Sand Island Lighthouse

See The Sand Island Lighthouse on Your Fort Morgan Vacation

The Alabama coastline is rich in history and pristine natural beauty. It may not be the first place that comes to mind as a “vacation destination,” but its relative anonymity is what makes it so appealing. There are many things to do during a stay in a Fort Morgan rental, and exploring the Gulf Coast of Alabama is near the top of the list. Along the way, you are likely to encounter many hidden gems – like Sand Island. 

 The History of Sand Island 

 When a lighthouse was first built on Sand Island in the 1800s, its size exceeded 400 acres, but steady erosion has shrunk it to less than one acre, making the name “Granite Block Island” more appropriate. Since its first construction, Sand Island lighthouse history has been a constant struggle against the elements. The island is roughly three miles offshore from the Mobile Bay entrance and serves as a significant landmark for mariners. In 1828, a land marker was commissioned to be built and paid for by Congress, and when this was found to be inadequate, $10,000 was given to construct a proper thirty-five-foot lighthouse equipped with 14 lamps and 16-inch reflectors. As erosion set in, the island’s eastern end was being slowly whittled away, which created the need for a new lighthouse. This time, a better-quality lighthouse was constructed with the approval of Congress, but unfortunately, it was dismantled by Confederate soldiers only a short time later. Union blockaders eventually took control of the lighthouse, and Confederates led by John W. Glenn determined to burn the tower to the ground, which they ultimately did. A temporary wooden tower was constructed at the end of the war to replace the one that had been destroyed. It took nine years to create a proper new lighthouse, and during that time, the wooden one had to be relocated twice to escape the eroding shoreline. Erosion has continued to be a significant problem, and by 1888, only ten feet of sand separated the lighthouse from the Gulf, so 1648 tons of granite was placed atop 2038 tons of oyster shells to protect the lighthouse. Continued protection was required in the following decades. A powerful hurricane struck the station in 1906; the island, lighthouse, and its keepers were all washed away. In 1925, a new lighthouse was finally built to replace the one lost. The Coast Guard took control of the lighthouse in 1939 until it was finally de-staffed and automated in 1948. The lighthouse was finally decommissioned in 1971 and was handed over to the federal government before finally being restored. fort morgan lighthouse 

The Rejuvenation of the Island 

 There have been numerous government-funded projects to reverse erosion’s negative effects over the years. Though the lighthouse is no longer in operation, federal funding was recently granted to dredge sand from the Mobile Ship Channel and resurrect the island. 1.4 million cubic yards of sand has been pumped from the seafloor several miles offshore in the Gulf to recreate the island, which is now about a half-mile long and 700 feet wide at its widest point – about 15 acres in total. Though the renovations occurred in just 2019, the island is already covered in seashells and sea birds. The lighthouse itself has also been stabilized. Engineers have verified the structural integrity of its base, which is now open for visitors. However, the spiraling iron staircase has reportedly crumbled to pieces, so there is no access to the top of the tower or the lower windows inside. Still, the important work now makes it possible for guests to visit the island!

 

 How to See Sand Island 

 A few select boat services will bring you right to the island for a tour of the lighthouse and an opportunity to explore. However, these are not well-established services, and many visitors are content to see Sand Island from afar with a Mobile Bay cruise. On any cruises that enter Mobile Bay, this impressive beacon will catch sight, which served as the primary point of guidance for mariners coming from the Gulf of Mexico. Navy Cove cruises also travel to the southern end of Mobile Bay, with a stunning view of Sand Island lighthouse. 

 Mobile Bay Adventures 

 Coming highly recommended by both locals and tourists alike, Mobile Bay Adventures offers the most affordable and reliable tours that take you past Sand Island. The Navy Cove Dauphin Cruise travels to the southern end of Mobile Bay, cruising past the Middle Bay Lighthouse, stopping to spot dolphins, and ultimately cruising past the Sand Island Lighthouse, allowing for a picturesque view in the process. This full-day sightseeing and dolphin cruise combines Fresh Water Activity with a tour of Mobile Bay and the Eastern Shoreline. Beyond Navy Cove, Mobile Bay Adventures offers a wide range of full-day and half-day Dolphin Cruises. The Arnica Bay tour travels southeast through the Intercoastal Waterway, passing Wolf Bay to Orange Beach, Alabama. The entire way, you will be passing by beautiful landscapes and wildlife. Sunset and eco-tours, as well as fishing charters, are all available. Full-day cruises can be customized to your preferences to include local scenery, water activities, private beaches, freshwater rivers, and even dining at restaurants – all by boat. If you want to stop at Sand Island, talk to the cruise organizers at Mobile Bay Adventures, and something might be arranged! 

 Gulf View Ballooning 

 If you’re more interested in gaining a birds’-eye view of Mobile Bay, consider booking a gulf view ballooning. This is the experience of a lifetime and something that few tourists can say they have experienced. You can purchase a private trip for $795, and two to three passengers will be able to fit aboard. Decide the date and time for launch, and weather permitting, you’ll take off for a flight across the Baldwin County countryside. For the safety of everyone on board, the balloon will only take off when winds are light and less than ten mph, so launches are exclusively in the mornings and evenings when winds are lighter. Flights typically last one hour but can be extended up to two hours during the fall and winter months. To learn more or book your launch, call the captain directly at 251-970-3598. 

 Plan Your Stay Whatever your needs, our friendly and professional staff are here to assist! Contact us today for help finding your perfect Fort Morgan rental. See All Rentals 

Where To Stay 

Look no further than our vacation rentals in Fort Morgan for the best Alabama Gulf Coast experience. Return from your Sand Island excursion, enjoy a local beer, and unwind at your home away from home. Our modern and spacious homes provide all the amenities of home while maintaining all the charm of the Alabama coast. To never stray far from the shoreline, consider renting one of our Fort Morgan Gulf View rentals. Each rental includes outdoor patios and decks – perfect for grabbing a morning coffee and soaking in the sunrise. They are also just steps from the beach and provide access to a shared pool. Up to 10 people can sleep in them; our 3-to-4-bedroom rentals are ideal for larger families or groups.