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Hermanus Breakwater Lighthouse

Fl R 3s🇿🇦Western South Africa, ZAOperational

Location & Light Range

About Hermanus Breakwater Lighthouse

Hermanus Breakwater Lighthouse is a maritime navigation aid located in Western South Africa, ZA. It is currently operational and active, providing guidance to vessels navigating the surrounding waters. The light sits at a focal height of 7 meters above mean sea level.

Light characteristic: The identifying signal of this lighthouse is Fl R 3s. This means the light produces 1 flash every 3 seconds. Mariners use this distinctive pattern to positively identify the light and distinguish it from other aids to navigation in the area. The light color is red, which may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.

Position: Hermanus Breakwater Lighthouse is positioned at -34.4334°S, 19.2281°E, near Western South Africa in ZA.

Geographic context: Hermanus Breakwater Lighthouse is situated on the South Atlantic Ocean, within the Cape of Good Hope route — the historic shipping route around the southern tip of Africa. The location falls within the subtropical climate zone with mild winters and warm summers.

Nearby lighthouses in ZA: Other lighthouses in the region include Anglo-American Building, Bird Islands, Cape Agulhas, Cape Columbine, Cape Hangklip. View all on the Lighthouses Directory.

Nearby Ports

GANSBAAI

ZAGAA

10.7 NMSSE

Goudiniweg

ZA3WC

10.9 NMSSE

Strand

ZASTD

27.3 NMNW

Wemmershoek

ZAWWC

35.4 NMNNW

Riviersonderend

ZA7WC

37.4 NMENE

Flash Characteristics

Characteristic Signature
Fl R 3s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
Red
Flash Count
1 flash
Interval
3s

Physical Specifications

Focal Height
7m
Light Range
Not available
Status
ACTIVE
City
Western South Africa
Country
🇿🇦ZA
Latitude
-34.4334°
Longitude
19.2281°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Hermanus Breakwater Lighthouse at night?+
Hermanus Breakwater displays the characteristic Fl R 3s — 1 red flash every 3 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 red color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Hermanus Breakwater Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Hermanus Breakwater Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is GANSBAAI at 10.7 NM to the SSE. Other ports served include Goudiniweg (10.9 NM SSE), Strand (27.3 NM NW), Wemmershoek (35.4 NM NNW), Riviersonderend (37.4 NM ENE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Hermanus Breakwater Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Hermanus Breakwater 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 Hermanus Breakwater Lighthouse?+
Hermanus Breakwater Lighthouse is located within the Cape of Good Hope route — the historic shipping route around the southern tip of Africa. This makes it an important navigation reference for commercial shipping traffic in the region.
How can I track vessels near Hermanus Breakwater Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Hermanus Breakwater 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.