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Magallanes Lighthouse

Fl (3) White 50s🇦🇷AROperational

Location & Light Range

About Magallanes Lighthouse

The Magallanes lighthouse, constructed in 1976, is a 13.5-meter-tall square skeletal tower painted black. It is situated 800 meters southeast of the border between Chile and Argentina, south of the Strait of Magellan. The metal tower features a gallery and its light has a focal height of 53 meters. It emits a white flash every 50 seconds and has a geographic range of 19.1 nautical miles. The site is open to visitors, though the tower itself is closed.

Why it matters: This lighthouse marks the southern approach to the Strait of Magellan near the Chile-Argentina border, offering critical guidance in a historically significant and often challenging waterway.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl (3) White 50s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Flash Count
3 flashes
Interval
50s
Raw Code
Fl W 50s
Focal Height
53m
Light Range
12NM (22.2 km)
Geographic Range
19.1NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1976

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
13.5m
Tower Shape
square
Tower Color
black
Material
metal

Structure: square skeletal tower with gallery, painted black

Location

Country
🇦🇷Argentina
Region
Tierra del Fuego
Sea Region
Located 800 meters southeast of the border between Chile and Argentina south of the Strait of Magellan.
Latitude
-52.6642°
Longitude
-68.6021°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
San Sebastian Bay(40.2 km)
Admiralty No.
G1260.5
NGA No.
110-20156
ARLHS No.
ARG-043
Wikidata
Q5856206 →
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Frequently Asked Questions

How far offshore can Magallanes Lighthouse be seen?+
With a focal height of 53 meters and a nominal range of 12 nautical miles (approximately 22.2 km), Magallanes is visible from well offshore under standard atmospheric conditions. Actual visibility depends on observer height, weather, and sea state. This range makes it a significant coastal navigation aid for vessels transiting the area.
How do mariners identify Magallanes Lighthouse at night?+
Magallanes displays the characteristic Fl (3) White 50s — 3 white flashes every 50 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 Magallanes Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Magallanes Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 2 nearby ports. The closest is Rio Cullen at 16.3 NM to the SE. Other ports served include San Sebastián (38.5 NM S). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Magallanes Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Magallanes 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 Magallanes Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Magallanes 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.