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Punta Piedra Lighthouse

Fl (2) White 10s🇲🇽MXOperational

Location & Light Range

About Punta Piedra Lighthouse

Also known as: Punta Piedra (Punta de Piedra)

This concrete cylindrical tower stands 25 meters tall at Punta de Piedra, on the west side of the Laguna Madre. Completed in 2009, it features a white structure topped with a red lantern roof. The lighthouse emits a single white flash every 10 seconds, visible for over 14 nautical miles. Its construction replaced an earlier, less substantial light on a short post. The site is open to visitors, though the tower itself is closed to the public.

Why it matters: This light aids navigation within the Laguna Madre, a significant coastal lagoon, by marking the end of a sandbar at Punta de Piedra.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl (2) White 10s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Flash Count
2 flashes
Interval
10s
Raw Code
Fl W 10s
Focal Height
25m
Light Range
18NM (33.3 km)
Geographic Range
14.3NM

Construction & History

Year Built
2009

Significant events: Replaced a light on a short post

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
25m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
white with a red lantern roof
Material
concrete

Structure: round cylindrical white concrete tower with lantern and gallery

Location

Country
🇲🇽Mexico
Region
Tamaulipas
Sea Region
Located at the end of a sandbar at Punta de Piedra, a village on the west side of the Laguna Madre at the end of highway 20.
Latitude
22.8926°
Longitude
-97.7668°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Altamira(24.8 km)
Admiralty No.
J4230.5
NGA No.
15207
ARLHS No.
MEX-034
Wikidata
Q118583078 →
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Frequently Asked Questions

How far offshore can Punta Piedra Lighthouse be seen?+
With a focal height of 25 meters and a nominal range of 18 nautical miles (approximately 33.3 km), Punta Piedra 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 Punta Piedra Lighthouse at night?+
Punta Piedra displays the characteristic Fl (2) White 10s — 2 white flashes every 10 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 Piedra Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Punta Piedra Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 3 nearby ports. The closest is Altamira at 30.7 NM to the SSW. Other ports served include Ciudad Madero (37.8 NM S), Tampico (39 NM S). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Punta Piedra Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Punta Piedra 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 Piedra Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Punta Piedra 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.