Morant Point Lighthouse Verified listing

On the remote, windblown coast of St. Thomas, where the island of Jamaica first greets the sunrise, stands a towering symbol of maritime heritage, the Morant Point Lighthouse. Built in 1841, this remarkable structure is not only Jamaica’s oldest lighthouse, but also holds the distinction of being the first cast-iron lighthouse constructed in the Western Hemisphere.

Morant Point Lighthouse

Located at Jamaica’s easternmost point, Morant Point Lighthouse rises from the shoreline like a giant exclamation mark, painted in bold red and white horizontal bands. The cast-iron tower stands at approximately 29 meters (95 feet), with its light beaming from a focal height of 35 meters (115 feet) above sea level. The light flashes three white bursts every 20 seconds, serving as a critical navigational aid for vessels approaching from the Atlantic or rounding the island’s southeastern coast.

Its design, shipped from England and assembled on site, was ahead of its time, and its continued operation more than 180 years later is a testament to its solid construction and enduring purpose. The lighthouse was built using the labor of Kru men, free African seafarers known for their expertise, shortly after the abolition of slavery, adding historical and cultural depth to its story.

Though located in a remote part of St. Thomas, the journey to Morant Point is well worth the effort. The area offers panoramic coastal views, cooling sea breezes, and a tranquil atmosphere ideal for quiet exploration. The landscape is raw and largely untouched, offering a true off-the-beaten-path experience for nature lovers, history enthusiasts, and photographers alike.

Morant Point Lighthouse is managed by the Port Authority of Jamaica and has been recognized by the Jamaica National Heritage Trust as a structure of industrial and historical significance. It remains a proud symbol of resilience, heritage, and national identity.

Standing at the gateway to the Caribbean, Morant Point Lighthouse invites travelers to discover Jamaica’s earliest coastal guardian, a place where history meets horizon, and the light never fades.