The pink lighthouse of Klein Curacao
The pink lighthouse of Klein Curacao
Right in the middle of the 1.7 square kilometers uninhabited island called Klein Curacao, stands
the iconic pink lighthouse. The first lighthouse was built in 1850, but destroyed by unforgiving
hurricanes in 1877. The next lighthouse, which still stands today, was built in the interior of the
island. It was home to fearless lighthouse keepers, who stayed in the adjoining rooms, without
running water or electricity
Standing alone in the middle of the island, it is now abandoned. The wooden stairs to the top of
the lighthouse are still intact, as are the two stories of rooms. The 22-meter (66 feet) high tower
had to be rebuilt three times but is still functioning today. Because of the many shipwrecks, putting
the lighthouse back to work was more than necessary. Despite all the technologies we use
today, Klein Curacao is still a very difficult island to maneuver around. Most recently, in 1982
a large oil tanker, the Maria Bianca Guidesman, stranded on the windward side of Klein
Curacao. And not only ships, but also yachts have fallen victim to its ferocious waters. In 2008, the
light tower was given a LED beacon with solar panels that still flashes every 15 seconds.
Klein Curacao is a low, flat island which makes it difficult to spot from the bridge of a ship. The
island has even been called “a worthless cliff” and “ stands in the way traffic on the
ocean”. But true, many shipwrecks are on Klein Curacao because of the very strong
currents and the unforgiving north-east winds. This combination of wind and current makes it
very difficult for even the best of captains to steer their ship around the island.
The iconic pink lighthouse is definitely one of the sights to visit while on Klein
Curacao. The distance from the bounty beach where the recreational boats anchor to the
lighthouse is not too far for a walk. Try to go there first , because it can gradually get very hot and the wind
is still in the middle of the island as the day progresses.
It is not every day that you get to say you that you have visited an uninhabited sunlit island, full of history
and mystery. So take a boat trip to Klein Curacao for some well-deserved bragging rights and
some surreal photos!
