Get the MarineRadar appSatellite AISSatellite live trackingTrack any shipLive alerts112,000+ ships trackedDownload free

Playa Girón Lighthouse

Fl🇨🇺CUOperational

This lighthouse is situated on the beach near the western edge of Playa Girón, a resort town in Cuba's Matanzas Province. The structure consists of an 18-meter cylindrical water tank, which once supported the light. It is located on the edge of the Ciénaga de Zapata (Zapata Swamp). The site is open to the public, although the tower itself is closed. The lighthouse once emitted a white flash every 15 seconds and had a geographic range of 13.2 nautical miles.

Why it matters: The lighthouse is notable for its association with the 1961 Bay of Pigs invasion, a significant event in Cuban history.

Characteristic Signature
Fl
Flash Type
Flashing
Raw Code
Fl W 15s
Focal Height
20m
Geographic Range
13.2NM

Significant events: Bay of Pigs invasion (1961)

Open to public
Site open, tower closed
Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
Tower Height
18m
Tower Shape
cylindrical

Structure: An 18m cylindrical water tank topped by a small pedestal, which once held the light.

Country
🇨🇺Cuba
Region
Matanzas
Sea Region
Located on the beach near the west end of Playa Girón, a beach resort on the edge of the Ciénaga de Zapata (Zapata Swamp) at the south end of Matanzas Province.
Latitude
22.0624°
Longitude
-81.0317°
Nearest Port
Cienfuegos(31.2 km)
Admiralty No.
J5103
NGA No.
13538
Live tracking · 50,000+ mariners

Find Playa Girón Lighthouse on the live nautical map

Plan voyages near Cuba, see nearby vessels in real time, and explore 14,900+ navigation aids in the app.

Nautical mapNearby vesselsVoyage planning
Get the App
How do mariners identify Playa Girón Lighthouse at night?+
Playa Girón displays the characteristic Fl. 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 Playa Girón Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Playa Girón Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 1 nearby port. The closest is Cienfuegos at 31.4 NM to the E. Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Playa Girón Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Playa Girón 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 Girón Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Playa Girón 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.