Plizio Visual Lab

Great Isaac Lighthouse

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Landmark

Weather…

The Great Isaac Lighthouse is a towering iron structure located on the small, remote Great Isaac Cay in the northern Bahamas. Erected in 1859, the lighthouse stands 46 meters tall and was originally displayed at the Great Exhibition in London before being transported and reconstructed on the cay. Its primary function is to guide maritime traffic through the busy shipping lanes between the Florida Straits and the Great Bahama Bank. The site is shrouded in local lore and mystery, most notably due to the unexplained disappearance of two lighthouse keepers in 1969, who vanished without a trace. Legends of the 'Grey Lady,' a spectral figure said to haunt the island, add to its enigmatic reputation among sailors and locals alike. Although the lighthouse was automated shortly after the mysterious incident, the weathered white tower remains a prominent and haunting nautical landmark in the middle of the azure Caribbean waters.

Location: Bahamas
Nearby: Alice Town (16 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan–Mar.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	22	23	23	24	26	28	29	29	29	27	25	24
Rain mm	47	40	50	65	111	156	136	149	182	117	59	44

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

The lighthouse is located on a small, uninhabited cay in the Bahamas. It is typically visible only during boat trips, as the interior remains closed except for rare special tours. Landing requires prior arrangement or a guided tour.

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Typical hours

Access to the island is typically restricted to daylight hours. Boat tours usually depart in the morning and return by early afternoon, so plan accordingly. The lighthouse itself has no fixed opening hours.

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Photography

Photography of the exterior is encouraged; the lighthouse features striking silhouettes against the sky. A telephoto lens is recommended for clear shots from the boat, and sunset provides dramatic colors.

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Time needed

A visit typically takes half a day, including the boat ride from Bimini or Nassau. Allow at least one hour at the site for exploration and photos. Combining with other destinations extends the time.

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Combine with

Combine the trip with a visit to Gun Cay Lighthouse or Great Stirrup Cay Lighthouse. Many boat tours in the Berry Islands include multiple lighthouse stops in one day.

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Getting there

The lighthouse is reachable only by private boat or chartered tour from Bimini or Nassau. No public ferry service exists, so booking a tour is essential.

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Insider tip

Bring water, snacks, and sun protection, as there are no facilities on the cay. Early morning tours offer calmer seas and better light for photography.