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Lighthouse Bay - Hopetown (Outside)

Location: Southern Abaco Cays
Lat / Lon: N 26° 32.476' / W 076° 58.074'
Depth: 6'-10'
Tide: 2.0'-2.5'
Description:
The Lighthouse anchorage is a broad expanse of shallow open water that lies between the mouth of a small bay directly behind the Elbow Reef Lighthouse and the Parrot Cays to the west. In most conditions the area offers reasonable protection from the elements but there will be constant wakes from vessels moving from Hopetown Harbour. It is slightly farther away from the channel to Hopetown than the Eagle Rock anchorage, but for most vessels the tradeoff is more swinging room and slightly deeper water.

4.20

(5)

4.20 out of 5 stars

Holding:

4.40

Good, grass and sand

Wind Protection:

3.20

NNE-SSW

Current Flow:

3.60

Wake Protection:

1.80

Open and exposed north through southwest

Scenic Beauty:

4.60

Ease of Shopping:

3.60

Shore Access:

4.20

Shore access is difficult

Pet Friendly:

4.50

Go ashore in Hopetown

Cell Service:

4.75

Good coverage

WiFi:

3.00

Review for Lighthouse Bay - Hopetown (Outside)

Reviewed by: Tom Allison on Nov 9, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 45'
Draft: 5.0'

Overall Rating:

4

Holding:

4

Wind Protection:

3

Current Flow:

4

Wake Protection:

2

Scenic Beauty:

5

Ease of Shopping:

2

Shore Access:

3

A pretty spot to anchor with decent holding. A lot of boats zip by so you will get wakes. Access to Hopetown is a short dinghy ride and there are plenty of docks. Depending on the wind direction it may be a bit lively on the anchor.

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Review for Lighthouse Bay - Hopetown (Outside)

Reviewed by: Lawrence Wolfenden on May 12, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 38'
Draft: 4.0'

Overall Rating:

4

Holding:

4

Wind Protection:

3

Current Flow:

3

Wake Protection:

1

Scenic Beauty:

4

Ease of Shopping:

3

Shore Access:

4

Cell Service:

4

This is a good spot to anchor when Hope Town Harbour is full, as it usually is in season. You will find good holding in the many sandy patches. There is plenty of space so you should never feel crowded. There is a fair amount of traffic in and out of the harbor, so expect to be rocked some during the daylight hours. The tidal current is not much of a problem--we lay head-to the wind while there.

Check in on the Cruiser's Net (VHF 68) at 0815 every Monday through Saturday to learn of news and events of relevance to cruisers, including the dates/times for garbage pickup. They can also provide guidance on purchasing propane and pretty much any topic of interest to the cruiser.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Review for Lighthouse Bay - Hopetown (Outside)

Reviewed by: Tom Allison on Apr 8, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 45'
Draft: 5.0'

Overall Rating:

4

Holding:

4

Wind Protection:

3

Current Flow:

4

Wake Protection:

3

Scenic Beauty:

5

Ease of Shopping:

4

Shore Access:

5

Cell Service:

5

WiFi:

5

We stopped here for three nights when strong east winds were blowing. The actual harbor is packed with tight moorings, so don't expect to anchor in the harbor. Some boat wakes, during the day and calm at night. It took two tries to find a spot of sand that would hold, but here are plenty here.

This is one of the most cruiser friendly places we have been in the Bahamas. In the harbor, there are several places to moor a dinghy free. We enjoyed two meals in local restaurants and drinks in many more. In the morning you may take trash to the government dock on scheduled days. The light house is worth the trip. I expect with a little more time and exploring there is much more to do. Note, we tried to rent a golf cart, but could not due to they have to be reserved a week in advance.

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Review for Lighthouse Bay - Hopetown (Outside)

Reviewed by: Jason Spitz, Breathe, on May 11, 2022
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 40'
Draft: 4.0'

Overall Rating:

4

Holding:

5

Wind Protection:

4

Current Flow:

5

Wake Protection:

2

Scenic Beauty:

4

Ease of Shopping:

4

Shore Access:

4

Pet Friendly:

4

Cell Service:

5

WiFi:

1

A nice anchorage protected from any winds with an easterly component. This is a great alternative if you don't want to take a mooring ball in Hope Town or if all the balls are taken. Lots of sandy spots with excellent holding. Easy dinghy ride into Hope Town. Several public dinghy docks are available in town. There are wakes during the day from small boat traffic coming in and out of the channel, but none at night. Views of the Elbow Cay lighthouse are spectacular. Cell service was excellent.

Drone video of anchorage:
https://www.facebook.com/100063618668322/posts/409863744477578/

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Review for Lighthouse Bay - Hopetown (Outside)

Reviewed by: Lucy Wilcox, Independence, on Apr 6, 2018
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 38'
Draft: 4.0'

Overall Rating:

5

Holding:

5

Wind Protection:

3

Current Flow:

2

Wake Protection:

1

Scenic Beauty:

5

Ease of Shopping:

5

Shore Access:

5

Pet Friendly:

5

Cell Service:

5

This is a gorgeous spot right under the lighthouse on the outside of Hope Town Harbour. Great holding in sand; 5-6 feet mean low water. This is a very busy area: expect large, frequent wakes from ferries and larger boats. Some wind protection from the east, and some from the west if you move closer to the Parrot Cays. Gets choppy and uncomfortable with southerly, westerly or northerly winds.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer