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Martin Garcia Lighthouse

F W 10s🇺🇾Region Pampa/ Provincia Buenos Aires/ Dept La Plata/ Isla Martin Garcia, UYInactive

Location & Light Range

About Martin Garcia Lighthouse

The Martin Garcia Lighthouse, formerly operated by the Argentine Navy, is situated on the southern part of Martin Garcia Island in the Rio de la Plata. This island is an Argentine exclave surrounded by Uruguayan waters and belongs to the Partido de La Plata in Buenos Aires Province. Construction of the lighthouse began on January 7, 1897, and it was completed on July 16 of the same year, entering service on July 26, 1897. The original structure featured a cylindrical stone and brick tower attached to a two-story dwelling. The tower was topped by an octagonal iron lantern room with glass panels, capped by a spherical iron cupola. The entire structure was originally painted white.

Why it matters: The lighthouse building has been designated a national historic monument by Decree 1741/2011.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
F W 10s
Flash Type
Fixed
Light Color
White
Interval
10s
Raw Code
Fl.(2)Y. period 10s
Focal Height
37m
Light Range
15NM (27.8 km)
Geographic Range
6NM

References & Identifiers

Admiralty No.
G0791
NGA No.
19292
Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
Wikidata
Q5856211 →
OpenStreetMap
View on OSM →

Location

City
Region Pampa/ Provincia Buenos Aires/ Dept La Plata/ Isla Martin Garcia
Country
🇺🇾UY
Latitude
-34.1851°
Longitude
-58.2523°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How far offshore can Martin Garcia Lighthouse be seen?+
With a focal height of 37 meters and a nominal range of 15 nautical miles (approximately 27.8 km), Martin Garcia 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 Martin Garcia Lighthouse at night?+
Martin Garcia displays the characteristic F W 10s. 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.
Which ports and harbors does Martin Garcia Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Martin Garcia Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is PUNTA PEREIRA at 9.5 NM to the ESE. Other ports served include Carmelo (10.9 NM N), San Fernando (20.5 NM SW), Nueva Palmira (21.1 NM NNW), TIGRE (22 NM SW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Martin Garcia Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Martin Garcia Lighthouse is currently listed as inactive. It may have been decommissioned, replaced by a different navigation aid, or temporarily taken out of service. Mariners should check the latest Notices to Mariners for current status.
How can I track vessels near Martin Garcia Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Martin Garcia 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.