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Sidi Magdul Lighthouse

Oc White/Red/Green 4s🇲🇦Moulay Bouzarqtoune, MAOperational

Location & Light Range

About Sidi Magdul Lighthouse

Also known as: Sidi Magdul (Sidi Megdoul, Mogador, Essaouira)

The Sidi Magdul lighthouse, established in 1903, features a cylindrical masonry tower completed in 1916. This 15-meter structure, with a focal height of 19 meters, is painted white with gold trim and topped by a lantern and gallery. Its light produces an occulting pattern, showing white, red, or green signals every four seconds to indicate direction. Located beside highway 207, it marks the south end of the harbor at Essaouira, near Moulay Bouzarqtoune. The station's site is open to the public, though the tower itself is closed.

Why it matters: This lighthouse is essential for guiding vessels into and out of Essaouira's harbor, providing specific directional cues with its colored occulting light to ensure safe passage.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Oc White/Red/Green 4s
Flash Type
Occulting
Light Color
White/Red/Green
Interval
4s
Raw Code
Oc WGR 4s
Focal Height
19m
Geographic Range
12.9NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1916

Significant events: station established 1903, current tower built 1916

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
15m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
white with gold trim
Material
masonry

Structure: square cylindrical masonry tower with lantern and gallery

Location

City
Moulay Bouzarqtoune
Country
🇲🇦Morocco
Region
Marrakech-Safi
Sea Region
beside highway 207 on the south end of the harbor at Essaouira
Latitude
31.6974°
Longitude
-9.6644°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Essaouira(12.7 km)
Admiralty No.
D2602
NGA No.
23216
ARLHS No.
MOR-036
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Sidi Magdul Lighthouse at night?+
Sidi Magdul displays the characteristic Oc White/Red/Green 4s. 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/red/green color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Sidi Magdul Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Sidi Magdul Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 3 nearby ports. The closest is Essaouira at 12.7 NM to the SSW. Other ports served include Nouveau Port Safi, Sidi Boudenyan (34.7 NM NE), Safi (42.3 NM NNE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Sidi Magdul Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Sidi Magdul 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 Sidi Magdul Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Sidi Magdul 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.