Jamaican lighthouses
If you love lighthouses and warm weather, look no further than the tropical island of Jamaica and the fantastic Negril hotels. Jamaica is home to seven lighthouses, all of which are spectacular in their own right. A visit to each of these lighthouses will be a history lesson in itself.
Morant Point Lighthouse is the oldest on the island. Built in 1841, this lighthouse consists of a cast iron tube 100 feet long and 18 feet wide at the base. A masonry wall was recently built around the seaward side of the lighthouse base to help protect it from any potential damage during a hurricane. Painted with red and white horizontal bands, Morant Point is located at the easternmost point of Jamaica, about 30 miles from the city of Kingston.
Negril Point Lighthouse is located on the western tip of Jamaica. This all-white lighthouse was built in 1895 to guide ships safely to the western shores. Negril Point is one of the most famous places in Negril. During the day, you can enjoy the beautiful views from the top of the 100-foot structure. You will see stunning views of the lush countryside and the Caribbean Sea. If you choose to visit the lighthouse at night, you will enjoy one of the most spectacular sunsets you have ever seen. Just a short walk from your Negril resorts, you can be at this landmark.
To visit the tallest lighthouse in the Western Hemisphere, take a trip to Lover’s Leap Lighthouse. This lighthouse is built right where the Santa Cruz Mountains end on the south coast of Jamaica. Built on a 1,700 foot cliff, this 100 foot tall lighthouse is very impressive. The lookout point lends itself to a breathtaking view of the crystal clear waters of the Caribbean Sea. If you have a fear of heights, you should consider staying at one of the Negril Jamaica resorts. The legend of the Lover’s Leap says that two young slaves jump to their deaths to avoid being separated. They were eventually chased to the edge of the cliff where they decided to jump to their deaths rather than be captured and separated. There is a wooden carving of the two lovers on the site to remind us of this moving story. You can take a full day trip to this lighthouse as there is also a restaurant on site. If you’re feeling brave, you can traverse a three-mile trail that takes you over the bluffs to Cutlass Bay. However, please do not bring your swimsuit, as swimming is prohibited.