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Piedras Gordas Lighthouse

Fl (2) White 10s🇲🇽MXOperational

Location & Light Range

About Piedras Gordas Lighthouse

Also known as: Piedras Gordas (Isla Jacques-Cousteau, Isla Cerralvo)

A square skeletal tower, 11 meters tall and white, stands on the southwestern end of Isla Jacques-Cousteau. The structure includes a gallery, and the light source is 21 meters above sea level. Its light is white, flashing once every 10 seconds, with a recorded range of 13.4 nautical miles. Isla Jacques-Cousteau, renamed from Isla Cerralvo in 2009, lies approximately 65 kilometers east of La Paz. The site is reachable only by sea; while visitors can access the grounds, the tower is not open for entry.

Why it matters: This lighthouse serves as a navigation aid marking the southwestern boundary of Isla Jacques-Cousteau, assisting ships navigating the waters east of La Paz.

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
21m
Geographic Range
13.4NM

Construction & History

Significant events: Isla Cerralvo renamed Isla Jacques-Cousteau (2009)

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
11m
Tower Shape
square
Tower Color
white

Structure: square skeletal tower with gallery, painted white

Location

Country
🇲🇽Mexico
Region
Baja California Sur
Sea Region
Located on the southwestern tip of Isla Jacques-Cousteau (formerly Isla Cerralvo), an island about 29 km long, situated 65 km east of La Paz and separated from the mainland by a 10 km wide channel.
Latitude
24.1493°
Longitude
-109.8652°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
La Paz(24.8 km)
Admiralty No.
G3576
NGA No.
14576
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Piedras Gordas Lighthouse at night?+
Piedras Gordas 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 Piedras Gordas Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Piedras Gordas Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 3 nearby ports. The closest is La Paz at 23.8 NM to the W. Other ports served include Pichilingue (26.3 NM WNW), San Juan de la Costa (48.1 NM WNW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Piedras Gordas Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Piedras Gordas 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 Piedras Gordas Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Piedras Gordas 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.