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X'calak Lighthouse

Fl White 12s🇲🇽MXOperational

Location & Light Range

About X'calak Lighthouse

Also known as: Xcalak

Built in 1904, the X'calak lighthouse is a round, cylindrical concrete tower standing 12 meters tall. Its lantern is unpainted, matching the rest of the structure. The focal plane reaches 13 meters above sea level. This light emits a white flash every 12 seconds, visible for 11.3 nautical miles. It is situated on the remote southeastern tip of Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula. The nearest port, Costa Maya, is approximately 28.5 kilometers away.

Why it matters: The X'calak lighthouse is essential for local fishing fleets and eco-tourism vessels navigating the complex channels and extensive coral reefs of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System. It serves as a key navigational aid in this remote area, helping to prevent groundings on submerged hazards.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl White 12s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Interval
12s
Raw Code
Fl W 12s
Focal Height
13m
Geographic Range
11.3NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1904

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Costa Maya(28.5 km)
ARLHS No.
MEX-137

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
12m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
unpainted
Material
concrete

Structure: round cylindrical concrete tower with lantern, unpainted

Location

Country
🇲🇽Mexico
Region
Quintana Roo
Latitude
18.2770°
Longitude
-87.8349°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify X'calak Lighthouse at night?+
X'calak displays the characteristic Fl White 12s. 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 color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does X'calak Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
X'calak Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is SAN PEDRO at 22.5 NM to the SSW. Other ports served include Costa Maya (28.5 NM NNE), COROZAL (31.9 NM WNW), CAYE CAULKER (34.2 NM SSW), CAYE CHAPEL (36.8 NM SSW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is X'calak Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, X'calak 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 X'calak Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near X'calak 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.