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Dixon Hill Lighthouse

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Landmark
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Dixon Hill Lighthouse (Bahamas)

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Dixon Hill Lighthouse is one of the most iconic landmarks on San Salvador Island in the Bahamas. Completed in 1887, it is one of the few remaining lighthouses in the world that is still manually operated by a lightkeeper using a kerosene lamp. The lighthouse stands on Dixon Hill at an elevation of about 49 meters above sea level, with the tower itself reaching a height of 22 meters. Its powerful light beam is visible for 19 nautical miles and revolves every 15 seconds, providing a crucial guide for ships navigating the treacherous coral reefs. San Salvador is historically significant as the presumed site of Christopher Columbus's first landfall in the New World in 1492, and the lighthouse serves as a modern sentinel over these storied waters. The structure remains a testament to 19th-century maritime engineering and the enduring importance of traditional navigational methods in the Caribbean.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan–Mar.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C242424252627282929282625
Rain mm292020297561455473926228

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
Dixon Hill Lighthouse on San Salvador is open to visitors, the tower can be climbed. The lighthouse is still operated with kerosene and is a technical monument.
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Typical hours
The lighthouse is usually open during daylight hours, sometimes by appointment. A call in advance is recommended to ensure someone is on site.
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Photography
Photography is allowed, both from the top of the tower and outside. The view of the turquoise sea and coastline is dramatic, offering excellent panoramic shots.
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Time needed
A visit including the climb takes about 30 to 45 minutes. Those who explore the surroundings and the beach should allow an hour.
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Combine with
The lighthouse is located on San Salvador and can be combined with visits to historic sites of Columbus's landing or snorkeling at the coral reef. Beaches are also nearby.
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Getting there
The lighthouse is accessible by car or taxi, a gravel road leads almost to the tower's base. From the main town Cockburn Town, it's about 15 minutes by car.
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Insider tip
Plan your visit for late afternoon to see the sunset from the lighthouse - an unforgettable experience. Bring insect repellent as there are mosquitoes.

Geography

Coordinates
24.10000, -74.44970

Facts

  • Completed in 1887 on San Salvador Island.
  • One of the few lighthouses still manually operated with kerosene.
  • The light beam is visible from a distance of 19 nautical miles.
  • The optic rotates once every 15 seconds to guide ships.
  • Positioned on a hill 49 meters above the surrounding sea level.
  • Located near the site of Christopher Columbus's first landfall.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Columbus PointColumbus Point<1 km · EExplore →
Pigeon Creek (San Salvador)Pigeon Creek (San Salvador)4 km · WExplore →
San Salvador's Inland LakesSan Salvador's Inland Lakes6 km · SExplore →
Cockburn Town (San Salvador)Cockburn Town (San Salvador)8 km · SExplore →
San Salvador West CoastSan Salvador West Coast11 km · SExplore →
Landrail PointLandrail Point40 km · WExplore →
Salt Beacon of Rum CaySalt Beacon of Rum Cay44 km · SExplore →
Albert TownAlbert Town45 km · WExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Where is the Dixon Hill Lighthouse?
On San Salvador Island in the Bahamas.
Is the lighthouse still manually operated?
Yes, it is one of the few hand-operated lighthouses in the world.
Can you climb the tower?
Often, the lighthouse keeper allows climbing for a small tip.
How is the view from the top?
There is a fantastic view over San Salvador and the sea.
How old is the lighthouse?
It was built in 1887.
Dixon Hill Lighthouse: where is it located?
Dixon Hill Lighthouse is located in Bahamas.
Dixon Hill Lighthouse: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Mar.
Dixon Hill Lighthouse: why is it worth visiting?
Dixon Hill Lighthouse is one of the most iconic landmarks on San Salvador Island in the Bahamas.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
North America
Explore with Plizio Discover more places in North America
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Nearby cities

Cockburn Town (San Salvador) — Dixon Hill Lighthouse (Bahamas)
Cockburn Town (San Salvador)
The capital of San Salvador, believed to be Columbus's first landfall.
Landrail Point — Dixon Hill Lighthouse (Bahamas)
Landrail Point
A settlement on Crooked Island known for its fishing.
Albert Town — Dixon Hill Lighthouse (Bahamas)
Albert Town
A settlement on Long Cay in the Crooked Islands.
True Blue — Dixon Hill Lighthouse (Bahamas)
True Blue
A very small settlement on Crooked Island.
Lovely Bay — Dixon Hill Lighthouse (Bahamas)
Lovely Bay
A picturesque settlement on the coast of Acklins.
Gordon&#39;s — Dixon Hill Lighthouse (Bahamas)
Gordon's
The southernmost settlement on Long Island.
🗺️
Hard Bargain
A small settlement in southern Long Island.
Port St. George — Dixon Hill Lighthouse (Bahamas)
Port St. George
A planned but never fully realized settlement on Long Island.
Cecil — Dixon Hill Lighthouse (Bahamas)
Cecil
A small residential settlement on Long Island.
Salina Point — Dixon Hill Lighthouse (Bahamas)
Salina Point
The southernmost settlement on Acklins Island.
Anderson — Dixon Hill Lighthouse (Bahamas)
Anderson
A small settlement in northern Acklins.
Snug Corner — Dixon Hill Lighthouse (Bahamas)
Snug Corner
A small settlement on Acklins Island.

History & landmarks

Dean&#39;s Blue Hole — Dixon Hill Lighthouse (Bahamas)
Dean's Blue Hole
The world's deepest saltwater blue hole located on Long Island.

Nature

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Pigeon Creek (San Salvador)
A large tidal creek and lagoon system in southeastern San Salvador, a vital marine habitat.

More places

Columbus Point — Dixon Hill Lighthouse (Bahamas)
Columbus Point
A monument marking the supposed landfall site of Christopher Columbus.
San Salvador&#39;s Inland Lakes — Dixon Hill Lighthouse (Bahamas)
San Salvador's Inland Lakes
The interior of San Salvador is dotted with a network of hyper-saline lakes and ponds, creating a unique ecosystem.
Farquharson&#39;s Plantation Ruins — Dixon Hill Lighthouse (Bahamas)
Farquharson's Plantation Ruins
The ruins of a Loyalist plantation on San Salvador, also known as 'Blackbeard's Castle'.
San Salvador West Coast — Dixon Hill Lighthouse (Bahamas)
San Salvador West Coast
The sheltered western coast of San Salvador, renowned for its spectacular wall dives.
Conception Island National Park — Dixon Hill Lighthouse (Bahamas)
Conception Island National Park
An uninhabited island and park that is a crucial nesting ground for seabirds.
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Samana Cay Karst Plain
An uninhabited island featuring a weathered and cavernous limestone topography.
Salt Beacon of Rum Cay — Dixon Hill Lighthouse (Bahamas)
Salt Beacon of Rum Cay
A stone tower that once served as a beacon for ships transporting salt from the island.
Mount Cauldwell — Dixon Hill Lighthouse (Bahamas)
Mount Cauldwell
One of the highest elevations on Crooked Island, offering sweeping views of the island.