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Punta de Puntarenas Lighthouse

Fl (2) White 5s🇨🇷Puntarenas, CROperational

Location & Light Range

About Punta de Puntarenas Lighthouse

Also known as: Punta de Puntarenas (Barrio el Carmen)

A cylindrical black tower stands 13 meters tall, topped with a lantern and gallery. This structure, with a focal height of 17 meters, emits a white light with a single flash every 5 seconds. The lighthouse is situated on the extremity of the long spit that defines the Puntarenas harbor. Its geographic range is 12.4 nautical miles. The current station was re-established and first lit in 2014, replacing an earlier light that had been inactive for many years.

Why it matters: This lighthouse marks the location of Costa Rica's oldest maritime navigational aid, originally established in 1856.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl (2) White 5s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Flash Count
2 flashes
Interval
5s
Raw Code
Fl W 5s
Focal Height
17m
Geographic Range
12.4NM

Construction & History

Year Built
2014

Significant events: Station established 1856, inactive for many years, re-established 2014

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
13m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
black

Structure: round tower with lantern and gallery

Location

City
Puntarenas
Country
🇨🇷Costa Rica
Region
Puntarenas Province
Sea Region
Located on the tip of the long spit of Puntarenas
Latitude
9.9766°
Longitude
-84.8512°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Puntarenas(1.2 km)
ARLHS No.
COS-007
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Punta de Puntarenas Lighthouse at night?+
Punta de Puntarenas displays the characteristic Fl (2) White 5s — 2 white flashes 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. The white color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Punta de Puntarenas Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Punta de Puntarenas Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Puntarenas at 1.9 NM to the E. Other ports served include Chomes (5.9 NM NW), Puerto Caldera (8.1 NM ESE), Punta Morales (8.4 NM NW), Caldera (8.6 NM ESE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Punta de Puntarenas Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Punta de Puntarenas 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 Punta de Puntarenas Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Punta de Puntarenas 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.