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San Carles-Maó (Punta de San Carlos, Puerto de Mahon) Lighthouse

Oc 6s🇪🇸es Castell, ESOperational

The San Carles-Maó Lighthouse was constructed in 1971 as a replacement for earlier navigational aids. This active light is a cylindrical masonry tower, standing 16 meters tall and painted white and black, with a focal height of 22 meters. It is attached to a keeper's house, and its construction utilized stone, brick, and concrete. The lighthouse is situated at Punta de San Carlos, marking the entrance to the natural harbor of Mahon on the island of Menorca. It emits two white flashes on a cycle that is not specified in the source.

Why it matters: This lighthouse is essential for the safe navigation of vessels entering and exiting Mahon's natural harbor, guiding them past the rocky headlands at Punta de San Carlos.

Characteristic Signature
Oc 6s
Flash Type
Occulting
Interval
6s
Raw Code
Oc.(2)W
Focal Height
22m
Geographic Range
13.6NM
Year Built
1971
Nearest Port
Mahon, Menorca(0.5 km)
Admiralty No.
E0354
NGA No.
5240
ARLHS No.
BAL-066
Tower Height
16m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
white and black
Material
stone/brick/concrete

Structure: masonry tower with lantern and gallery attached to a keeper's house

City
es Castell
Country
🇪🇸Spain
Region
Balearic Islands
Sea Region
Located at Punta de San Carlos, marking the entrance to the natural harbor of Mahon on the island of Menorca, Spain, in the Mediterranean Sea.
Latitude
39.8652°
Longitude
4.3069°
Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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How do mariners identify San Carles-Maó (Punta de San Carlos, Puerto de Mahon) Lighthouse at night?+
San Carles-Maó (Punta de San Carlos, Puerto de Mahon) displays the characteristic Oc 6s. 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 San Carles-Maó (Punta de San Carlos, Puerto de Mahon) Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
San Carles-Maó (Punta de San Carlos, Puerto de Mahon) Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is VILLACARLOS at 1.2 NM to the NW. Other ports served include Mahón, Menorca (2.8 NM NW), Sant Lluís (3.2 NM SW), FORNELLS (13.4 NM NW), CIUTADELLA (23.3 NM WNW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is San Carles-Maó (Punta de San Carlos, Puerto de Mahon) Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, San Carles-Maó (Punta de San Carlos, Puerto de Mahon) 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 San Carles-Maó (Punta de San Carlos, Puerto de Mahon) Lighthouse?+
San Carles-Maó (Punta de San Carlos, Puerto de Mahon) 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 San Carles-Maó (Punta de San Carlos, Puerto de Mahon) Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near San Carles-Maó (Punta de San Carlos, Puerto de Mahon) 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.