[2][3] The island is at the end of a series of ledges extending out from Petit Manan Point, between Dyer Bay and Pigeon Hill Bay, that projects into the Gulf of Maine.

Atop this is mounted a two-story twelve-sided lantern house, placing the light's focal plan at 123 feet (37 m).

In 1869, it swayed enough that the weights that turn the lens fell, damaging the staircase.

[2] The light was automated in 1972, at which time the Fresnel lens was removed.

[5] The light station is part of the Petit Manan Wildlife Refuge and is not open to the public.