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Punta Mala Lighthouse

Oc White 20s🇵🇦PAOperational

Location & Light Range

About Punta Mala Lighthouse

A square pyramidal skeletal tower built of steel stands 33 meters tall, with its light positioned 45 meters above sea level. The structure is topped by a radar antenna. The original station was established in 1914, with an earlier skeletal tower documented in 1948. The previous tower was later replaced by the current iteration, built around 2015. This lighthouse emits a single white occulting light, characterized by a 20-second cycle. It offers a geographic range of 17.9 nautical miles.

Why it matters: This lighthouse guides vessels past the headland of Punta Mala, a significant navigational point. Its modern design incorporates a radar antenna, enabling both visual and electronic guidance for maritime traffic.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Oc White 20s
Flash Type
Occulting
Light Color
White
Interval
20s
Raw Code
Oc W 20s
Focal Height
45m
Geographic Range
17.9NM

Construction & History

Year Built
2015
First Lit
1914

Significant events: Station established 1914, Earlier skeletal tower in 1948, Previous tower replaced, Current tower built around 2015

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Aguadulce(54.6 km)
Admiralty No.
G3242
NGA No.
0048
ARLHS No.
PAN-013
Wikidata
Q60712498 →

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
33m
Tower Shape
square
Tower Color
white
Material
steel

Structure: square pyramidal skeletal tower topped by a radar antenna

Location

Country
🇵🇦Panama
Region
Los Santos
Sea Region
A headland at Punta Mala
Latitude
7.4713°
Longitude
-79.9992°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Punta Mala Lighthouse at night?+
Punta Mala displays the characteristic Oc White 20s. 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 Mala Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Punta Mala Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 4 nearby ports. The closest is Bayano at 24.8 NM to the WNW. Other ports served include Chitre (39.4 NM NW), Pesé (44.9 NM NW), Herrera (45.3 NM WNW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Punta Mala Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Punta Mala 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.
What shipping routes pass near Punta Mala Lighthouse?+
Punta Mala Lighthouse is located within the Panama Canal approach — the vital waterway connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans through Central America. This makes it an important navigation reference for commercial shipping traffic in the region.
How can I track vessels near Punta Mala Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Punta Mala 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.