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Isla del Caño Lighthouse

Fl White 4s🇨🇷Bahía Drake, CROperational

Location & Light Range

About Isla del Caño Lighthouse

A skeletal steel tower, 22 meters high, was first lit in 1940 on the western end of Isla del Caño. This island lies about 20 kilometers west of the Osa Peninsula in southern Costa Rica. The lighthouse features a red lantern atop its structure, and its focal height reaches 63 meters, providing a geographic range of 20.5 nautical miles. The light emits a single white flash every 4 seconds. This station was established and operated by the United Fruit Company, a private entity, rather than a government agency. The light was deactivated in 1961, and its current operational status is noted.

Why it matters: The lighthouse marks the western extent of Isla del Caño, aiding navigation for vessels off Costa Rica's Pacific coast. Its establishment by the United Fruit Company provides insight into historical private maritime infrastructure development in the area.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl White 4s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Interval
4s
Raw Code
Fl W 4s
Focal Height
63m
Geographic Range
20.5NM

Construction & History

First Lit
1940

Significant events: deactivated in 1961

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Golfito(44.3 km)
ARLHS No.
COS-003

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
22m
Tower Shape
skeletal
Material
steel

Structure: steel skeletal tower with a red lantern

Location

City
Bahía Drake
Country
🇨🇷Costa Rica
Region
Puntarenas Province
Sea Region
Western end of Isla del Caño, an island about 20 km west of the Osa Peninsula in southern Costa Rica.
Latitude
8.7057°
Longitude
-83.8950°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Isla del Caño Lighthouse at night?+
Isla del Caño displays the characteristic Fl White 4s. 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 Isla del Caño Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Isla del Caño Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 4 nearby ports. The closest is Palmar Norte at 29.9 NM to the ENE. Other ports served include PUERTO JIMENEZ (36.9 NM ESE), Golfito (44.2 NM E), Quepos (Puerto Quepos) (46.2 NM NNW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Isla del Caño Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Isla del Caño 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 Isla del Caño Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Isla del Caño 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.