Monomoy Point Light: Island Lighthouse Adventure

QUICK FACTS

📍 Location: South Monomoy Island (boat access only)
🎟️ Access: Guided boat tours only
⏰ Season: Seasonal boat tours available
🚗 Departure: Chatham Harbor
⛵ Access: Boat required - no land access
⭐ Must-See Rating: 3/5 - Unique but requires tour booking

WHAT MAKES MONOMOY SPECIAL

Monomoy Point Light, built in 1849, stands on South Monomoy Island and is accessible only by boat, making it Cape Cod's most isolated lighthouse. This 40-foot brick tower is part of the Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge, surrounded by pristine wilderness and incredible wildlife viewing opportunities.

The lighthouse was decommissioned in 1923 but has been restored and maintained as a historic landmark. The island setting provides visitors with a unique wilderness lighthouse experience unlike any other on Cape Cod.

Important: This lighthouse can only be reached by joining organized boat tours or private boat charters. There is no land access to Monomoy Island.

BOAT TOUR OPTIONS

Several Chatham-based tour operators offer trips to Monomoy Island that include lighthouse viewing:

Monomoy Island Ferry Tours: Regular seasonal service
Cape Cod Museum of Natural History: Educational tours
Private Charter Boats: Customized lighthouse viewing trips
Seal watching tours: Often include lighthouse viewing

WHAT YOU'LL EXPERIENCE

Wildlife Viewing: Monomoy is one of the East Coast's premier wildlife refuges

Thousands of seals (gray and harbor seals)
Over 300 bird species
Excellent whale watching opportunities
Pristine barrier beach ecosystems

Lighthouse Experience:

Historic 1849 brick construction
Views from surrounding beaches (tower not always open)
Photography opportunities from various angles
Pristine wilderness setting

PLANNING YOUR VISIT

Reservations Required: All boat access requires advance booking with tour operators

Best Seasons:

Summer: Most tour options, best weather
Fall: Excellent wildlife viewing, fewer crowds
Spring: Bird migration season, variable weather

What to Bring:

Binoculars for wildlife viewing
Camera with telephoto lens
Seasickness medication if prone to motion sickness
Weather-appropriate clothing (always windy on the water)

TOUR PROVIDERS (Enhanced Business Listings)

Contact these premium partners for Monomoy Island lighthouse tours