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Cais das Velas Lighthouse

Fl Red 5s🇵🇹Velas, PTOperational

Location & Light Range

About Cais das Velas Lighthouse

Also known as: Cais das Velas (Velas Wharf)

This cylindrical concrete tower stands 7 meters tall, with its light positioned 14 meters above sea level. It is painted with horizontal red and white bands. The light emits a single red flash every 5 seconds, visible for 11.6 nautical miles. The structure is located at the end of the main pier in Velas, 0.1 kilometers from the nearest port. The light was temporarily removed during wharf construction around 2018 and later reinstalled.

Why it matters: This lighthouse is important for maritime traffic approaching the main pier of Velas, a key port on the island's southwest coast. Its red flash clearly marks the harbor entrance, ensuring safe access for vessels.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl Red 5s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
Red
Interval
5s
Raw Code
Fl R 5s
Focal Height
14m
Geographic Range
11.6NM

Construction & History

Significant events: wharf under construction, light reinstalled

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Velas(0.1 km)
Admiralty No.
D2682.2.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
7m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
with horizontal red and white bands
Material
concrete

Structure: round concrete tower painted with horizontal red and white bands

Location

City
Velas
Country
🇵🇹Portugal
Sea Region
Located at the end of the main pier on the waterfront of Velas, on the southwest coast of the island.
Latitude
38.6780°
Longitude
-28.2029°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Cais das Velas Lighthouse at night?+
Cais das Velas displays the characteristic Fl Red 5s. 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 red color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Cais das Velas Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Cais das Velas Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Velas at 0.3 NM to the SSE. Other ports served include Calheta, Island São Jorge (10.2 NM ESE), Cais do Pico (10.8 NM SSW), Lajes (17.2 NM S), Madalena (Madalena do Pico) (17.6 NM WSW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Cais das Velas Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Cais das Velas 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 Cais das Velas Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Cais das Velas 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.