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Ambouli Lighthouse

Q W 1.2s🇩🇯Djibouti, DJOperational

Location & Light Range

About Ambouli Lighthouse

First lit in 1894, the Ambouli Lighthouse features a white and red tower. White chevrons mark its structure, with a red top. The light emits an isophase red signal, intensified within a 6-degree arc between bearings of 181 and 187 degrees. By day, it displays an isophase white light with a 1.2-second duration and a 5-meter visibility. The focal height of the light reaches 20 meters, providing a geographic range of 19 nautical miles.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Q W 1.2s
Flash Type
Quick
Light Color
White
Flash Count
1 flash
Interval
1.2s
Raw Code
Iso.R.
Focal Height
20m
Geographic Range
19NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1894

References & Identifiers

Admiralty No.
D7280
NGA No.
30988
Wikidata
Q105645544 →

Tower & Structure

Tower Color
white and red

Structure: White chevrons, panel, red top. Intensified 181°-187°. Iso.W. 1.2s 5M by day. May

Location

City
Djibouti
Country
🇩🇯DJ
Latitude
11.5614°
Longitude
43.1242°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Ambouli Lighthouse at night?+
Ambouli displays the characteristic Q W 1.2s — 1 white flash every 1.2 seconds. 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.
Which ports and harbors does Ambouli Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Ambouli Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 4 nearby ports. The closest is Djibouti at 1.4 NM to the NNE. Other ports served include Djibouti (2.5 NM NNW), Damerjog (5.8 NM SE), TADJOURA (19.8 NM NW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Ambouli Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Ambouli 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.
What shipping routes pass near Ambouli Lighthouse?+
Ambouli Lighthouse is located within the Bab el-Mandeb Strait — the strategic passage connecting the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden. This makes it an important navigation reference for commercial shipping traffic in the region.
How can I track vessels near Ambouli Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Ambouli 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.