The abandoned lighthouse on Great Isaac Cay is found in Bimini, The Bahamas. A little island called Great Isaac Cay is part of the Berry Islands series and is about 60 miles northwest of Nassau. In gin-clear water, the Bahamas’ islands cover an area of more than 100,000 square miles.
It is accessible only by boat. And it is so small that it is not visible on google Maps or google earth. The most prominent feature of the island is its lighthouse, which was erected in 1859.
Brief History
In the late 19th century local lore tells of a shipwreck on the island with one survivor, an infant. The child’s distraught mother, known as the Grey Lady, is said to haunt the island to this very day, wailing in sorrow during the full moon.
On August 4, 1969, the station was discovered to have been abandoned by its two keepers, who were never found. The keepers’ house, cistern, and assorted buildings are crumbling into ruins. The Lighthouse looks abandoned but is actually still in use, fully automated.
It is also claimed to be haunted!
Purpose
Great Isaac Cay’s lighthouse served as a navigational aid and point of reference for ships navigating the area around the island. In the days before GPS and contemporary navigation technologies, lighthouses were essential navigational aids because their powerful light beams kept ships on track and kept them from becoming stuck on perilous shoals or rocks.
Great Isaac Cay’s lighthouse probably played a significant role in guiding ships to and from Nassau as well as those moving between the Berry Islands and other locations in the Bahamas. The lighthouse helped to secure the safety of ships and their crews and promoted trade and commerce in the area by acting as a bright, visible beacon at night.
However, this 152-foot-tall Great Isaac Lighthouse, which was built in the 1850s that was said to guard against commercial ships going missing in the Bermuda Triangle, is now more of a participant than a guardian in the region’s mysteries.
Today, even though there are no longer any keepers, the lighthouse in Great Isaac Cay is still present and functional.
Travel guide
You will need a boat if you are interested in having a ghost encounter at the Great Isaac Cay Lighthouse. The lighthouse and the other structures are easily accessible, although landing on the shore is a little challenging.
Here is a quick travel guide to get you started if you want to visit the abandoned lighthouse on Great Isaac Cay:
Traveling to Destination
- Great Isaac Cay is most easily reached by boat. You have the option of taking a trip from Nassau or renting a private boat.
- Before embarking on your visit, make sure to verify the local weather and sea conditions; rough seas can make it challenging to reach the island.
Items to Prepare
- Sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen
- A pair of relaxed walking shoes
- Cameras or more recording devices
- Water and snacks
- Pest repellant
What to Do
- Take a trip with a guide or hike to the island’s lighthouse.
- Look into the island’s surroundings for options to go birdwatching, fishing, or snorkeling.
- Visit the lighthouse to learn about its significance and history.
- Bring a picnic and take in the serene surroundings.
Safety Advice
- Observe the island’s wildlife and natural environment with respect.
- Wear the right gear and shoes before engaging in outdoor activities.
- Always abide by the local safety regulations, which include being mindful of wildlife and avoiding unsafe locations.
- Pay attention to how the weather is changing, especially during hurricane season.
Accommodations
You might need to make arrangements for overnight stays in surrounding towns or cities since Great Isaac Cay doesn’t have any accommodation.
Conclusion
Even though it is claimed to be haunted, the lighthouse on Great Isaac Cay is utilized by ships passing through the area as a beacon to assist them to navigate safely across the island’s surrounding waters.