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Half Moon Caye Lighthouse

Fl (4) White 15s🇧🇿BZOperational

Location & Light Range

About Half Moon Caye Lighthouse

A triangular skeletal tower built of metal, painted white, stands 24 meters tall. It first became operational in 1820, with the current structure erected around the year 2000. The light emits a white flash every 15 seconds and has a geographic range of 14.1 nautical miles. The lighthouse is situated on Half Moon Caye, a natural monument adjacent to the site of the original station. The nearest port is Belize City, located 41.5 kilometers away.

Why it matters: This lighthouse marks Half Moon Caye within the Belize Barrier Reef system, aiding navigation through its channels and around coral formations. Its operation supports safe passage for commercial and tourism vessels in this ecologically sensitive area.

Background
Half Moon Caye Lighthouse is a lighthouse on the Half Moon Caye located in the Lighthouse Reef in Belize.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl (4) White 15s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Flash Count
4 flashes
Interval
15s
Raw Code
Fl W 15s
Focal Height
24m
Geographic Range
14.1NM

Construction & History

Year Built
2000
First Lit
1820

Significant events: station established 1820, current tower built around 2000

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Belize City(41.5 km)
Admiralty No.
J5936
NGA No.
110-16292
ARLHS No.
BLZ-013
Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
Wikidata
Q5641712 →

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
24m
Tower Shape
skeletal
Tower Color
white
Material
metal

Structure: triangular skeletal tower with gallery, painted white

Location

Country
🇧🇿Belize
Region
Belize District
Sea Region
Half Moon Caye, a natural monument, located adjacent to the site of the historic lighthouse.
Latitude
17.2051°
Longitude
-87.5370°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Half Moon Caye Lighthouse at night?+
Half Moon Caye displays the characteristic Fl (4) White 15s — 4 white flashes every 15 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 Half Moon Caye Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Half Moon Caye Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 4 nearby ports. The closest is CAYE CHAPEL at 41.3 NM to the NW. Other ports served include Belize City (41.6 NM WNW), Dangriga (41.6 NM WSW), CAYE CAULKER (42.8 NM NW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Half Moon Caye Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Half Moon Caye 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 Half Moon Caye Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Half Moon Caye 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.