Cape Henry Lighthouse Lighthouse

With a focal height of 50 meters and a nominal range of 17 nautical miles (approximately 31.5 km), Cape Henry Lighthouse is visible from well offshore under standard atmospheric conditions. Actual visibility depends on observer height, weather, and sea state. Lights of this range are typically used as landfall lights by vessels approaching from the open sea.

Cape Henry Lighthouse displays the characteristic Fl (3) R 20s — 3 red flashes every 20 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 red color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.

Cape Henry Lighthouse Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Cape Henry at 0.7 NM to the SW. Other ports served include Lynnhaven Roads (3.9 NM WSW), VIRGINIA BEACH (5.9 NM SSE), Hampton Roads (15.8 NM W), Norfolk (16.4 NM W). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.

Yes, Cape Henry Lighthouse 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.

Cape Henry Lighthouse 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.

You can track vessels near Cape Henry Lighthouse 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.