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Ponta da Agulha Lighthouse

Fl White 4s🇵🇹Santa Cruz, PTOperational

Location & Light Range

About Ponta da Agulha Lighthouse

Also known as: Ponta da Agulha (Ilhéu de Bugio)

This cylindrical fiberglass tower stands 8 meters tall and displays white with red and white horizontal bands. It was built in 2003, replacing an earlier structure. The lighthouse emits a single white flash every 4 seconds from a 300 mm lens, visible for 21.7 nautical miles. Its focal height reaches 72 meters above sea level. The nearest port, Machico, is 23.9 kilometers away.

Why it matters: This lighthouse warns vessels of the hazards near Ilhéu de Bugio and marks the southernmost point of the Ilhas Desertas.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl White 4s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Interval
4s
Raw Code
Fl W 4s
Focal Height
72m
Light Range
13NM (24.1 km)
Geographic Range
21.7NM

Construction & History

Year Built
2003

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Machico(23.9 km)
Admiralty No.
D2722
NGA No.
23752
ARLHS No.
MAD-007
Wikidata
Q10280120 →
OpenStreetMap
View on OSM →

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
8m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
white
Material
fiberglass

Structure: round fiberglass tower colored with red and white horizontal bands; 300 mm lens

Location

City
Santa Cruz
Country
🇵🇹Portugal
Latitude
32.4041°
Longitude
-16.4636°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How far offshore can Ponta da Agulha Lighthouse be seen?+
With a focal height of 72 meters and a nominal range of 13 nautical miles (approximately 24.1 km), Ponta da Agulha is visible from well offshore under standard atmospheric conditions. Actual visibility depends on observer height, weather, and sea state. This range makes it a significant coastal navigation aid for vessels transiting the area.
How do mariners identify Ponta da Agulha Lighthouse at night?+
Ponta da Agulha displays the characteristic Fl White 4s. 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 Ponta da Agulha Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Ponta da Agulha Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Zona Franca da Madeira at 21.4 NM to the NW. Other ports served include Machico (23.5 NM NW), Caniçal (24.2 NM NW), Funchal, Madeira (26.8 NM WNW), Porto da Cruz (28.7 NM NW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Ponta da Agulha Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Ponta da Agulha 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 Ponta da Agulha Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Ponta da Agulha 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.