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Mauger Caye Lighthouse

Fl (2) White 10s🇧🇿BZOperational

Location & Light Range

About Mauger Caye Lighthouse

Also known as: Mauger Caye (Turneffe)

The Mauger Caye Lighthouse is situated on the northernmost islet of the Turneffe Atoll, a large reef system located approximately 30 km east of Belize City. Established in 1816, the current square pyramidal skeletal tower was constructed in 1868. This 19-meter tall structure, built of steel, features a gallery and an enclosed watch room. It emits a white light with one flash every 10 seconds, visible for 12.9 nautical miles. The lighthouse station is open to visitors, though access to the tower itself is prohibited. The nearest port is Caye Caulker, 16.4 km away.

Why it matters: This lighthouse is indispensable for safe passage through the Turneffe Atoll, a major reef system that poses significant hazards to shipping lanes east of Belize City. Its position at Mauger Caye, the northernmost islet, specifically warns vessels navigating the approaches to the city and the broader barrier reef.

Background
Mauger Caye Light is an active lighthouse on the atoll island of Mauger Caye, the most northerly in the Turneffe Cays archipelago, which lies 30 km (19 mi) east of the coast of Belize. It is one of a number of lighthouses, which have been built on the cays in the coastal waters of Belize. At the southern end of the Turneffe atoll, is a similar but smaller light known as Caye Bokel. The name Mauger comes from the Creole word for meagre, and Bokel is from the Dutch word for elbow.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl (2) White 10s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Flash Count
2 flashes
Interval
10s
Raw Code
Fl W 10s
Focal Height
19m
Geographic Range
12.9NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1868

Significant events: Station established 1816, Tower built 1868

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
19m
Tower Shape
square
Tower Color
white
Material
steel

Structure: square pyramidal skeletal tower with gallery and an enclosed watch room

Location

Country
🇧🇿Belize
Region
Belize District
Sea Region
Mauger Caye is the northernmost islet of the Turneffe Atoll, an extensive reef system 75 km (47 mi) long and about 30 km (19 mi) east of Belize City.
Latitude
17.6070°
Longitude
-87.7724°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Caye caulker(16.4 km)
Admiralty No.
J5940
NGA No.
110-16280
ARLHS No.
BLZ-007
Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
Wikidata
Q20020384 →
OpenStreetMap
View on OSM →
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Mauger Caye Lighthouse at night?+
Mauger Caye displays the characteristic Fl (2) White 10s — 2 white flashes every 10 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 Mauger Caye Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Mauger Caye Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is CAYE CHAPEL at 16.3 NM to the WNW. Other ports served include CAYE CAULKER (16.8 NM WNW), SAN PEDRO (22.6 NM NNW), Belize City (26 NM WSW), Dangriga (46.1 NM SW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Mauger Caye Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Mauger Caye 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 Mauger Caye Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Mauger Caye 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.