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Tumaco Lighthouse

Al Red/White 10s🇨🇴Tumaco, COOperational

Location & Light Range

About Tumaco Lighthouse

This concrete lighthouse, standing 11 meters tall, was first lit in 1922. Its original design featured horizontal bands of red and white, but it is now painted entirely white. The tower's square cylindrical shape includes a gallery. It emits alternating red and white light every 10 seconds, visible for 24 nautical miles. A harbor control tower was constructed adjacent to the lighthouse in 2007, reflecting updated maritime infrastructure. The lighthouse is situated on an island that shelters the harbor of Tumaco on Colombia's southern coast.

Why it matters: The lighthouse marks a critical point for regional shipping, guiding maritime traffic into Tumaco's harbor.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Al Red/White 10s
Flash Type
Alternating
Light Color
Red/White
Interval
10s
Raw Code
Al WR 10s
Focal Height
92m
Geographic Range
24NM

Construction & History

First Lit
1922

Significant events: A tall harbor control tower was built next to the lighthouse since 2007

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Tumaco(2.6 km)
Admiralty No.
G3124
NGA No.
0220
ARLHS No.
COL-054

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
11m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
white (originally red and white horizontal bands)
Material
concrete

Structure: square cylindrical concrete tower with gallery

Location

City
Tumaco
Country
🇨🇴Colombia
Region
Nariño
Sea Region
An island sheltering the harbor of Tumaco on Colombia's southernmost coast
Latitude
1.8229°
Longitude
-78.7283°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Tumaco Lighthouse at night?+
Tumaco displays the characteristic Al Red/White 10s. 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 red/white color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Tumaco Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Tumaco Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 2 nearby ports. The closest is Tumaco at 1.9 NM to the WSW. Other ports served include San Lorenzo (35 NM S). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Tumaco Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Tumaco 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 Tumaco Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Tumaco 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.