Get the MarineRadar appSatellite AISSatellite live trackingTrack any shipLive alerts112,000+ ships trackedDownload free

Alcatraz Island Lighthouse

Fl W 5s🇺🇸Northern California, USOperational

Location & Light Range

About Alcatraz Island Lighthouse

Alcatraz Island Lighthouse is a maritime navigation aid located in Northern California, US. It is currently operational and active, providing guidance to vessels navigating the surrounding waters. The light sits at a focal height of 65 meters above mean sea level.

Light characteristic: The identifying signal of this lighthouse is Fl W 5s. This means the light produces 1 flash every 5 seconds. Mariners use this distinctive pattern to positively identify the light and distinguish it from other aids to navigation in the area. The light displays a white signal, the most common color for major coastal lights.

Position: Alcatraz Island Lighthouse is positioned at 37.8262°N, 122.4222°W, near Northern California in US.

Geographic context: Alcatraz Island Lighthouse is situated on the North Pacific Ocean, within the US West Coast shipping lane — a major trans-Pacific trade route serving West Coast ports of the United States. The location falls within the temperate maritime climate zone.

Nearby lighthouses in US: Other lighthouses in the region include Abagadasset Point Range, Absecon, Admiralty Head Light, Ahukini Breakwater, Alameda County (Oakland Area) Lighthouses. View all on the Lighthouses Directory.

Nearby Ports

TREASURE ISLAND

USTSU

2.4 NME

TRAVIS

USVFB

2.6 NMW

Sausalito

USJMC

3.2 NMNW

Tiburon

USXTN

3.2 NMNNW

San Francisco

USSFO

3.4 NMSSE

Flash Characteristics

Characteristic Signature
Fl W 5s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Flash Count
1 flash
Interval
5s

Physical Specifications

Focal Height
65m
Light Range
Not available
Status
ACTIVE
City
Northern California
Country
🇺🇸US
Latitude
37.8262°
Longitude
-122.4222°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
Live tracking · 50,000+ mariners

Find Alcatraz Island Lighthouse on the live nautical map

Plan voyages near US, see nearby vessels in real time, and explore 7,000+ navigation aids in the app.

Nautical mapNearby vesselsVoyage planning
Get the App

Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Alcatraz Island Lighthouse at night?+
Alcatraz Island displays the characteristic Fl W 5s — 1 white flash every 5 seconds. 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.
Which ports and harbors does Alcatraz Island Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Alcatraz Island Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is TREASURE ISLAND at 2.4 NM to the E. Other ports served include TRAVIS (2.6 NM W), Sausalito (3.2 NM NW), Tiburon (3.2 NM NNW), San Francisco (3.4 NM SSE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Alcatraz Island Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Alcatraz Island 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 Alcatraz Island Lighthouse?+
Alcatraz Island Lighthouse is located within the US West Coast shipping lane — a major trans-Pacific trade route serving West Coast ports of the United States. This makes it an important navigation reference for commercial shipping traffic in the region.
How can I track vessels near Alcatraz Island Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Alcatraz Island 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.