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Cabo de la Vela Lighthouse

Fl White 10s🇨🇴Uribia, COOperational

Location & Light Range

About Cabo de la Vela Lighthouse

Also known as: [Cabo de la Vela]

The Cabo de la Vela Lighthouse is a square skeletal tower, 8 meters in height, painted red. The light was activated in 1955, with the station's origins dating to 1928. Its focal plane reaches 88 meters. The light exhibits a white flash every 10 seconds (Fl W 10s). The structure is situated on a cape in Colombia's La Guajira region, close to Uribia. Visitors cannot access the tower, but the location provides wide-ranging views of the ocean and the surrounding terrain.

Why it matters: This navigational aid helps vessels sailing near the cape. Its elevated focal plane allows the light to be seen for 23.6 nautical miles, marking the headland for mariners.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl White 10s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Interval
10s
Raw Code
Fl W 10s
Focal Height
88m
Geographic Range
23.6NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1955

Significant events: Station established 1928

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Puerto Bolivar(13.2 km)
Admiralty No.
J6266
NGA No.
16844
ARLHS No.
COL-016

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
8m
Tower Shape
square
Tower Color
red

Structure: square skeletal tower, painted red

Location

City
Uribia
Country
🇨🇴Colombia
Region
La Guajira
Sea Region
Cabo de la Vela, a prominent cape on Colombia's northern coast, also a resort area
Latitude
12.2096°
Longitude
-72.1792°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Cabo de la Vela Lighthouse at night?+
Cabo de la Vela displays the characteristic Fl White 10s. 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 Cabo de la Vela Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Cabo de la Vela Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 2 nearby ports. The closest is Puerto Bolívar at 13.1 NM to the ENE. Other ports served include Manaure (30.5 NM SSW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Cabo de la Vela Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Cabo de la Vela 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 Cabo de la Vela Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Cabo de la Vela 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.