[1] Completed in 1864, it has been described as "one of the world's great lighthouses, guiding ships around the western tip of Africa".

[1][2] The completely white lighthouse consists of a 16 metres (52 ft)) cylindrical tower attached to the seaward side of a two-storey building.

A spiral staircase climbs up to the lantern room, containing the Barbier, Benard, et Turenne 2nd order Fresnel lens that floats in a bath of mercury.

The light produces a white flash every five seconds at a focal height of 120 metres (390 ft).

It is maintained by the lighthouses and beacons division (French: subdivision des Phares et Balises) of the Dakar Port authority.