Morant Point Lighthouse, St Thomas Lowlands Travel Guide

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Discover Jamaica's oldest lighthouse, a historic cast-iron structure offering breathtaking views at the island's easternmost point.

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Morant Point Lighthouse

Standing at the easternmost point of Jamaica, the Morant Point Lighthouse is a historic beacon and national monument. Built in 1841, it's the oldest lighthouse on the island and the first cast-iron lighthouse in the Western Hemisphere. The lighthouse offers panoramic views of the coastline and the Caribbean Sea.

A brief summary to Morant Point Lighthouse

WR98+976, Morant Point, JM

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Morant Point Lighthouse.

A 4WD vehicle is recommended, especially during the rainy season, to navigate the unpaved and potentially swampy roads leading to the lighthouse.
Ask for directions in Duckenfield before venturing off the main road, as GPS navigation may not be reliable in the area.
Bring water and wear comfortable shoes if you plan to walk from the main road to the lighthouse.

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Explore Morant Point Lighthouse on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Morant Point Lighthouse, mapped for you.

Getting There

Driving

From Bath, take the road towards Golden Grove. In Golden Grove, turn towards Duckenfield, aiming for the tall chimneys of the Duckenfield sugar factory. Keep the factory to your left and follow the dirt road that leads directly into the cane fields. The road meanders for approximately 8km through the cane fields before arriving at the coast where the lighthouse is located. A 4WD is highly recommended, especially during the rainy season. There are no tolls on this route. Parking is available near the lighthouse.
Public Transportation

From Yallahs Valley, take a taxi or bus towards Morant Bay. Ask the driver to drop you off at the Morant Point turn-off on the A4 highway. From there, you can walk or hire a local taxi for the remaining 2 miles to the lighthouse. Negotiate the fare with the driver beforehand. Bus fares from Yallahs Valley to Morant Bay range from JMD 200-300. A taxi from the turn-off to the lighthouse may cost around JMD 500-800, depending on your negotiation skills.

Discover more about Morant Point Lighthouse

The Morant Point Lighthouse, located on the easternmost tip of Jamaica in St. Thomas parish, is a significant landmark and a testament to the island's rich maritime history. Erected in 1841, it holds the distinction of being the oldest lighthouse in Jamaica and the first cast-iron lighthouse constructed in the Western Hemisphere.The lighthouse was designed by Alexander Gordon, and its construction involved a fascinating process. The 100-foot iron tube was cast in London in 1841 and then shipped to Jamaica. Upon arrival, it was assembled by George Grove and Kru men from Africa, who were among the free Africans who came to Jamaica for work following emancipation. The structure is made of cast iron, with a diameter of 5 feet at the base tapering to 3 feet at the top. To protect it from hurricanes, a semi-circular masonry wall was added around the base.Navigating to the lighthouse involves a journey off the beaten path. The road leading to it is unpaved and can become swampy after rainfall, making a 4WD vehicle advisable. The surrounding landscape features sugarcane fields and a remote, wave-lashed shore, creating a unique and somewhat haunting atmosphere.Today, the Morant Point Lighthouse is maintained by the Port Authority of Jamaica and stands as a reminder of Jamaica's history and the contribution of African labor to the island's development. Visitors can explore the grounds, learn about the lighthouse's history, and enjoy the stunning views.