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Cayo Centro Lighthouse

Fl (2) White 10s🇲🇽MXOperational

Location & Light Range

About Cayo Centro Lighthouse

Cayo Centro lighthouse is a 15-meter white, square pyramidal skeletal tower featuring a gallery. Its light emits one white flash every 10 seconds, with a geographic range of 12.2 nautical miles. The structure is situated on a small island within a reef area, about 22.8 kilometers from Costa Maya. Records from 2007 indicate the presence of two prior lights: a concrete post light and a shorter skeletal tower. The present operational tower was documented in 2016.

Why it matters: This lighthouse serves as a navigation aid for vessels entering the reef system near Cayo Centro. The site preserves evidence of two earlier structures, demonstrating the long-term requirement for navigation markers in this location.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl (2) White 10s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Flash Count
2 flashes
Interval
10s
Raw Code
Fl W 10s
Focal Height
16m
Geographic Range
12.2NM

Construction & History

Significant events: Cary Akin photographed the site in 2007, showing two earlier lighthouses; Capt. Peter Mosselberger photographed the active lighthouse in 2016

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Costa Maya(22.8 km)
Admiralty No.
J4456.5
NGA No.
15784

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
15m
Tower Shape
square
Tower Color
white

Structure: square pyramidal skeletal tower with gallery, painted white

Location

Country
🇲🇽Mexico
Region
Quintana Roo
Sea Region
An island in the center of a reef complex
Latitude
18.5800°
Longitude
-87.3166°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Cayo Centro Lighthouse at night?+
Cayo Centro displays the characteristic Fl (2) White 10s — 2 white flashes every 10 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 Cayo Centro Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Cayo Centro Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 1 nearby port. The closest is Costa Maya at 22.8 NM to the WNW. Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Cayo Centro Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Cayo Centro 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 Cayo Centro Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Cayo Centro 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.