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Socoa Lighthouse

Q White/Red 4s🇫🇷Ciboure, FROperational

Location & Light Range

About Socoa Lighthouse

Also known as: Socoa (feu antérieur)

The Socoa Lighthouse, built in 1845, stands 12 meters tall with its focal plane at 36 meters. This cylindrical masonry tower, painted black, is attached to a keeper's house. Its light emits quick flashes of white or red, intended to guide vessels. The original temporary wooden tower, first lit in 1823, stood for 22 years before being replaced by the current structure. The lighthouse is situated on a steep bluff at the western entrance to the Baie de Saint-Jean-de-Luz.

Why it matters: This lighthouse serves as a primary landfall light and the front range light for the western approach to the Baie de Saint-Jean-de-Luz.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Q White/Red 4s
Flash Type
Quick
Light Color
White/Red
Interval
4s
Raw Code
Q W or R
Focal Height
36m
Light Range
12NM (22.2 km)
Geographic Range
16.4NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1845
First Lit
1823

Significant events: The first light, on a 'temporary' wood tower, survived for 22 years

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
12m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
black
Material
masonry

Structure: square cylindrical masonry tower with lantern and gallery, attached to the front of a 1- and 2-story keeper's house

Location

City
Ciboure
Country
🇫🇷France
Region
Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Sea Region
western entrance to the Baie de Saint-Jean-de-Luz, at the end of the Route du Phare, atop a steep bluff near the point of land at the west end of the Baie de Saint-Jean-de-Luz, about 3 km northwest of Ciboure
Latitude
43.3950°
Longitude
-1.6865°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Saint-Jean-de-Luz(0.5 km)
Admiralty No.
D1424
NGA No.
1700
ARLHS No.
FRA-470
Wikidata
Q3378399 →
OpenStreetMap
View on OSM →
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Frequently Asked Questions

How far offshore can Socoa Lighthouse be seen?+
With a focal height of 36 meters and a nominal range of 12 nautical miles (approximately 22.2 km), Socoa is visible from well offshore under standard atmospheric conditions. Actual visibility depends on observer height, weather, and sea state. This range makes it a significant coastal navigation aid for vessels transiting the area.
How do mariners identify Socoa Lighthouse at night?+
Socoa displays the characteristic Q White/Red 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 color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Socoa Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Socoa Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Saint-Jean-de-Luz at 0.5 NM to the ENE. Other ports served include SAINT JEAN DE LUZ (1.1 NM ESE), CIBOURE (1.5 NM ESE), Guéthary (4 NM ENE), HENDAYE (4.5 NM WSW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Socoa Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Socoa 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 Socoa Lighthouse?+
Socoa 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 Socoa Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Socoa 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.