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Ilha do Francês Lighthouse

Fl White 15s🇧🇷BROperational

Location & Light Range

About Ilha do Francês Lighthouse

Also known as: Ilha do Francês (Ilha dos Franceses)

This cylindrical stone tower, standing 12 meters high, was built and first lit in 1883. Its square base supports a lantern and gallery, and it is painted white. The lighthouse emits a white light with one flash every 15 seconds from a focal height of 48 meters, visible for 18.4 nautical miles. It is situated on a small island about 20 miles southwest of Guarapari. The original keeper's house at the station has since been demolished.

Why it matters: The lighthouse's French design, resulting from its construction by engineers from France, provides a distinctive architectural feature on the Brazilian coast. The island's name itself, honoring these engineers, connects the lighthouse to its international origins.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl White 15s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Interval
15s
Raw Code
Fl W 15s
Focal Height
48m
Geographic Range
18.4NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1883

Significant events: keeper's house demolished

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Ponta Ubu(13.7 km)
Admiralty No.
G0332
NGA No.
18324
ARLHS No.
BRA-051

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
12m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
white
Material
stone

Structure: square cylindrical stone tower with lantern and gallery

Location

Country
🇧🇷Brazil
Region
Espírito Santo
Sea Region
an island about 20 miles southwest of Guarapari
Latitude
-20.9275°
Longitude
-40.7553°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Ilha do Francês Lighthouse at night?+
Ilha do Francês displays the characteristic Fl White 15s. 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 Francês Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Ilha do Francês Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is ITAIPAVA at 2.3 NM to the NNW. Other ports served include Itapemirim (6.2 NM SW), Ponta do Ubu Pt / Anchieta (13.3 NM NE), Presidente Kennedy (19.5 NM WSW), Vitória (43.9 NM NE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Ilha do Francês Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Ilha do Francês 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 Francês Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Ilha do Francês 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.