AT A GLANCE
Why go?
Windward Point Lighthouse marks the windward (eastern) tip of Anguilla, where a 10-metre orange skeletal mast stands sentinel over a wild and rugged coastline. Reached by an easy but unshaded 2.5-mile loop trail through forests of Pope's Head cactus and along a long, wave-pounded beach, the lighthouse offers sweeping views of Scrub Island and, on clear days, the coast of St. Martin beyond.↗↗↗
The Light at the Windward Edge
Windward Point is one of Anguilla's active lightbeacons, its slender orange mast flashing three white pulses across the Atlantic swell from a focal plane of 25 metres above the sea. While the tower itself is closed to the public, the surrounding headland is open and free to explore, making the approach just as rewarding as the destination.↗
The lighthouse serves as a navigational marker for vessels approaching Anguilla's eastern waters. In 2020, plans were announced to install additional solar marine lanterns here and at nearby points to improve safety for local boat operators.↗
The Hike Out
Getting to Windward Point is itself the adventure. A 2.5-mile loop trail leads from the east-end community of Island Harbour out across the headland to the lighthouse. The route is rated easy, with just 173 feet of elevation gain and an average completion time of under an hour — though most visitors who linger at the shoreline will take considerably longer.↗
The landscape is raw and beautiful: forests of Pope's Head cactus line the trail, piles of driftwood gather along the shoreline, and a long sandy beach faces the full force of Atlantic trade-wind swells. At the end, a small hill rises to the navigation light, and scrambling up it reveals panoramic views — west over the island toward St. Martin, and east across the sea with Scrub Island off the coast.↗↗
Visitors consistently praise the sense of isolation and the drama of the terrain — sharp coral, volcanic rock, and intense wind breaking against the bluff. On calm mornings the light and colours are spectacular; at sunrise, the eastern exposure makes for a particularly magical experience.↗
Practical Advice
The access road to the trailhead is a rough dirt-and-rock track. Most visitors report that it is passable in a standard rental car with decent tyres, but an SUV or higher-clearance vehicle makes things more comfortable. Pin the coordinates and look for the Windward Point dirt road rather than relying on a mapped route through Island Harbour.↗
There is no shade on the trail and no facilities — bring water, a hat, sunscreen, and sturdy footwear for the sharp coral and rock sections. The first stretch toward the shore is not well marked, so downloading the AllTrails route before setting out is advisable. The best months to visit are December through April, when the heat is milder and trade-wind skies are clear. Start by 10 AM to avoid the midday glare.↗
Some visitors have noted plastic debris washed ashore near the point. Bringing a bag to pack out what you find is a thoughtful gesture on this isolated stretch of coastline.↗
Know Before You Go
The trail is suitable for dogs, and a friendly island dog has been known to accompany hikers on the route. The lighthouse tower itself is not accessible, but the headland, beach, and bluff-top views are all open. The site is generally uncrowded — you may well have it entirely to yourself.↗↗
What makes it special
10-metre orange skeletal mast with triple white flash — an active navigational beacon at Anguilla's easternmost tip↗
2.5-mile loop trail rated easy, with 173 ft elevation gain↗
Forests of Pope's Head cactus and wild Atlantic surf↗
Panoramic views of Scrub Island and the coast of St. Martin↗
Unshaded, unmarked terrain — sturdy shoes and plenty of water essential↗
A little planning goes a long way
- Access via the Windward Point dirt road from Island Harbour; rough but passable in most vehicles↗
- Best visited December through April, with a morning start to avoid the midday heat↗
- No shade, no facilities — bring water, hat, sunscreen, and sturdy footwear for the sharp coral and rock↗
- Download the AllTrails route before heading out; the path is unmarked near the shoreline↗
- Pack out any debris you find — this remote beach collects ocean plastics↗
About this guide
Compiled with AI assistance from the sources below; this is not a first-hand visit. Place details collected October 5, 2026. Hours, access and ratings can change; confirm with the venue before visiting.
