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Chale Island Lighthouse

Fl (2) White 20s🇰🇪KEOperational

Location & Light Range

About Chale Island Lighthouse

A square pyramidal skeletal tower, 25 meters tall, stands on the southern tip of Chale Island. It is painted with red and white horizontal bands and exhibits a white light with two flashes every 20 seconds. The tower's focal height reaches 30 meters, providing a geographic range of 15.3 nautical miles. Constructed of metal, the lighthouse's site is open to the public, though the tower itself is closed. It is located on an island that shelters the harbor of the fishing port of Gazi.

Why it matters: This lighthouse is essential for safe navigation around Chale Island, specifically guiding vessels approaching or departing the sheltered harbor of Gazi. It warns mariners of the island's southern extremity in these busy coastal waters.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl (2) White 20s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Flash Count
2 flashes
Interval
20s
Raw Code
Fl W 20s
Focal Height
30m
Geographic Range
15.3NM

Location

Country
🇰🇪Kenya
Region
Kwale
Sea Region
Located on the southern tip of Chale Island, which shelters the harbor of the fishing port of Gazi. The island is also home to a beach resort.
Latitude
-4.4428°
Longitude
39.5362°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Kilindi(23.6 km)
Admiralty No.
D6770
NGA No.
31268

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
25m
Tower Shape
square
Tower Color
with red and white horizontal bands
Material
metal

Structure: square pyramidal skeletal tower painted with red and white horizontal bands

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Chale Island Lighthouse at night?+
Chale Island displays the characteristic Fl (2) White 20s — 2 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. The white color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Chale Island Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Chale Island Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 4 nearby ports. The closest is Shimoni at 15.4 NM to the SW. Other ports served include Kilindini (23.9 NM NNE), Mombasa (24.5 NM NNE), Tanga (44 NM SW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Chale Island Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Chale Island 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 Chale Island Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Chale Island 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.