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Pillar Reef Lighthouse

Q Red🇰🇪Shella ward, KEOperational

Location & Light Range

About Pillar Reef Lighthouse

This cylindrical concrete lighthouse, standing 6 meters tall, marks the approach to Malindi Jetty within Malindi Bay. Its round concrete base supports a white tower, with the light positioned at the same height as the focal plane. It emits a quick red flash, serving as a navigational aid in this sea region. The lighthouse is located near Shella ward in Kilifi County, Kenya, with its nearest port being Malindi, 1.3 kilometers away. While visitors can access the site, climbing the tower is not permitted.

Why it matters: This lighthouse is essential for safe navigation into Malindi Bay, specifically guiding vessels to the Malindi Jetty.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Q Red
Flash Type
Quick
Light Color
Red
Raw Code
Q R
Focal Height
6m
Geographic Range
8.9NM

Location

City
Shella ward
Country
🇰🇪Kenya
Region
Kilifi County
Sea Region
Malindi Bay, marking the approach to the Malindi Jetty.
Latitude
-3.2152°
Longitude
40.1262°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Malindi(1.3 km)
Admiralty No.
D6825
NGA No.
31196

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
6m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
white
Material
concrete

Structure: round white concrete tower mounted on a round concrete base

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Pillar Reef Lighthouse at night?+
Pillar Reef displays the characteristic Q Red. 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 red color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Pillar Reef Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Pillar Reef Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 2 nearby ports. The closest is Malindi at 0.1 NM to the ENE. Other ports served include KILIFI (30.3 NM SSW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Pillar Reef Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Pillar Reef 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 Pillar Reef Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Pillar Reef 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.