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

Ilha do Arvoredo Lighthouse

Oc (4) White 60s🇧🇷BROperational

Location & Light Range

About Ilha do Arvoredo Lighthouse

Completed in 1883, this lighthouse is a 16-meter cylindrical tower constructed of cast iron. Its exterior is painted with horizontal red and white bands, topped by a lantern and gallery. The light emits four white occultations every 60 seconds, visible for nearly 24 nautical miles from a focal height of 90 meters. The tower was prefabricated in England and assembled on Ilha do Arvoredo, an island that is part of a marine biological reserve. In 2020, the Brazilian Navy repainted the structure and refurbished its rotation mechanism.

Why it matters: The lighthouse's ongoing operation is significant as it continues to use its original 2nd order Chance Brothers Fresnel lens, a remarkable piece of historical optical technology still in service. Its placement within the Reserva Biológica Marinha do Arvoredo highlights its function in a region of notable ecological importance.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Oc (4) White 60s
Flash Type
Occulting
Light Color
White
Flash Count
4 flashes
Interval
60s
Raw Code
Oc(4) W 60s
Focal Height
90m
Light Range
24NM (44.4 km)
Geographic Range
23.8NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1883

Significant events: In 2020 the Navy repainted the lighthouse and refurbished the rotation device

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Porto Belo(13.3 km)
ARLHS No.
BRA-042

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
16m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
with red and white horizontal bands
Material
cast iron

Structure: round cast iron tower with lantern and gallery, painted with red and white horizontal bands

Location

Country
🇧🇷Brazil
Region
Santa Catarina
Sea Region
Located on an island off the northern end of the Ilha de Santa Catarina, within the Reserva Biológica Marinha do Arvoredo, an ecological reserve.
Latitude
-27.2962°
Longitude
-48.3567°

Nearby Vessels

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

Find Ilha do Arvoredo Lighthouse on the live nautical map

Plan voyages near Brazil, 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 far offshore can Ilha do Arvoredo Lighthouse be seen?+
With a focal height of 90 meters and a nominal range of 24 nautical miles (approximately 44.4 km), Ilha do Arvoredo is visible from well offshore under standard atmospheric conditions. Actual visibility depends on observer height, weather, and sea state. Lights of this range are typically used as landfall lights by vessels approaching from the open sea.
How do mariners identify Ilha do Arvoredo Lighthouse at night?+
Ilha do Arvoredo displays the characteristic Oc (4) White 60s — 4 white flashes every 60 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 Ilha do Arvoredo Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Ilha do Arvoredo Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Porto Belo at 13.3 NM to the NW. Other ports served include Florianopolis (21.2 NM SSW), CAMBORIU (22.2 NM NW), Balneário Camboriú (23.9 NM NW), Itajaí (28.7 NM NW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Ilha do Arvoredo Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Ilha do Arvoredo 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 Ilha do Arvoredo Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Ilha do Arvoredo 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.