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El Meco Range Front Lighthouse

Fl White 3s🇲🇽MXOperational

Location & Light Range

About El Meco Range Front Lighthouse

A square pyramidal tower of concrete, 5 meters high, is painted white. Its light is located 8 meters above sea level and emits a white flash every three seconds, with a range of 9.7 nautical miles. Situated on a headland north of Cancun, this structure marks the approach to the port's dredged channel. Access to the site is permitted, though the tower remains closed. A recent building obstructs the rear light, raising questions about the continued operation of this range.

Why it matters: This range light provides direct navigational reference for vessels entering Cancun's dredged channel, an important route for both trade and tourism.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl White 3s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Interval
3s
Raw Code
Fl W 3s
Focal Height
8m
Geographic Range
9.7NM

Construction & History

Significant events: Rear light obstructed by new building, future of range in doubt

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
5m
Tower Shape
square
Tower Color
white
Material
concrete

Structure: square pyramidal white concrete tower

Location

Country
🇲🇽Mexico
Region
Quintana Roo
Sea Region
Located on a headland on the north side of Cancún, guiding vessels in the dredged entrance channel to Cancún.
Latitude
21.2142°
Longitude
-86.8024°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Cancun(1.5 km)
Admiralty No.
J4436
NGA No.
15692
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify El Meco Range Front Lighthouse at night?+
El Meco Range Front displays the characteristic Fl White 3s. 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 Meco Range Front Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
El Meco Range Front Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Cancun at 1.5 NM to the N. Other ports served include Puerto Morelos (23.2 NM S), Playa del Carmen (38.8 NM SSW), Cozumel (42.5 NM S), Punta Venado (45.3 NM SSW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is El Meco Range Front Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, El Meco Range Front 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 Meco Range Front Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near El Meco Range Front 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.