Hope Town Lighthouse

The Hope Town Lighthouse, formally known as the Elbow Reef Lighthouse, is globally renowned as one of the last manually operated, kerosene-fueled lighthouses in existence. Erected in 1863 by the British Imperial Lighthouse Service, its construction was initially opposed by local 'wreckers' who feared it would end their lucrative business of salvaging grounded vessels. The 120-foot tower features a striking red-and-white striped daymark and houses a massive first-order Fresnel lens that rotates on a bed of mercury. To maintain its rotation, lightkeepers must manually wind a clockwork mechanism every two hours, lifting a heavy weight that drives the gears. This historic structure remains a critical navigational aid for the treacherous waters surrounding Elbow Cay and is an enduring symbol of Bahamian maritime tradition. Tourists can ascend 101 steps to the gallery for an unparalleled view of the Abaco Sea and Hope Town harbor. Its preservation is maintained by the Elbow Reef Lighthouse Society, ensuring this 19th-century technological marvel remains functional in the modern era.

Nearby cities

Great Guana Cay

A narrow islet in the Abacos, known for its beaches.

Cherokee Sound

A historic settlement on Great Abaco.

Spring City

A residential settlement near Marsh Harbour, Abaco.

Murphy Town

A settlement on Great Abaco, bordering Dundas Town.

Little Harbour (Abaco)

A secluded artist colony and foundry on Great Abaco.

Current

A small settlement in North Eleuthera.

Crossing Rocks

A small fishing community on Great Abaco.

The Bluff

A settlement on the island of Eleuthera.

Sandy Point

A settlement at the southern tip of Great Abaco Island.

Gregory Town

A town on Eleuthera famous for its pineapples and surfing.

History & landmarks

Pink Sands Hotel Architecture

An iconic resort on Harbour Island known for its distinctive pastel-colored cottages.

Hole-in-the-Wall Lighthouse

A remote lighthouse located at the southern tip of Great Abaco.

Preacher's Cave

A sprawling cave that served as a refuge for the first English settlers in the Bahamas.

Glass Window Bridge

A spot where you can see the dark Atlantic and turquoise Caribbean Sea simultaneously.

Saint Matthew's Anglican Church

The oldest surviving church building in the city of Nassau.

More places

Hope Town Post Office

A historic building in Hope Town that served as the communications hub for the community for a long time.

Wyannie Malone Historical Museum

A museum in Hope Town detailing the settlement's history.

🗺️

Tilloo Cay Reserve

A protected area in the Abacos that serves as an important nesting site for seabirds.

Spanish Wells Lobster Port

A fishing and lobster landing port on Spanish Wells.

St. John's Anglican Church

The oldest Anglican church in The Bahamas, located in Dunmore Town, Harbour Island.

Horseback Riding on Pink Sands Beach

A unique experience of riding horses along the world-famous pink sand beach of Harbour Island.

Harbour Island

An island famous for its Pink Sands Beach and chic boutiques.

Man-O-War Cay Boatbuilders

A traditional boat-building district with a long craft heritage.