Arecibo Light

Arecibo Light is a neoclassical lighthouse in Puerto Rico featuring a distinctive hexagonal stone tower joined to a rectangular building base. A bronze dome crowns the structure, encasing the lantern room where the light operated.

Built in 1898 during the final months of Spanish colonial rule, this lighthouse was the last navigational structure constructed before Puerto Rico came under United States control. It marks a threshold moment in the island's political transition.

The lighthouse grounds display maritime history exhibits featuring Columbus ships, a Taino Indian village reconstruction, and artifacts from the Spanish-American War. These collections reflect the layered heritage of the region that visitors can explore.

The lighthouse sits along PR-655 in the El Muelle area and offers guided tours that allow visitors to see the structure from multiple angles. The grounds provide meeting facilities and feature wheelchair accessibility throughout.

Between 1851 and 1858, around fifteen ships sank off the Arecibo coast due to difficult navigation and lack of guidance. The lighthouse was built directly in response to these repeated maritime disasters in the area.

Location: Arecibo

Location: Puerto Rico

Inception: 1898

Architectural style: Neoclassical architecture

Height: 14 m

Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible

Made from material: stone

Address: RD 655

Phone: +17878807540

Website: https://arecibolighthouse.com

GPS coordinates: 18.48197,-66.69870

Latest update: December 8, 2025 21:08