There is a regular passenger vessel service between Cochin and Lakshadweep Islands touching Minicoy Island also on alternate schedules. The island is approached from anchor- age bears the place of pride by pablo boats. The lighthouse is about 5 km away from jetty.

Minicoy island has interesting history. The original settlers on this island were fishermen and sailors as such Minicoy has been traditionally giving most efficient seamen to various world liners. During 18-19th century the passing steam ships used to anchor off this island for taking the seamen recruits and replenish their stock of coconuts etc. while the crew utilized the break for merry-making. The old time mariners have described Minicoy as women’s island as most of the men used to be away always on sea.

Of all the Lighthouses built by the British in India during 19th century, Minicoy Lighthouse has a place of pride due to its beautiful structure as well as its strategic location. It is the only Lighthouse on which the national Tricolor unfurls every day-prior to taking over by the Govt of India, British Union jack used to be hoisted every day.

The ship wrecks was a regular feature on the reefs of Minicoy during earlier centuries.In the 18th century there were four major shipwrecks recorded. Although the islanders had  raised a mast on Bastered point on north-western end of the island but that was hardly adequate. The island assumed strategic importance after the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869, which shortened the sea distance between Europe and Far East by 4000 miles. The British Government in consultation with then Governor General of India, Lord Rippon, decided in 1882 to construct a 150 feet tall Lighthouse at Minicoy.  

The ceremony of laying the first stone was performed in May 1883 by Howah Manika Bephanu, the youngest daughter of Amin of Minicoy, M.Bephanu. The special Birmingham black bricks, Structural steel, other hard ware and wooden items, special cement made in Holland and the components of lighting equipments, supplied by M/s Chance Bros, Birmingham, were all brought from England by a special ship which remained anchored at Minicoy till the completion of project. The experienced Masons and skilled workers were brought from Ceylon. The tower was ready in March 1884 and the installation of equipment completed in December 1884.The Mechanics for installation had been sent from England. The lighthouse was formally inaugurated on 2ndFebruary 1885 in presence of Minicoy Amin and Sir James Douglas representing the British Govt, who specially came from England for the purpose.

Minicoy Lighthouse remained under the direct control of Board of Trade, England up till 1934 then it was placed under the charge of the Superintendent, Imperial Lighthouse Service, Colombo. This arrangement continued even after the independence. In 1952 Governor of Madras Mr Sriprakash, on his visit to island observed the Union jack on the lighthouse, raised objection and took up the matter with the Govt of India. The British Government did not transfer the administration of Lighthouse to the Government of India till April 1956. The De-Jure transfer had to wait further, till 19th September 1963, as both houses of the British Parliament had to pass a requisite legislation, which required the assent by the Queen of England.

The ceremony of the formal transfer of Lighthouse was held on 2nd April 1956 when the Union Jack was lowered and the Indian Tricolor was hoisted. A guard of honour was presented by the contingent of Indian Navy Ship `TIR’ representing the Govt of India. Mr Rees. Superintendent of Imperial Lighthouse Service, represented the British Govt, He had specially come for the ceremony but turned emotional and could not utter a single word. He abruptly went away to his boat and left the island.    

Due to its importance this lighthouse has witnessed development. at regular pace. In year 1928 the wick lamp was replaced by 35mm PV Burner. In the year 1968 major transformation took place.The 1st order optic assembly in 3.66m diameter lantern house and 85 mm PV Burner supplied by M/s B.B.T. Paris, replaced the old equipment. In 1981-82 ‘Nautel’ (Canada) Radio beacon was installed and put on the Air on 31st January 1982. The Racon ( Marconi) was added on 21st March 1985. The PV light source was replaced by 230V 400W Metal halide lamp which on 9th May 1995. The Differential Geo Positioning System (DGPS) equipment manufactured by M/s Leica Geo Systems, U.S.A. and supplied by M/s. Elcom Marine, Mumbai was integrated on 15th August 1998 and the Radio beacon discontinued. The old ‘Nautel’ transmitter war replaced by SAC , USA make transmitter on 30th June, 2003.

A commemorative postal stamp of Re. 1.00 denomination was issued on the occasion of the centenary of Minicoy Lighthouse on 2nd February1985.The lighthouse was re-dedicated to the service of Mariners at a ceremony held on the occasion.  

On his visit to Minicoy Prime Minister Rajeev Gandhi accompanied by wife Sonia and son Rahul had climbed the lighthouse on the early morning of 24th November 1985.