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Riohacha Lighthouse

Fl White 10s🇨🇴Riohacha, COOperational

Location & Light Range

About Riohacha Lighthouse

Also known as: Riohacha (Río de la Hacha)

This square pyramidal steel skeletal tower stands 30 meters tall on the western edge of Riohacha. It displays red and white horizontal bands and was first lit in 1986. The light emits a white flash every 10 seconds. Its focal height is 35 meters, providing a geographic range of 16.2 nautical miles. The tower is situated on the waterfront, approximately 150 km east of Santa Marta.

Why it matters: The Riohacha lighthouse is essential for coastal shipping navigating the waters off the La Guajira Department, particularly for vessels approaching or departing the port of Riohacha.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl White 10s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Interval
10s
Raw Code
Fl W 10s
Focal Height
35m
Geographic Range
16.2NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1986

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Riohacha(1.5 km)
Admiralty No.
J6262
NGA No.
16836
ARLHS No.
COL-050

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
30m
Tower Shape
square
Tower Color
with red and white horizontal bands
Material
steel

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

Location

City
Riohacha
Country
🇨🇴Colombia
Region
La Guajira
Sea Region
Located on the waterfront on the west side of Riohacha, the capital of the La Guajira Department, about 150 km east of Santa Marta.
Latitude
11.5425°
Longitude
-72.9296°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Riohacha Lighthouse at night?+
Riohacha 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 Riohacha Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Riohacha Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 3 nearby ports. The closest is Riohacha at 0.7 NM to the ENE. Other ports served include Manaure (32.1 NM ENE), Mingueo (34.5 NM SW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Riohacha Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Riohacha 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 Riohacha Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Riohacha 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.