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

Ponta da Tabatinga Lighthouse

Fl (5) White 60s🇧🇷Nísia Floresta, BROperational

Location & Light Range

About Ponta da Tabatinga Lighthouse

This cylindrical concrete communications tower, painted in a black and white checkerboard pattern, stands 81 meters tall. It is situated atop dunes on a promontory approximately 35 kilometers south of Natal, Brazil, within the region of Rio Grande do Norte. The tower emits a white light with a single flash every 60 seconds, visible for more than 24 nautical miles. The site is open to visitors, though access to the tower itself is restricted. Its focal height reaches 96 meters above sea level.

Why it matters: Ponta da Tabatinga is significant as Brazil's tallest light tower and serves as a notable landmark with its distinctive color pattern.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl (5) White 60s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Flash Count
5 flashes
Interval
60s
Raw Code
Fl W 60s
Focal Height
96m
Geographic Range
24.4NM

Location

City
Nísia Floresta
Country
🇧🇷Brazil
Region
Rio Grande do Norte
Sea Region
Located atop dunes on a promontory about 35 km south of Natal, Brazil.
Latitude
-6.0454°
Longitude
-35.1126°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Natal(17.4 km)
Admiralty No.
G0183
NGA No.
17882
ARLHS No.
BRA-014

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
81m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
in a black and white checkerboard pattern
Material
concrete

Structure: round cylindrical white concrete communications tower

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
Live tracking · 50,000+ mariners

Find Ponta da Tabatinga Lighthouse on the live nautical map

Plan voyages near Brazil, 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 Ponta da Tabatinga Lighthouse at night?+
Ponta da Tabatinga displays the characteristic Fl (5) White 60s — 5 white flashes every 60 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. The white color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Ponta da Tabatinga Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Ponta da Tabatinga Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 1 nearby port. The closest is Natal at 17.8 NM to the NNW. Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Ponta da Tabatinga Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Ponta da Tabatinga 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 Tabatinga Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Ponta da Tabatinga 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.