Dixon Hill Lighthouse

The Dixon Hill light on San Salvador is one of the last hand-operated lighthouses in the world: a kerosene vapour lamp lit by the keeper each evening and a clockwork rotation mechanism he winds by hand every couple of hours through the night. Visitors who arrive during the day are usually shown up the tower and the mechanism is explained by whoever is on duty. From the gallery the whole island lies below, lakes and all.

What you actually see

• The kerosene lamp - the original burner, lit by hand every evening.
• The clockwork mechanism - the weight-driven rotation the keeper rewinds through the night.
• The tower climb - a spiral stair to the gallery, shown by the keeper.
• The island view - San Salvador's interior lakes and both coasts from the top.

When to go

November to April is the dry season. Daytime visits depend on the keeper being present; there are no set hours. The light operates every night year-round.

Honest expectations

Access depends entirely on the keeper being there and willing, which is usually but not always. The stair is narrow and the gallery rail is low. A donation is customary and expected.

Nearby

Cockburn Town is southwest, and Watling's Castle is at the southern end of the island.