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Lighthouse Open House
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Lighthouse Open House
10:00 am - 4:00 pm
The second weekend of each month
October - May
Closed June-September
A $7/person donation is requested and appreciated. All donations support the island and lighthouse. We do not provide transportation to the island and lighthouse; getting to the island is up to you. Please note - the dock is for use by state park personnel only. Boaters must anchor or beach their boats.
Cancellations - please note!
Check our homepage www.anclotecso.org for possible cancellations due to inclement weather. Our decisions are based on the safety of our volunteers. We will try to post cancellations the night before a scheduled open house, but always the day of a scheduled open house for sure.
Suggestions for a Fun Lighthouse Visit
- Please wear shoes. The boardwalk leading to the lighthouse is rough and splintered and can be hot. Plus, shoes make the 123 steps up the lighthouse easier and safer.
- Bring your wallet. A $7 donation is requested to climb the lighthouse. Cash, credit card, debit card, and Apple Pay are all accepted. Also, the Friends have a variety of fun gifts available for purchase including our souvenir water bottle filled with pure, clean, delicious island water made ON THE ISLAND from sea water through reverse osmosis using solar energy - completely off the grid!
- Please be patient. Only eight people are allowed in the lighthouse at a time. There may be a line waiting to climb the lighthouse.
- Please be courteous to our volunteers who are there for your enjoyment of the lighthouse. Without these volunteers, the lighthouse would not be open to the public.
- There are no public restrooms anywhere on the island!
- Consider becoming a member of the Friends! We are a group of people, like you, who love the island and lighthouse.
- Dogs are NOT allowed at the lighthouse or anywhere on the island.
Need a ride to the lighthouse?
Tap HERE for information.
ADA Accessibility Statement & Essential Eligibility Criteria (EEC)
Anclote Key Preserve State Park and its partners are committed to complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and providing equitable access to programs and services whenever reasonably possible.
Due to the historic design of the lighthouse and the undeveloped, remote barrier island environment, full physical access to all areas—particularly the lighthouse interior—may be limited.
Essential Eligibility Criteria for Lighthouse Climb:
To participate in the lighthouse climb portion of the tour, visitors must be able to:
- Independently ascend and descend multiple flights of steep, narrow stairs within the lighthouse.
- Maintain balance and mobility in confined and elevated spaces.
- Navigate uneven terrain, including sand and natural surfaces, to access the lighthouse.
- Comprehend and follow verbal and/or visual safety instructions.
- Respond appropriately in the event of an emergency without requiring physical assistance from staff/volunteers.
Reasonable Accommodations:
Reasonable modifications to policies, practices, or procedures will be made when feasible and when they do not fundamentally alter the nature of the program or pose a direct threat to the health and safety of participants, staff, or the resource.
Visitors who are unable to meet the essential eligibility criteria for the lighthouse climb are encouraged to participate in alternative components of the tour, including interpretive programming and environmental education activities available on the island.
Guests requiring assistance should plan to attend with a companion capable of providing necessary support, as neither state park staff nor Friends of Anclote Key can provide physical assistance.
For questions regarding accessibility or to request accommodations, please contact the Friends in advance of your visit: president@anclotecso.org
Essential Eligibility Criteria (EEC) – Lighthouse Tour
To ensure the safety of all participants, volunteers, and staff, individuals wishing to participate in the lighthouse tour must meet the following essential eligibility criteria:
- Participants must be able to independently board and disembark from the tour vessel or transportation with minimal assistance.
- Participants must be able to walk short distances over uneven terrain, including sand, shells, and natural surfaces commonly found on barrier islands.
- Participants must be able to safely ascend and descend multiple flights of stairs within the lighthouse structure, which may be narrow, steep, and enclosed.
- Participants must have the ability to maintain balance and stability while navigating elevated areas and stairways.
- Participants must be able to follow verbal instructions and safety guidelines provided by tour staff/volunteers.
- Participants should be prepared to tolerate outdoor environmental conditions, including heat, humidity, sun exposure, and insects.
- Participants who require assistance must travel with a companion capable of providing that assistance, as staff and volunteers will not be able to offer physical support.
These criteria are necessary to maintain a safe and enjoyable experience while preserving the historic structure and natural environment.
From ABC Action News:
From the Orlando Sentinel:
Anclote Key lighthouse has more than a century of history (orlandosentinel.com)
