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.↗↗