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Beacon Cay Lighthouse

Fl White/Red 3s🇧🇸Exuma, BSOperational

Location & Light Range

About Beacon Cay Lighthouse

Beacon Cay lighthouse, established in 1893, is a 9-meter steel skeletal mast situated on a small cay. This structure stands adjacent to the original one-story octagonal keeper's cottage, which has since fallen into ruin. The lighthouse displays a white and red light, emitting one white or red flash every 3 seconds, with a geographic range of 12.7 nautical miles. It is located approximately 50 kilometers east southeast of New Providence Island, within the Exuma chain. The site is open to visitors, but the tower itself is closed to the public.

Why it matters: Beacon Cay marks a significant break in the Exuma reefs, providing the main approach route to Nassau from the southeast.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl White/Red 3s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White/Red
Interval
3s
Raw Code
Fl W R 3s
Focal Height
18m
Geographic Range
12.7NM

Construction & History

First Lit
1893

Significant events: Station established 1893, original station buildings fell into ruin

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
9m
Tower Shape
octagonal
Material
steel

Structure: skeletal mast adjacent to the original 1-story octagonal keeper's cottage

Location

City
Exuma
Country
🇧🇸Bahamas
Sea Region
Marks a break in the Exuma reefs that provides an approach route to Nassau from the southeast. Located on a tiny cay about 50 km east southeast of New Providence Island.
Latitude
24.8757°
Longitude
-76.8264°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Cape Eleuthera(26.3 km)
Admiralty No.
J4722
NGA No.
12116
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Beacon Cay Lighthouse at night?+
Beacon Cay displays the characteristic Fl White/Red 3s. Each lighthouse has a unique flash pattern published in the List of Lights, allowing mariners to positively identify it and distinguish it from other navigation aids in the area. The white/red color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Beacon Cay Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Beacon Cay Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Cape Eleuthera at 26.2 NM to the E. Other ports served include Nassau (31.1 NM WNW), Rock Sound (34.1 NM E), Harbour Island (38.9 NM NNE), Harbour Island (38.9 NM NNE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Beacon Cay Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Beacon Cay Lighthouse is currently operational. It is actively maintained and continues to emit its characteristic light signal for marine navigation. Most modern lighthouses are automated and monitored remotely by the national maritime authority.
How can I track vessels near Beacon Cay Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Beacon Cay Lighthouse in real time using MarineRadar. The platform shows live AIS positions of ships in the area, including vessel name, type, flag, speed, and course. Use the "Track Vessels Nearby" button on this page to open the live map centered on this lighthouse.