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Ra's Kaboudia Lighthouse

Fl (2) White 9s🇹🇳TNOperational

Location & Light Range

About Ra's Kaboudia Lighthouse

Also known as: Ra's Kaboudia (Ra's Kapudia, Chebba) (Borj Khadija, Tour Khadija)

This lighthouse is situated on the point of Ra's Kaboudia at Chebba, overlooking the northern Gulf of Gabès. Its purpose was to mark the southern approach to the channel between the mainland and Gharbi island. The light's original location was atop a short skeletal mast placed on a historic stone tower, Borj Khadija. This tower is the last remaining structure from a Byzantine-era castle. The light has since been moved to a nearby mast, though the original fixture remains on the stone tower.

Why it matters: The lighthouse is significant for its strategic location at the northern end of the Gulf of Gabès, marking the southern approach to the channel between the Tunisian mainland and Gharbi island. Its integration with the ancient Borj Khadija tower, a remnant of a Byzantine castle, makes it a unique blend of historical defense and maritime guidance.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl (2) White 9s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Flash Count
2 flashes
Interval
9s
Raw Code
Fl(2) W 9s
Focal Height
28m
Geographic Range
14.9NM

Construction & History

Significant events: light moved to nearby mast

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Chebba(0.5 km)
ARLHS No.
TUN-011

Tower & Structure

Material
stone

Structure: A short skeletal mast with a light is mounted atop a historic stone tower.

Location

Country
🇹🇳Tunisia
Region
Mahdia
Sea Region
Northern end of the Gulf of Gabès, marking the southern approach to the channel between the mainland and the island of Gharbi, located on the point of Ra's Kaboudia at Chebba.
Latitude
35.2348°
Longitude
11.1564°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Ra's Kaboudia Lighthouse at night?+
Ra's Kaboudia displays the characteristic Fl (2) White 9s — 2 white flashes every 9 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 Ra's Kaboudia Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Ra's Kaboudia Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Chebba at 0.3 NM to the SE. Other ports served include Mahdia (16.4 NM NNW), TEBOULBA (27.3 NM NNW), Ksibet el Médiouni (31.4 NM NNW), Sfax (35.6 NM SSW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Ra's Kaboudia Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Ra's Kaboudia 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 Ra's Kaboudia Lighthouse?+
Ra's Kaboudia Lighthouse is located within the Mediterranean East-West corridor — a major trade route spanning the Mediterranean from Gibraltar to the Suez Canal. This makes it an important navigation reference for commercial shipping traffic in the region.
How can I track vessels near Ra's Kaboudia Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Ra's Kaboudia 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.