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Cape Cod Canal Breakwater Lighthouse

Fl Red 5s🇺🇸Sandwich, USOperational

Location & Light Range

About Cape Cod Canal Breakwater Lighthouse

A 13-meter round dumbbell-shaped fiberglass tower, painted red, stands at the end of the north breakwater. This structure houses a red light that flashes once every 5 seconds. It marks the eastern entrance to the Cape Cod Canal, a 7-mile sea-level waterway connecting Cape Cod Bay and Buzzards Bay. The light's geographic range extends to 11.3 nautical miles. Visitors can access the site, though the tower itself remains closed.

Why it matters: This light warns mariners of the breakwater's end, guiding them safely into the Cape Cod Canal's eastern approach and facilitating passage through this significant maritime shortcut.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl Red 5s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
Red
Interval
5s
Raw Code
Fl R 5s
Focal Height
13m
Light Range
9NM (16.7 km)
Geographic Range
11.3NM

Location

City
Sandwich
Country
🇺🇸United States
Region
Massachusetts
Sea Region
Located at the end of the north breakwater at the eastern entrance to the Cape Cod Canal, a 7 mile (11.3 km) long sea-level cut across the neck of Cape Cod, connecting Cape Cod Bay to the northeast and Buzzards Bay to the southwest.
Latitude
41.7798°
Longitude
-70.4898°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Sandwich(1.4 km)
ARLHS No.
USA-1436

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
13m
Tower Shape
round dumbbell-shaped
Tower Color
red
Material
fiberglass

Structure: A 13m round dumbbell-shaped fiberglass tower with lantern, painted red.

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How far offshore can Cape Cod Canal Breakwater Lighthouse be seen?+
With a focal height of 13 meters and a nominal range of 9 nautical miles (approximately 16.7 km), Cape Cod Canal Breakwater is visible from well offshore under standard atmospheric conditions. Actual visibility depends on observer height, weather, and sea state. This range makes it a significant coastal navigation aid for vessels transiting the area.
How do mariners identify Cape Cod Canal Breakwater Lighthouse at night?+
Cape Cod Canal Breakwater displays the characteristic Fl Red 5s. 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 red color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Cape Cod Canal Breakwater Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Cape Cod Canal Breakwater Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is SANDWICH at 0.8 NM to the WSW. Other ports served include BUZZARDS BAY (6.4 NM WSW), BARLOW'S BOAT YARD (7.7 NM SW), ONSET TOWN PIER (7.9 NM WSW), Cataumet (8.4 NM SW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Cape Cod Canal Breakwater Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Cape Cod Canal Breakwater 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 Cape Cod Canal Breakwater Lighthouse?+
Cape Cod Canal Breakwater 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 Cape Cod Canal Breakwater Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Cape Cod Canal Breakwater 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.