Get the MarineRadar appSatellite AISSatellite live trackingTrack any shipLive alerts112,000+ ships trackedDownload free

Cap Sim Lighthouse

Fl (3) White 15s🇲🇦Essaouira, MAOperational

Location & Light Range

About Cap Sim Lighthouse

Constructed of stone, the Cap Sim lighthouse was built in 1917 and first lit the same year. Its square tower, painted green with narrow white horizontal bands, rises 20 meters from the center of an ancient fort. The lighthouse is situated on a cape about 20 kilometers south of Essaouira. Its light features a white flash every 15 seconds. The site is open for exploration, but the tower itself remains closed to the public.

Why it matters: This lighthouse is important for maritime navigation along the Moroccan Atlantic coast, especially for vessels approaching or departing the nearby port of Essaouira. Its elevated light source ensures visibility from a significant distance, offering guidance around the cape.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl (3) White 15s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Flash Count
3 flashes
Interval
15s
Raw Code
Fl W 15s
Focal Height
103m
Geographic Range
25.2NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1917

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
20m
Tower Shape
square
Tower Color
green with narrow white horizontal bands
Material
stone

Structure: square stone tower with lantern and gallery, rising in the center of a fort

Location

City
Essaouira
Country
🇲🇦Morocco
Region
Marrakech-Safi
Sea Region
on a cape about 20 km south of Essaouira
Latitude
31.3969°
Longitude
-9.8301°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Essaouira(7.2 km)
Admiralty No.
D2604
NGA No.
23232
ARLHS No.
MOR-019
Live tracking · 50,000+ mariners

Find Cap Sim Lighthouse on the live nautical map

Plan voyages near Morocco, see nearby vessels in real time, and explore 14,900+ navigation aids in the app.

Nautical mapNearby vesselsVoyage planning
Get the App

Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Cap Sim Lighthouse at night?+
Cap Sim displays the characteristic Fl (3) White 15s — 3 white flashes every 15 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. The white color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Cap Sim Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Cap Sim Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 1 nearby port. The closest is Essaouira at 7.2 NM to the NNE. Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Cap Sim Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Cap Sim 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 Cap Sim Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Cap Sim 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.