Elbow Cay Things to Do

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Regardless of your direction of approach to Elbow Cay, your first sight will be the Elbow Reef Lighthouse. Commonly referred to as the Hopetown Lighthouse due to its location in Hopetown, this candy-striped classic can be seen from as far away as 17 miles. Originally built in 1864 to guide sailors, it was rebuilt in 1934 due to damage caused over time by various hurricanes which frequent the Bahamas. Although the lantern itself is only 89 feet from the ground, its location high on a hill provides for an overall height of 120 feet above sea level, allowing for the great visibility.

Admission is free, although donatons to the Lighthouse Preservation Fund are requested and appreciated. You can climb the 101 steps to the lantern, and out onto the 360 degree viewing platform for an amazing view of Hopetown, the Harbour, and many of the surrounding cays.

And if you've read Jimmy Buffett's latest, A Salty Piece of Land, it's believed he got the inspiration for the book after visiting Hopetown and seeing the Lighthouse. In fact, he spent a couple of days researching with Dave Gale, a local resident and director of the Lighthouse Preservation Fund.