breathtaking views of the surrounding islands and coastline. From its vantage point, you can see the gentle sway of sailboats in the harbor, the lively bustle of the town below, and the endless expanse of the glittering ocean.

Whether you're a history buff, a photography enthusiast, or simply looking for a fun adventure, the Hope Town Lighthouse is a must-visit destination in the Bahamas. It's a beacon of hope, a symbol of strength, and a testament to the enduring spirit of this remarkable island town.

Learn more about cruising to the Bahamas and Hope Town in The Bahamas Waterway Guide.

Purchase a Print Bahamas Guide or a Digital + Print Subscription in the Ship Store.