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Punta Gallinas Lighthouse

Fl White 10s🇨🇴Uribia, COOperational

Location & Light Range

About Punta Gallinas Lighthouse

The Punta Gallinas lighthouse, built in 1989, stands on the northernmost cape of the Guajira Peninsula, marking the extreme northern tip of South America. This square skeletal tower, 18 meters tall, is painted with horizontal red and white bands. Its white light emits a single flash every 10 seconds, visible for 13.4 nautical miles. The site is open to visitors, though the tower itself is closed. Reaching this remote location near Uribia typically requires a 4WD vehicle, highlighting its isolated setting on the Caribbean coast.

Why it matters: This lighthouse marks the northernmost point of the South American continent, providing a critical navigational reference for vessels in the Caribbean Sea along Colombia's coast and approaching the Guajira Peninsula.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl White 10s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Interval
10s
Raw Code
Fl W 10s
Focal Height
21m
Geographic Range
13.4NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1989

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
18m
Tower Shape
square
Tower Color
with horizontal red and white bands

Structure: square skeletal tower, painted with horizontal red and white bands

Location

City
Uribia
Country
🇨🇴Colombia
Region
La Guajira
Sea Region
Located on the cape at the northern tip of the Guajira Peninsula, about 18 km north of Inosu, marking the northernmost point of South America.
Latitude
12.4583°
Longitude
-71.6686°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Puerto Bolivar(20.8 km)
Admiralty No.
J6267
NGA No.
16848
ARLHS No.
COL-042
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Punta Gallinas Lighthouse at night?+
Punta Gallinas 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 Punta Gallinas Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Punta Gallinas Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 1 nearby port. The closest is Puerto Bolívar at 21 NM to the SW. Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Punta Gallinas Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Punta Gallinas 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 Gallinas Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Punta Gallinas 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.