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El Bluff Lighthouse

Fl White 3.8s🇳🇮Kukra Hill, NIOperational

Location & Light Range

About El Bluff Lighthouse

Also known as: El Bluff (Bluefields Bluff)

A square skeletal tower, painted white, stands 8 meters tall at El Bluff. Its focal plane reaches 50 meters above sea level, casting a white light that flashes once every 3.8 seconds. This structure is situated atop a hill that forms the end of a spit, safeguarding the harbor of Bluefields. The lighthouse's geographic range extends to 18.7 nautical miles. It is located near Kukra Hill, about 0.6 kilometers from the nearest port, also named El Bluff.

Why it matters: This lighthouse is essential for safe navigation into Bluefields, Nicaragua's sole major port on its Caribbean coast, supporting the regional fishing industry and trade.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl White 3.8s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Interval
3.8s
Raw Code
Fl W 3.8s
Focal Height
50m
Light Range
14NM (25.9 km)
Geographic Range
18.7NM

Location

City
Kukra Hill
Country
🇳🇮Nicaragua
Sea Region
Located atop El Bluff, a prominent hill at the end of a spit protecting the harbor of Bluefields, Nicaragua's only significant port on its Caribbean coast.
Latitude
11.9935°
Longitude
-83.6838°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
8m
Tower Shape
square
Tower Color
white

Structure: square skeletal tower, painted white (not red, as listed by NGA)

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
El Bluff(0.6 km)
Admiralty No.
J6064
NGA No.
16500
Wikidata
Q60213250 →
OpenStreetMap
View on OSM →
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Frequently Asked Questions

How far offshore can El Bluff Lighthouse be seen?+
With a focal height of 50 meters and a nominal range of 14 nautical miles (approximately 25.9 km), El Bluff is visible from well offshore under standard atmospheric conditions. Actual visibility depends on observer height, weather, and sea state. This range makes it a significant coastal navigation aid for vessels transiting the area.
How do mariners identify El Bluff Lighthouse at night?+
El Bluff displays the characteristic Fl White 3.8s. 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 El Bluff Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
El Bluff Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 4 nearby ports. The closest is El Bluff at 0.4 NM to the WNW. Other ports served include Bluefields (4.6 NM WNW), Rama (32.7 NM WNW), CORN ISLAND (38.5 NM ENE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is El Bluff Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, El Bluff 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 El Bluff Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near El Bluff 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.