In an age when maritime trade ruled the Caribbean, the lighthouses of Barbados stood watch, their beams cutting through the darkness to warn of hidden reefs and craggy shores. Vital to the island’s economy, these coastal guardians marked the boundary between thriving commerce and disaster. Fast-forward to today, on the island's easternmost promontory, a lone white lighthouse stands sentinel above rugged cliffs, seldom disturbed by outside visitors.
By: Omri Westmark
Date: 15:57 17.01.25
Last Update: 15:59 17.01.25
Tucked away on the easternmost edge of Barbados, Ragged Point lives up to its name, with rugged cliffs plunging into the churning Atlantic. This windswept locale in the parish of Saint Philip offers visitors a window into the island’s untamed beauty and rich maritime history.
Towering over the landscape is the Ragged Point Lighthouse, one of four historic lighthouses dotting the Barbadian coast. Constructed in 1875, this 85-foot coral stone structure was once a vital beacon for sailors navigating the perilous Cobbler’s Reef, a notorious graveyard for ships in the 19th century.
Perched more than 200 feet above sea level, the lighthouse once cast a powerful beam visible up to 21 miles, steering vessels safely through the turbulent waters. Though time and neglect have taken their toll on the structure, its commanding presence remains undeniable. Surrounding the lighthouse are several vantage points offering sweeping views of the rugged coastline and, on clear days, glimpses of the island’s northern reaches, including Cove Bay and Pico Tenerife. Adjacent to the lighthouse are the remnants of lightkeepers’ residences, a vestige of a long-gone era.
As the coastline here is dominated by sheer cliffs and powerful waves, it is ill-suited for swimming, though ideal for hiking. In fact, the clifftop trails promise invigorating breezes and stunning views of the untamed seascape. Those determined to explore further can carefully scramble down the craggy slopes to reach the hidden cove below. For pluckier visitors, Culpepper Island, a tiny islet off the coast, can be reached by wading during low tide.
Ragged Point also hosts a tropical atmospheric research station, part of the Advanced Global Atmospheric Gases Experiment (AGAGE). Underscoring Barbados’ commitment to environmental stewardship, this facility collects critical data on global climate patterns as well as air quality.
On rare occasions when conditions align, the southeastern swells create challenging yet rewarding waves, suitable only for well-experienced surfers. However, be aware that the rocky terrain and strong currents demand the utmost caution.
The white-hued lighthouse (off-limits to visitors)
photography by: Omri Westmark
photography by: Omri Westmark
photography by: Omri Westmark
photography by: Omri Westmark
The nearby cove
photography by: Omri Westmark
photography by: Omri Westmark
photography by: Omri Westmark
