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Balboa Northbound Front Lighthouse

🇵🇦Ancón, PAOperational

Also known as: Miraflores

This concrete tower, built in 1914, stands 9 meters tall and is situated near the Miraflores Locks in Panama. It is painted white on its front (south-facing) side and black on the rear. As a range light, its purpose is to guide northbound vessels along the Panama Canal. The lighthouse is part of a system designed to help ships maintain precise alignment within the canal's channels, ensuring safe passage. It has been actively guiding maritime traffic for over a century.

Why it matters: This lighthouse is essential for the safe transit of northbound vessels through the Panama Canal, specifically guiding them through the Miraflores section. Its function directly supports the efficient movement of global trade.

Tower Height
9m
Tower Color
white on the front (south-facing) side and black on the rear
Material
concrete

Structure: concrete tower with lantern and gallery, painted white on the front (south-facing) side and black on the rear

City
Ancón
Country
🇵🇦Panama
Region
Panamá Province
Sea Region
Panama Canal, near Miraflores Locks, guiding northbound vessels
Latitude
8.9904°
Longitude
-79.5837°
Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
Year Built
1914
Nearest Port
Rodman(2.1 km)
Admiralty No.
J6094.84.
ARLHS No.
PAN-033
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Which ports and harbors does Balboa Northbound Front Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Balboa Northbound Front Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Rodman at 2.3 NM to the SSE. Other ports served include Ancon (2.5 NM SE), Balboa (2.6 NM SSE), Panamá, Ciudad de (5.6 NM E), VERACRUZ (6.6 NM SSW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Balboa Northbound Front Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Balboa Northbound Front 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 Balboa Northbound Front Lighthouse?+
Balboa Northbound Front Lighthouse is located within the Panama Canal approach — the vital waterway connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans through Central America. This makes it an important navigation reference for commercial shipping traffic in the region.
How can I track vessels near Balboa Northbound Front Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Balboa Northbound Front 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.