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Abrolhos Lighthouse

Fl White 6s🇧🇷BROperational

Location & Light Range

About Abrolhos Lighthouse

Also known as: Abrolhos (Ilha de Santa Barbará)

The Abrolhos Lighthouse, built in 1861, features a cylindrical cast iron tower reaching 22 meters in height. It displays narrow black and white horizontal bands, topped by a black lantern room. The light characteristic is a white flash every 6 seconds (Fl W 6s), with a focal height of 60 meters. Its geographic range extends to 20.1 nautical miles. A new lens was fitted in 1898. The structure is located 32 km from the port of Caravelas.

Why it matters: This lighthouse serves as a navigation aid for the Abrolhos archipelago. The lens installed in 1898 is a rare optical device, one of only two such instruments made.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl White 6s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Interval
6s
Raw Code
Fl W 6s
Focal Height
60m
Light Range
50.8NM (94.1 km)
Geographic Range
20.1NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1861

Significant events: Lens installed in 1898

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Caravelas(32.0 km)
Admiralty No.
G0306
NGA No.
110-18200
ARLHS No.
BRA-001
Wikidata
Q10280145 →
OpenStreetMap
View on OSM →

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
22m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
with narrow black and white horizontal bands
Material
cast iron

Structure: round cast iron tower with lantern and double gallery, painted with narrow black and white horizontal bands; lantern painted black

Location

Country
🇧🇷Brazil
Region
Bahia
Sea Region
Located on Santa Barbará, the largest island of the Arquipélago de Abrolhos, a group of five rocky islands about 65 km off the south coast of Bahia, Brazil. The islands are part of the Parque Nacional Marinho de Abrolhos.
Latitude
-17.9632°
Longitude
-38.7022°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How far offshore can Abrolhos Lighthouse be seen?+
With a focal height of 60 meters and a nominal range of 50.8 nautical miles (approximately 94.1 km), Abrolhos is visible from well offshore under standard atmospheric conditions. Actual visibility depends on observer height, weather, and sea state. Lights of this range are typically used as landfall lights by vessels approaching from the open sea.
How do mariners identify Abrolhos Lighthouse at night?+
Abrolhos displays the characteristic Fl White 6s. Each lighthouse has a unique flash pattern published in the List of Lights, allowing mariners to positively identify it and distinguish it from other navigation aids in the area. The white color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Abrolhos Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Abrolhos Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 2 nearby ports. The closest is CARAVELAS at 31.9 NM to the WNW. Other ports served include Caravelas (34.2 NM WNW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Abrolhos Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Abrolhos Lighthouse is currently operational. It is actively maintained and continues to emit its characteristic light signal for marine navigation. Most modern lighthouses are automated and monitored remotely by the national maritime authority.
How can I track vessels near Abrolhos Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Abrolhos Lighthouse in real time using MarineRadar. The platform shows live AIS positions of ships in the area, including vessel name, type, flag, speed, and course. Use the "Track Vessels Nearby" button on this page to open the live map centered on this lighthouse.