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

Bells Rock Lighthouse

Fl WR 4s🇺🇸Virginia, USOperational

Location & Light Range

About Bells Rock Lighthouse

Bells Rock Lighthouse became operational in 1881, the same year it was constructed. Its focal height reaches 12 meters above the water. The light displays a combination of white and red flashes to aid navigation. This structure serves its purpose on the Virginia coast.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl WR 4s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
WR
Flash Count
1 flash
Interval
4s
Focal Height
12m

Location

City
Virginia
Country
🇺🇸US
Latitude
37.4839°
Longitude
-76.7498°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Construction & History

Year Built
1881

References & Identifiers

Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
Wikidata
Q4884153 →
Live tracking · 50,000+ mariners

Find Bells Rock Lighthouse on the live nautical map

Plan voyages near US, see nearby vessels in real time, and explore 14,900+ navigation aids in the app.

Nautical mapNearby vesselsVoyage planning
Get the App

Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Bells Rock Lighthouse at night?+
Bells Rock displays the characteristic Fl WR 4s — 1 wr flash every 4 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. The wr color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Bells Rock Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Bells Rock Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is RIVER'S REST MOTEL at 10.6 NM to the SW. Other ports served include Jamaica (13.4 NM NNE), JAMESTOWN BASIN (15.6 NM S), Cobbs Creek (16.7 NM E), Claremont (16.7 NM SW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Bells Rock Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Bells Rock 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 Bells Rock Lighthouse?+
Bells Rock Lighthouse is located within the US East Coast shipping lane — a major shipping corridor serving ports along the Atlantic seaboard of the United States. This makes it an important navigation reference for commercial shipping traffic in the region.
How can I track vessels near Bells Rock Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Bells Rock 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.