Crooked Island
Where Columbus may have anchored and the lonely Bird Rock Lighthouse has guarded treacherous waters since 1876.
Crooked Island rises from the southern Bahamas like a well-kept secret, its 70 square miles of limestone terrain hosting fewer than 400 residents across scattered settlements. This crescent-shaped island guards the northern entrance to the treacherous Crooked Island Passage, a maritime highway that has seen countless ships over the centuries—some believe Christopher Columbus anchored here during his first voyage in 1492.
The island rewards those who venture this far with pristine beaches, dramatic cliffs at Gun Bluff, mysterious caves, and the haunting silhouette of Bird Rock Lighthouse standing sentinel over the waves. Combined with neighboring Acklins across the Bight, this region offers some of the finest bonefishing flats in the world.
Bird Rock Lighthouse
Rising 112 feet above the sea, Bird Rock Lighthouse has guided mariners through the Crooked Island Passage since 1876. Constructed by the British Imperial Lighthouse Service, the stone tower earned a chilling reputation as the loneliest station in the British dominion—supply vessels called only twice a year, leaving keepers isolated for months at a stretch.
Automated around 1934, the lighthouse was eventually abandoned and now stands as a weathering monument to maritime history. Its stark silhouette inspired singer-songwriter Jimmy Buffett's novel A Salty Piece of Land, cementing its place in nautical lore. Passing boaters still consider it a legendary landmark, though landing on the rock requires calm conditions and careful seamanship.
Beaches and Natural Attractions
Crooked Island delivers endless untouched beaches that visitors may have entirely to themselves. Pittstown Point on the northwestern tip is a secluded destination renowned for its white sand beach and extensive reef system ideal for snorkeling. Morgan's Point offers crystal water, soft sand, and calm morning conditions perfect for wading and swimming.
Inland, dark mysterious caves with oddly-shaped rock formations invite exploration, while Gun Bluff provides a stunning cliff-top viewpoint for hiking and photography. The island's karst limestone landscape has created unique geological features throughout, from blue holes to tidal pools teeming with marine life.
Colonel Hill and Island Life
Colonel Hill, perched on the northeastern end of the island, serves as the administrative center and largest settlement. Government offices, the post office, and police station cluster here, along with Central Park where homecomings and community celebrations unfold. The island's pace is unhurried—there are no traffic lights, no fast food chains, and few concessions to modern tourism.
Other settlements including Landrail Point, Cripple Hill, True Blue, and French Wells dot the coastline, each with its own character shaped by generations of families descended from Loyalist settlers who arrived in the late 1700s. The first post office in The Bahamas is said to have operated from Pitt's Town, reflecting the island's historical significance.
Bonefishing and Water Activities
The Bight of Acklins, the vast shallow lagoon separating Crooked Island from neighboring Acklins, harbors some of the most productive bonefishing flats in the Caribbean. These extensive shallows, combined with mangrove-rich waterways, attract serious anglers seeking trophy bonefish averaging three to four pounds with frequent catches exceeding ten pounds.
Beyond bonefishing, the surrounding waters offer excellent snorkeling and diving on pristine reefs, including sites along the Crooked Island Passage where the underwater terrain drops dramatically into deep blue. Boating, kayaking, and exploring the numerous small cays complete the water-based activities available to adventurous visitors.
Getting there
Crooked Island is served by Colonel Hill Airport, with Bahamasair operating flights from Nassau several times weekly. Flight time is approximately one hour. There is no ferry service. On-island transportation is limited—rental vehicles may be arranged through guesthouses, but many visitors explore by boat. The island can also be reached by private yacht, with anchorages at Pittstown Point and Landrail Point offering protection in settled conditions.
Frequently asked questions
- Can you visit Bird Rock Lighthouse?
- Bird Rock Lighthouse stands on a small offshore rock and is not easily accessible. Reaching it requires a boat and calm sea conditions. Most visitors view the lighthouse from the water rather than attempting to land on the rock itself.
- What is the best season to visit Crooked Island?
- The dry season from November through May offers the most pleasant weather, with lower humidity and minimal rainfall. Bonefishing peaks from March through May, though fishing is productive year-round. Hurricane season runs June through November.
- Are there hotels or resorts on Crooked Island?
- Accommodations are limited to small lodges and guesthouses, with Pittstown Point Landing being the most established option. There are no large resorts. Visitors should book in advance and arrive with realistic expectations about amenities and services.