Negril Lighthouse

The lighthouse at Negril Point was built in 1894 and stands about twenty metres high on the low limestone cliffs at the westernmost tip of Jamaica, painted white, with a keeper's cottage beside it. It was originally powered by a clockwork mechanism floating on a bath of mercury that had to be wound by hand every few hours. Visitors are usually allowed up the spiral stair for a tip, and the gallery gives an unobstructed view along the cliffs and out to open sea with nothing between here and Central America. It sits at the far end of the West End cliff road, which is where Negril's sunset ritual happens every evening.

What you actually see

• The tower - an 1894 concrete lighthouse at the island's western tip.
• The climb - the spiral stair to the gallery for the view.
• The cliffs - undercut limestone running back toward town.
• Sunset - the unobstructed western horizon.

When to go

December to April is drier. Late afternoon is the obvious time, arriving before sunset and climbing while it is still light. The keeper is generally around during daylight hours but there are no fixed opening times.

Honest expectations

Access to the tower depends on the keeper being present and willing, and a tip is expected. The grounds are modest and there is little to do beyond the climb and the view. The West End road is narrow with heavy scooter traffic and touting is constant along it around sunset.

Nearby

The West End cliffs run back toward town; Negril's beach is fifteen minutes north.