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

Cap Spartel Lighthouse

Fl (4) W 20s🇲🇦Morocco (Atlantic Coast), MAOperational

Location & Light Range

About Cap Spartel Lighthouse

Cap Spartel is a red metal framework tower situated on the Atlantic coast of Morocco. The structure stands 33 meters tall and features a red square daymark. Its light characteristic consists of four white flashes occurring every 20 seconds. This lighthouse has a geographic range of 30 nautical miles. The focal height is 95 meters.

Why it matters: This lighthouse marks the entrance to the Strait of Gibraltar from the Atlantic Ocean.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl (4) W 20s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Flash Count
4 flashes
Interval
20s
Raw Code
Fl.(4)W. period 20s
Focal Height
95m
Light Range
30NM (55.6 km)
Geographic Range
30NM

Location

City
Morocco (Atlantic Coast)
Country
🇲🇦MA
Latitude
35.7910°
Longitude
-5.9237°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
33m
Tower Shape
square
Tower Color
red
Material
metal

Structure: PORT (IALA A) Red metal framework tower, red square daymark; 33

References & Identifiers

Admiralty No.
D2510
NGA No.
22896
OpenStreetMap
View on OSM →
Live tracking · 50,000+ mariners

Find Cap Spartel Lighthouse on the live nautical map

Plan voyages near MA, 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 far offshore can Cap Spartel Lighthouse be seen?+
With a focal height of 95 meters and a nominal range of 30 nautical miles (approximately 55.6 km), Cap Spartel is visible from well offshore under standard atmospheric conditions. Actual visibility depends on observer height, weather, and sea state. Lights of this range are typically used as landfall lights by vessels approaching from the open sea.
How do mariners identify Cap Spartel Lighthouse at night?+
Cap Spartel displays the characteristic Fl (4) W 20s — 4 white flashes every 20 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 Cap Spartel Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Cap Spartel Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Tangier at 6.1 NM to the E. Other ports served include Asilah (20 NM SSW), Tarifa (20.4 NM NE), Tanger Med (21.8 NM ENE), BARBATE (23.6 NM N). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Cap Spartel Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Cap Spartel 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 Cap Spartel Lighthouse?+
Cap Spartel Lighthouse is located within the Strait of Gibraltar — the gateway between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. This makes it an important navigation reference for commercial shipping traffic in the region.
How can I track vessels near Cap Spartel Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Cap Spartel 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.