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Chica Lighthouse

Fl White 10s🇦🇷AROperational

Location & Light Range

About Chica Lighthouse

Also known as: Chica (Baliza Chica)

Chica Lighthouse is a square pyramidal skeletal tower standing 15.5 meters tall, with its light positioned at a focal height of 16.5 meters. The structure displays black and yellow banding and shows a white flash every 10 seconds, visible for 12.3 nautical miles. Located on the north bank of the Bahía Blanca estuary, it guides vessels approaching Puerto Belgrano, the home port of the Argentine Navy. The lighthouse is situated approximately 7.8 kilometers from Puerto Rosales and is reportedly within an Argentine Marines training base. Its operational status is confirmed.

Why it matters: This lighthouse is critical for the safe navigation of naval vessels and other maritime traffic entering and exiting Puerto Belgrano, the primary home port of the Argentine Navy, by marking the approach to this significant military port.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl White 10s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Interval
10s
Raw Code
Fl W 10s
Focal Height
16.5m
Light Range
7NM (13.0 km)
Geographic Range
12.3NM

Location

Country
🇦🇷Argentina
Region
Buenos Aires
Sea Region
North bank of the Bahía Blanca estuary, guiding vessels approaching Puerto Belgrano, the home port of the Argentine Navy, and reportedly on the Argentine Marines training base.
Latitude
-38.9673°
Longitude
-61.8955°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
15.5m
Tower Shape
square
Tower Color
black and yellow

Structure: square pyramidal skeletal tower; the light is shown from a short mast

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Puerto Rosales(7.8 km)
Admiralty No.
G0993
NGA No.
19552
ARLHS No.
ARG-083
Wikidata
Q115219691 →
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Frequently Asked Questions

How far offshore can Chica Lighthouse be seen?+
With a focal height of 16.5 meters and a nominal range of 7 nautical miles (approximately 13.0 km), Chica is visible from well offshore under standard atmospheric conditions. Actual visibility depends on observer height, weather, and sea state. As a shorter-range light, it primarily serves nearshore and coastal traffic.
How do mariners identify Chica Lighthouse at night?+
Chica displays the characteristic Fl White 10s. 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 Chica Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Chica Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Puerto Rosales/Bahia Blanca at 8.6 NM to the WNW. Other ports served include Puerto Belgrano/Bahia Blanca (10.4 NM WNW), Bahía Blanca (20.5 NM WNW), Cuatreros/Bahia Blanca (20.6 NM WNW), Ingeniero White/Bahia Blanca (20.6 NM WNW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Chica Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Chica 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 Chica Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Chica 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.