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Pointe Vénus Lighthouse

Fl W 5s🇵🇫French Polynesia, PFOperational

Location & Light Range

About Pointe Vénus Lighthouse

Built in 1867, Pointe Vénus is a white concrete mast-type lighthouse standing 33 meters tall. It emits a white flash every 5 seconds, visible for 27 nautical miles. The structure also includes a radio mast with a fixed red light situated 0.6 meters above sea level. This light was first illuminated in 1867. An additional light with a range of 18 nautical miles is expected in 2025.

Why it matters: This lighthouse holds historical significance as the first in the South Pacific and remains the sole lighthouse on Tahiti. It serves to mark the northern tip of the island and the entrance to Matavai Bay.

Background
The Pointe Vénus lighthouse (Teara o Tahiti or Tepaina venuti) is a lighthouse located in the commune of Mahina, in the far north of the island of Tahiti in French Polynesia. It marks the north of the island and marks the bay of Matavai. It was the first lighthouse in the South Pacific, and remains the only lighthouse in Tahiti.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl W 5s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Flash Count
1 flash
Interval
5s
Raw Code
Fl.W. period 5s
Geographic Range
27NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1867

References & Identifiers

Admiralty No.
K4952
NGA No.
2860
Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
Wikidata
Q3378497 →

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
33m
Tower Shape
mast
Tower Color
white
Material
concrete

Structure: White tower; 108. Aeromarine light. Range temporarily 18M (2025). F R on radio mast at 0.6M

Location

City
French Polynesia
Country
🇵🇫PF
Latitude
-17.4951°
Longitude
-149.4943°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Pointe Vénus Lighthouse at night?+
Pointe Vénus displays the characteristic Fl W 5s — 1 white flash every 5 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.
Which ports and harbors does Pointe Vénus Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Pointe Vénus Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 4 nearby ports. The closest is Papeete at 4.9 NM to the WSW. Other ports served include Hitia'a (12 NM ESE), Moorea (16.2 NM W), TETIAROA (30.5 NM N). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Pointe Vénus Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Pointe Vénus 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 Pointe Vénus Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Pointe Vénus 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.