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Ponta de Galheta Lighthouse

Fl White 10s🇧🇷Florianópolis, BROperational

Location & Light Range

About Ponta de Galheta Lighthouse

Also known as: Ponta de Galheta (Barra da Lagoa)

This white, cylindrical concrete tower stands 10 meters tall with a focal height of 150 meters. Located on a promontory on the central east coast of Ilha de Santa Catarina, it is situated approximately 12 km east of Florianópolis. The lighthouse emits a white flash every 10 seconds and has a geographic range of 29.6 nautical miles. The current structure replaced an original 10-meter square skeletal tower. The site is open to the public, though the tower itself is closed.

Why it matters: The Ponta de Galheta lighthouse is essential for safe navigation along the eastern coast of Ilha de Santa Catarina, serving as a key warning for vessels approaching Florianópolis and the surrounding coastline.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl White 10s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Interval
10s
Raw Code
Fl W 10s
Focal Height
150m
Light Range
16NM (29.6 km)
Geographic Range
29.6NM

Construction & History

Significant events: Original light was a 10m square skeletal tower

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
10m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
white
Material
concrete

Structure: round cylindrical white concrete tower

Location

City
Florianópolis
Country
🇧🇷Brazil
Region
Santa Catarina
Sea Region
Promontory on the central east coast of the Ilha de Santa Catarina, about 12 km east of Florianópolis
Latitude
-27.5759°
Longitude
-48.4166°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Florianopolis(7.4 km)
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Frequently Asked Questions

How far offshore can Ponta de Galheta Lighthouse be seen?+
With a focal height of 150 meters and a nominal range of 16 nautical miles (approximately 29.6 km), Ponta de Galheta is visible from well offshore under standard atmospheric conditions. Actual visibility depends on observer height, weather, and sea state. Lights of this range are typically used as landfall lights by vessels approaching from the open sea.
How do mariners identify Ponta de Galheta Lighthouse at night?+
Ponta de Galheta 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 Ponta de Galheta Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Ponta de Galheta Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Florianopolis at 7.4 NM to the WSW. Other ports served include Porto Belo (26.4 NM NNW), CAMBORIU (35.8 NM NNW), Balneário Camboriú (37.4 NM NNW), Imbituba (40.7 NM SSW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Ponta de Galheta Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Ponta de Galheta 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 de Galheta Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Ponta de Galheta 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.