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Sand Island Lighthouse: A Gulf Coast Sentinel

Witness the enduring legacy of the Sand Island Lighthouse, a historic beacon braving the Gulf Coast's challenges for over a century.

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The Sand Island Lighthouse, off the coast of Alabama near Dauphin Island, has stood for over 150 years, guiding mariners through the entrance to Mobile Bay. Though ravaged by time and erosion, this historic landmark remains a captivating sight and a testament to maritime history.

A brief summary to Sand Island Lighthouse

  • Gulf of Mexico, Sand Island Light, Alabama, US

Local tips

  • The best views of the lighthouse are from the water, so consider a boat tour or rental for an up-close experience.
  • Check the weather forecast before your visit, as conditions in the Gulf of Mexico can change rapidly.
  • Bring binoculars for a better view of the lighthouse and the surrounding marine life.
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Getting There

  • Boat Tour

    The most common way to approach the Sand Island Lighthouse is by boat. Several tour operators offer excursions from Dauphin Island and Fort Morgan that provide views of the lighthouse. From Dauphin Island, boat tours typically depart from the Dauphin Island Marina. A lighthouse, shrimping, and dolphin boat tour costs $45 for adults and $35 for children. Private charters are also available for $600 for up to 40 people. From Fort Morgan, Mobile Bay Adventures offers cruises that pass by the Sand Island Lighthouse. Contact them directly for pricing and availability.

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Discover more about Sand Island Lighthouse

The Sand Island Lighthouse, located approximately 3 miles offshore from Mobile Bay's entrance, has a storied past marked by construction, destruction, and constant battle against the elements. The first lighthouse, built in 1838 by Winslow Lewis, was deemed inadequate, leading to the construction of a taller, more robust tower in 1859. This second lighthouse was equipped with a first-order Fresnel lens, but its life was cut short by the Civil War when Confederate soldiers destroyed it to prevent Union forces from using it as an observation post. The current lighthouse, completed in 1873, stands as a testament to resilience. Its design is similar to the Currituck Lighthouse and features a tapered cylindrical tower with a balcony and lantern. Erosion has been a persistent threat, diminishing the island from its original 400 acres to a small rock pile. Despite these challenges, the Sand Island Lighthouse remains a beloved landmark, attracting lighthouse enthusiasts and history buffs. While the tower is currently closed to the public, its exterior can be viewed from boat tours departing from Dauphin Island and Fort Morgan. The lighthouse is a part of the Fort Morgan historic site and is owned by the Town of Dauphin Island. Restoration efforts have been ongoing to stabilize the island and preserve the lighthouse for future generations.

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