The Morant Point Lighthouse, an unmistakable red and white, 100-foot tall, 18-foot wide cast iron tower, was built in 1841. It is the oldest lighthouse in Jamaica, and certainly one of the more sturdy; located on the farthest tip of the island’s east coast, the first point of impact from hurricanes, it has withstood the brute force of gale-force winds and high seas. Kru men, West African workers who came to the island as indentured labourers from Sierra Leone, built the lighthouse.
The balcony at the top of the lighthouse provides a phenomenal view of the various cane pieces of the estate, the Blue Mountain range, the St Thomas coastline and the seemingly endless Caribbean Sea. To the west of the lighthouse lies one of the most secluded yet spectacular beaches on the island, Holland Bay. The route to the lighthouse and the beach is not direct, nor is it easily accessible. Do not attempt the journey in anything less than a very reliable vehicle, and be prepared to get lost in the cane fields.
From the balcony of the Morant Point Lighthouse, uninterrupted views of Jamaica’s eastern coastline, the vast greenery of the sugar and banana plantations and the blue shadows of the Blue Mountain range are sure to dazzle and amaze. Do exercise caution ascending and descending the stairs; there are MANY of them, and they are somewhat steep.
To reach Morant Point from Kingston, pass Yallahs and go the direction of Morant Bay. At the entrance of Morant Bay turn right. At the end of Morant Bay turn right at Mirimar Drive (St. Thomas Farm Store sign). Continue pass Princess Margaret Hospital through to Port Morant.
Turn right at Port Morant, Rubis Gas Station direction Stokes Hall. Follow the signs to Golden Grove. At Golden Grove turn right at Johnsons Petroleum Gas Station towards Duckenfield. After one kilometer bear left at sign Welcome to Duckenfield-Hampton Court- Do not bear right.
At Duckenfield town pass the old theater and then turn left. Turn right passing through the Duckenfield Sugar Factory. From the Factory Gate to the Lighthouse the route is 8.9 KM on rough dusty road through sugar cane fields.
The lighthouse keeper is aware of this cache and can help you if needed. Enjoy.
Congratulations to vanjavukota for being the FTF.