Get the MarineRadar appSatellite AISSatellite live trackingTrack any shipLive alerts112,000+ ships trackedDownload free

São Sebastião Lighthouse

Fl (4) WR 12s🇸🇹São Tomé and Príncipe, STOperational

Location & Light Range

About São Sebastião Lighthouse

Built in 1928, this metal lighthouse stands 6 meters tall and is painted white. Its focal height reaches 13 meters above sea level. The light emits four white and red flashes in a 12-second cycle. It is situated within the São Sebastião fortress at the southeastern end of Ana Chaves Bay. The lighthouse provides a geographic range of 16 nautical miles and is visible between 036° and 074°.

Why it matters: The lighthouse is recognized as Heritage of Portuguese Influence.

Background
São Sebastião Lighthouse (Portuguese: Farol de São Sebastião) is a lighthouse in the São Sebastião fortress at the southeastern end of Ana Chaves Bay in São Tomé, capital of São Tomé and Príncipe. The lighthouse is a 6 metres high white round tower with a red lantern. It was built in 1928. Its focal height is 14 metres.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl (4) WR 12s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
WR
Flash Count
4 flashes
Interval
12s
Raw Code
Fl.(4)W.R. period 12s
Focal Height
13m
Geographic Range
16NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1928
Heritage Status
Heritage of Portuguese Influence

References & Identifiers

Admiralty No.
D4237
NGA No.
25192
Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
Wikidata
Q10280174 →

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
6m
Tower Color
white
Material
metal

Structure: White metal building; 30. Visible 036°-074°

Location

City
São Tomé and Príncipe
Country
🇸🇹ST
Latitude
0.3460°
Longitude
6.7397°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
Live tracking · 50,000+ mariners

Find São Sebastião Lighthouse on the live nautical map

Plan voyages near ST, see nearby vessels in real time, and explore 14,900+ navigation aids in the app.

Nautical mapNearby vesselsVoyage planning
Get the App

Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify São Sebastião Lighthouse at night?+
São Sebastião displays the characteristic Fl (4) WR 12s — 4 wr flashes every 12 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 São Sebastião Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
São Sebastião Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 1 nearby port. The closest is Sao Tome Island at 0.2 NM to the WNW. Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is São Sebastião Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, São Sebastião 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 São Sebastião Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near São Sebastião 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.