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

Cape May Lighthouse

Fl W 15s🇺🇸New Jersey, USOperational

Location & Light Range

About Cape May Lighthouse

Constructed in 1823, this lighthouse stands 48 meters tall, with its light reaching a focal height of 50 meters. The tower emits a white light to guide mariners. Its construction marked a significant addition to coastal navigation in the region. The structure has been a constant presence on the coastline for nearly two centuries. The lighthouse is operational and continues its navigational duties.

Why it matters: The Cape May Lighthouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl W 15s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Flash Count
1 flash
Interval
15s
Focal Height
50m

Construction & History

Year Built
1823
Heritage Status
National Register of Historic Places listed place

References & Identifiers

Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
Wikidata
Q5034933 →
OpenStreetMap
View on OSM →

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
48m

Location

City
New Jersey
Country
🇺🇸US
Latitude
38.9330°
Longitude
-74.9604°

Nearby Vessels

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

Find Cape May 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 Cape May Lighthouse at night?+
Cape May displays the characteristic Fl W 15s — 1 white flash every 15 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 Cape May Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Cape May Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Cape May at 2.1 NM to the N. Other ports served include SHAWCREST (6.7 NM ENE), WILDWOOD (7.4 NM ENE), North Wildwood (8.5 NM ENE), Ocean View (9.8 NM WSW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Cape May Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Cape May 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 May Lighthouse?+
Cape May 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 May Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Cape May 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.