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

Pointe Saint-Martin Lighthouse

Fl White 10s🇫🇷Biarritz, FROperational

Location & Light Range

About Pointe Saint-Martin Lighthouse

Also known as: Pointe Saint-Martin (Biarritz)

Built in 1834, the Pointe Saint-Martin Lighthouse is a round masonry tower rising 47 meters from the center of a two-story octagonal keeper's house. This active aid to navigation stands on a headland marking the coast for maritime traffic. Its light characteristic is a white flash every 10 seconds, visible for 21.8 nautical miles. In 1904, the lighthouse was updated with a clamshell Fresnel lens. The site is open to the public, offering views of the surrounding seascape.

Why it matters: The lighthouse guides vessels around the headland of Pointe Saint-Martin, ensuring safe navigation. Its integrated design of tower and keeper's house is a notable example of early 19th-century lighthouse architecture.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl White 10s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Interval
10s
Raw Code
Fl W 10s
Focal Height
73m
Geographic Range
21.8NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1834

Significant events: Installation of clamshell Fresnel lens in 1904

Visiting

Open to public
Yes

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
47m
Tower Shape
cylindrical

Structure: round masonry tower with lantern and gallery, rising from the center of a 2-story octagonal keeper's house; clamshell Fresnel lens (1904)

Location

City
Biarritz
Country
🇫🇷France
Region
Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Sea Region
The coast of France at Pointe Saint-Martin, marking the headland for maritime traffic.
Latitude
43.4938°
Longitude
-1.5539°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Biarritz(0.7 km)
Admiralty No.
D1410
NGA No.
1660
ARLHS No.
FRA-072
Live tracking · 50,000+ mariners

Find Pointe Saint-Martin Lighthouse on the live nautical map

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

Nautical mapNearby vesselsVoyage planning
Get the App

Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Pointe Saint-Martin Lighthouse at night?+
Pointe Saint-Martin displays the characteristic Fl White 10s. 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 Pointe Saint-Martin Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Pointe Saint-Martin Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Biarritz at 0.6 NM to the SSE. Other ports served include ANGLET (2.8 NM NE), Boucau (3.4 NM ENE), Bayonne (3.5 NM E), Bidart (3.7 NM S). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Pointe Saint-Martin Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Pointe Saint-Martin 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.
What shipping routes pass near Pointe Saint-Martin Lighthouse?+
Pointe Saint-Martin Lighthouse is located within the Mediterranean East-West corridor — a major trade route spanning the Mediterranean from Gibraltar to the Suez Canal. This makes it an important navigation reference for commercial shipping traffic in the region.
How can I track vessels near Pointe Saint-Martin Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Pointe Saint-Martin 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.