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Saldanha Bay North Head Lighthouse

Fl (3) W 20s🇿🇦Western South Africa, ZAOperational

Location & Light Range

About Saldanha Bay North Head Lighthouse

Saldanha Bay North Head 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 32 meters above mean sea level.

Light characteristic: The identifying signal of this lighthouse is Fl (3) W 20s. This means the light produces 3 flashes every 20 seconds. Mariners use this distinctive pattern to positively identify the light and distinguish it from other aids to navigation in the area. The light displays a white signal, the most common color for major coastal lights.

Position: Saldanha Bay North Head Lighthouse is positioned at -33.0507°S, 17.9107°E, near Western South Africa in ZA.

Geographic context: Saldanha Bay North Head 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

Saldanha Bay

ZASDB

3.9 NMENE

LANGEBAAN

ZAL7A

6.8 NMESE

Bottelary

ZA8GT

10.7 NMESE

LAAIPLEK

ZALUI

20.5 NMNE

Elands Bay

ZAEBY

49.5 NMNNE

Flash Characteristics

Characteristic Signature
Fl (3) W 20s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Flash Count
3 flashes
Interval
20s

Physical Specifications

Focal Height
32m
Light Range
Not available
Status
ACTIVE
City
Western South Africa
Country
🇿🇦ZA
Latitude
-33.0507°
Longitude
17.9107°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Saldanha Bay North Head Lighthouse at night?+
Saldanha Bay North Head displays the characteristic Fl (3) W 20s — 3 white flashes every 20 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.
Which ports and harbors does Saldanha Bay North Head Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Saldanha Bay North Head Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Saldanha Bay at 3.9 NM to the ENE. Other ports served include LANGEBAAN (6.8 NM ESE), Bottelary (10.7 NM ESE), LAAIPLEK (20.5 NM NE), Elands Bay (49.5 NM NNE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Saldanha Bay North Head Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Saldanha Bay North Head 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 Saldanha Bay North Head Lighthouse?+
Saldanha Bay North Head 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 Saldanha Bay North Head Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Saldanha Bay North Head 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.