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Playa Caracolillo Lighthouse

Fl White 8s🇨🇺Antilla, CUOperational

Location & Light Range

About Playa Caracolillo Lighthouse

Also known as: Playa Caracolillo (Bahía de Banes)

A square skeletal tower with a gallery, constructed of steel, stands 31 meters tall. First lit in 1902, it emits a white flash every 8 seconds from a focal height of 15 meters. Its geographic range extends to 11.9 nautical miles. This active light marks the south side of the very narrow entrance to Bahía de Banes, near the city of Antilla in the Holguín region. The lighthouse is situated just 3.7 kilometers from the nearest port of Banes.

Why it matters: The lighthouse is essential for safe passage into and out of Bahía de Banes, warning mariners about the constricted channel and allowing reliable access for local vessels to the sheltered bay.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl White 8s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Interval
8s
Raw Code
Fl W 8s
Focal Height
15m
Geographic Range
11.9NM

Construction & History

First Lit
1902

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Banes(3.7 km)
Admiralty No.
J4960
NGA No.
12916
ARLHS No.
CUB-038

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
31m
Tower Shape
square
Tower Color
white
Material
steel

Structure: square skeletal tower with gallery

Location

City
Antilla
Country
🇨🇺Cuba
Region
Holguín
Sea Region
South side of the very narrow entrance to the Bahía de Banes.
Latitude
20.8738°
Longitude
-75.6577°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Playa Caracolillo Lighthouse at night?+
Playa Caracolillo displays the characteristic Fl White 8s. 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 Playa Caracolillo Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Playa Caracolillo Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Banes at 3.8 NM to the NW. Other ports served include ANTILLA (5.5 NM WSW), PRESTON (8.4 NM SSE), Nicaro (11.7 NM SSE), Puerto da Vita (21.4 NM NW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Playa Caracolillo Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Playa Caracolillo 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 Playa Caracolillo Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Playa Caracolillo 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.