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

Buzzards Bay Entrance Lighthouse

Fl W 2.5s🇺🇸Southeastern Massachusetts, USOperational

Location & Light Range

About Buzzards Bay Entrance Lighthouse

This lighthouse stands in open water at the entrance to Buzzards Bay, approximately four nautical miles west southwest of Cuttyhunk Island, Massachusetts. The tower, painted white, rises 6.2 meters above the water. Its light is positioned at a focal height of 20 meters. The light emits a white flash, and the station also broadcasts a racon signal displaying the letter 'B'. The current structure was established in 1996.

Why it matters: The present structure was built in 1996, replacing a Texas Tower.

Background
Buzzards Bay Entrance Light is a lighthouse located in open water at the entrance to Buzzards Bay, about four nautical miles west southwest of Cuttyhunk Island, Massachusetts. The light has a racon showing the letter "B". In 1996 the present structure replaced a Texas Tower built in 1961, which in turn had replaced the lightships Hens & Chickens (LV-5) and Vineyard Sound (LV-10). Since it sits in water 50 ft (15m) deep, a conventional lighthouse would have been difficult, forcing the choice of structure.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl W 2.5s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Flash Count
1 flash
Interval
2.5s
Raw Code
Fl
Focal Height
20m

Location

City
Southeastern Massachusetts
Country
🇺🇸US
Latitude
41.4000°
Longitude
-71.0333°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
6.2m
Tower Color
white

References & Identifiers

Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
Wikidata
Q5003577 →
OpenStreetMap
View on OSM →
Live tracking · 50,000+ mariners

Find Buzzards Bay Entrance 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 Buzzards Bay Entrance Lighthouse at night?+
Buzzards Bay Entrance displays the characteristic Fl W 2.5s — 1 white flash every 2.5 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 Buzzards Bay Entrance Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Buzzards Bay Entrance Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is SAKONNET at 8.1 NM to the WNW. Other ports served include South Dartmouth (11.8 NM NNE), Menemsha (12.4 NM ESE), Newport (14.1 NM WNW), North Dartmouth (14.3 NM NNE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Buzzards Bay Entrance Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Buzzards Bay Entrance 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 Buzzards Bay Entrance Lighthouse?+
Buzzards Bay Entrance 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 Buzzards Bay Entrance Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Buzzards Bay Entrance 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.