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Robben Island Lighthouse

Occ WR 7s🇿🇦Western South Africa, ZAOperational

Location & Light Range

About Robben Island Lighthouse

Robben Island Lighthouse is a maritime navigation aid located in Western South Africa, ZA. It is currently operational and active, providing guidance to vessels navigating the surrounding waters. The light sits at a focal height of 47 meters above mean sea level.

Light characteristic: The identifying signal of this lighthouse is Occ WR 7s. This means the light produces 1 flash every 7 seconds. Mariners use this distinctive pattern to positively identify the light and distinguish it from other aids to navigation in the area. The light color is wr, which may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.

Position: Robben Island Lighthouse is positioned at -33.8147°S, 18.3738°E, near Western South Africa in ZA.

Geographic context: Robben Island Lighthouse is situated on the South Atlantic Ocean, within the Cape of Good Hope route — the historic shipping route around the southern tip of Africa. The location falls within the subtropical climate zone with mild winters and warm summers.

Nearby lighthouses in ZA: Other lighthouses in the region include Anglo-American Building, Bird Islands, Cape Agulhas, Cape Columbine, Cape Hangklip. View all on the Lighthouses Directory.

Nearby Ports

De Waterkant

ZADWK

5.5 NMSSE

Cape Town

ZACPT

6.5 NMSSE

Waterfront

ZAWAT

6.5 NMSSE

Paardeneiland

ZAPNL

7.7 NMSE

HOUT BAY

ZAZCF

14.2 NMS

Flash Characteristics

Characteristic Signature
Occ WR 7s
Flash Type
Occ
Light Color
WR
Flash Count
1 flash
Interval
7s

Physical Specifications

Focal Height
47m
Light Range
Not available
Status
ACTIVE
City
Western South Africa
Country
🇿🇦ZA
Latitude
-33.8147°
Longitude
18.3738°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Robben Island Lighthouse at night?+
Robben Island displays the characteristic Occ WR 7s — 1 wr flash every 7 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 wr color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Robben Island Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Robben Island Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is De Waterkant at 5.5 NM to the SSE. Other ports served include Cape Town (6.5 NM SSE), Waterfront (6.5 NM SSE), Paardeneiland (7.7 NM SE), HOUT BAY (14.2 NM S). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Robben Island Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Robben Island 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 Robben Island Lighthouse?+
Robben Island Lighthouse is located within the Cape of Good Hope route — the historic shipping route around the southern tip of Africa. This makes it an important navigation reference for commercial shipping traffic in the region.
How can I track vessels near Robben Island Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Robben Island 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.