Get the MarineRadar appSatellite AISSatellite live trackingTrack any shipLive alerts112,000+ ships trackedDownload free

Farallón Sucio Lighthouse

Fl Red 5s🇵🇦PAOperational

Location & Light Range

About Farallón Sucio Lighthouse

Also known as: Farallón Sucio (Sucio Rock)

Established in 1925, the Farallón Sucio light station stands about 10 kilometers west-northwest of Isla Grande. The current navigational aid is a 7-meter white pyramidal concrete tower. This structure replaced an earlier steel framework tower that previously marked the site. The light emits a red flash every five seconds from a focal height of 32.5 meters. Its geographic range is 15.8 nautical miles. Access to the remote station is limited to boat, and the site and tower are closed to the public.

Why it matters: The Farallón Sucio light has provided consistent guidance for vessels navigating the waters west-northwest of Isla Grande since its initial lighting in 1925.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl Red 5s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
Red
Interval
5s
Raw Code
Fl R 5s
Focal Height
32.5m
Geographic Range
15.8NM

Construction & History

First Lit
1925

Significant events: Original tower replaced

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Isla grande(4.2 km)
Admiralty No.
J6136
NGA No.
16624
ARLHS No.
PAN-023

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
7m
Tower Shape
pyramidal
Tower Color
white
Material
concrete

Structure: pyramidal concrete tower, painted white

Location

Country
🇵🇦Panama
Region
Colón
Sea Region
Located about 10 km west northwest of Isla Grande.
Latitude
9.6421°
Longitude
-79.6363°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
Live tracking · 50,000+ mariners

Find Farallón Sucio Lighthouse on the live nautical map

Plan voyages near Panama, see nearby vessels in real time, and explore 14,900+ navigation aids in the app.

Nautical mapNearby vesselsVoyage planning
Get the App

Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Farallón Sucio Lighthouse at night?+
Farallón Sucio displays the characteristic Fl Red 5s. 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 red color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Farallón Sucio Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Farallón Sucio Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Isla grande at 4.2 NM to the ESE. Other ports served include Portobelo (5.5 NM SSW), Bahía Las Minas (18.4 NM SW), Las Minas (19.1 NM SW), Colón (21.8 NM SW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Farallón Sucio Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Farallón Sucio 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.
What shipping routes pass near Farallón Sucio Lighthouse?+
Farallón Sucio Lighthouse is located within the Panama Canal approach — the vital waterway connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans through Central America. This makes it an important navigation reference for commercial shipping traffic in the region.
How can I track vessels near Farallón Sucio Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Farallón Sucio 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.