Hope Town's 250 Years of History: An Audio Tour
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Hope Town's 250 Years of History: An Audio Tour

Active
1h - 2h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Hope Town’s pastel cottages and winding lanes tell a story that began nearly 250 years ago, with brave American Loyalists seeking refuge.
On this self-guided audio walking tour, you’ll discover how this Bahamian settlement was a sanctuary for those fleeing the American Revolution, and later became the vibrant community it is today. You’ll explore historic homes, centuries-old cemeteries, and learn how the controversial lighthouse that once threatened the town’s economy became its salvation. You’ll weave through narrow streets originally designed for donkey carts, passing charming colonial homes with their signature bright shutters. Along the way, you’ll hear tales of shipwreck salvagers, boat builders, and the resilient families who shaped this island’s unique character through generations of challenges and triumphs.

Available options

Hope Town's 250 Years of History: An Audio Tour

What's included

Lifetime access to this tour in English before your booking date and after it
Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour
App for Android and iOS
Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start

Detailed itinerary

1

Walk onto the historic dock where mail and essential supplies once arrived monthly by ship to sustain this remote island community. Discover how this waterfront location served as Hope Town's lifeline to the outside world for generations of Bahamian settlers.

2

Stroll through this peaceful memorial garden and learn about the Lucayan people who inhabited Elbow Cay 600 years before European settlement. Explore the site that honours both ancient indigenous history and the community members who preserved these stories.

3

Visit the historic building named after the pioneering woman who founded Hope Town after fleeing Charleston during the American Revolution. Discover artefacts, photographs, and stories that chronicle nearly 250 years of island life, from Loyalist refuge to thriving tourist destination.

4

Pass "The Beacon of Learning," which has educated island children since 1893 in traditional Bahamian values and academics. Marvel at how this small schoolhouse has served generations of families while maintaining its vital role in the community.

5

Explore the iconic candy-striped lighthouse, the last manual lighthouse in the Bahamas, still operating with its original Victorian-era clockwork mechanism. Discover how locals initially opposed its construction because their livelihoods depended on salvaging shipwrecks that the lighthouse would prevent.

6

Walk through this somber historic graveyard that tells tales of the cholera outbreak that devastated the island community. Experience the poignant reminders of maritime adventures and the hardships faced by generations of Hope Town families.

7

Pass the waterfront club that celebrates the island's deep maritime traditions and boat-building heritage. Enjoy views of the harbour where fishing boats and sailboats continue the seafaring legacy that has defined Hope Town since its founding.

8

Marvel at this small island fire station that serves Hope Town's close-knit community with volunteer firefighters. Discover how this essential service protects the historic wooden structures and colonial cottages that define the settlement's character.

9

Stroll along this bustling waterfront where locals and visitors arrive by boat, continuing Hope Town's tradition as a water-accessible community. Experience the lively atmosphere where fishing vessels, pleasure boats, and water taxis connect the island to the wider Bahamas.

10

Visit the small dock where residents and visitors tie up their dinghies after arriving from larger boats anchored offshore. Walk along this essential maritime access point that reflects Hope Town's enduring relationship with the sea.

What's not included

Smartphone and headphones
Transportation
Food and drink
Personal expenses for admission fees not included during the tour

Available languages

Audio guide
EN
Written guide
EN

Important information

Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

This tour begins at the end of the Post Office Dock. Before arrival, please install the mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.

Important notes

VOICEMAP CODE
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Please check your email at the address you provided when you made this booking. You've been sent an eight character code you'll need to redeem your tour.

This code can be used by every member of your party. If you've booked for three people, for example, three people can download this tour using the same code.

DOWNLOAD INSTRUCTIONS

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Once you've received your code, please follow these steps:

Install the VoiceMap Audio Tours mobile app

Create an account

Select Tour Codes from the menu, then select Enter Codes

Enter your code then select Download Now

PLEASE NOTE
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You can download the tour at any time, before or after your booking date. It’s best to download the tour before you set off for the starting point.

This tour follows a set route and includes turn-by-turn directions. It works best if you start it in the right place and follow the directions from one location to the next.

When the download completes, you’ll see a screen with a photo of the starting point and directions to it. The red start button will become active when you are at the starting point.

Remember to bring your own headphones, unless you have booked a driving tour.

SUPPORT
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For technical support and other queries, please email support@voicemap.me

About Out Islands

The Out Islands, also known as the Family Islands, offer a serene and untouched paradise away from the bustling tourist spots. These islands are perfect for travelers seeking tranquility, pristine beaches, and a deep dive into Bahamian culture.

Top Attractions

Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park

A protected marine park known for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and diverse marine life.

Nature Full day Moderate

Glass Window Bridge

A natural bridge where the turquoise waters of the Atlantic meet the calm, shallow waters of the Caribbean Sea.

Nature 1-2 hours Free

Colonel Hill

A historic settlement with a rich pirate history and beautiful beaches.

Historical Half day Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Conch Fritters

Deep-fried fritters made from conch meat, flour, and spices.

Appetizer Contains seafood

Cracked Conch

Conch meat pounded and breaded, then fried to a crispy perfection.

Main Course Contains seafood

Peas and Rice

A traditional dish made with pigeon peas, rice, and coconut milk.

Side Dish Vegetarian

Popular Activities

Snorkeling Diving Boat tours Beach lounging Spa treatments Yoga Visiting historic sites Local festivals

Best Time to Visit

December to April

This is the peak season with pleasant weather, low humidity, and minimal rain. It's ideal for outdoor activities and beach relaxation.

22-28°C 72-82°F

Practical Information

Language

  • Official: English
  • Widely spoken: English
  • English: Widely spoken

Currency

Bahamian Dollar (BSD)

Time Zone

EST (UTC-5)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

The Out Islands are generally safe, with low crime rates. However, travelers should take standard precautions to protect themselves and their belongings.

Important Precautions:
  • • Keep valuables secure
  • • Avoid walking alone at night
  • • Be cautious of scams

Getting there

By air
  • Nassau International Airport • 300 km from the Out Islands

Getting around

Taxis

Available • Apps:

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

George Town Dunmore Town

Day trips

Pig Beach
50 km from George Town • Half day

A unique beach where you can swim with pigs.

Thunderball Grotto
20 km from George Town • Half day

A stunning underwater cave system featured in the James Bond film 'Thunderball'.

Festivals

Junkanoo Festival • December 26 and August 1 Exuma Crab Festival • November

Pro tips

  • Book accommodations and tours well in advance, especially during peak season.
  • Rent a car for flexibility and to explore remote areas.
  • Bring reef-safe sunscreen to protect the marine environment.
  • Try local seafood dishes for an authentic culinary experience.
  • Visit during the shoulder or off-peak season for fewer crowds and lower prices.
From $25 per person

Price varies by option

Adults
Age 6-99
1
Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 15
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation

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