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Carysfort Reef Lighthouse

Fl (3) White 60s🇺🇸USOperational

Location & Light Range

About Carysfort Reef Lighthouse

A skeletal steel tower stands 12 meters tall on a square platform supported by piles, marking Carysfort Reef. This modern structure, built in 2014, continues a long history of maritime safety that began with the establishment of the station in 1852. The light emits one white flash every 60 seconds, visible for 11 nautical miles. The station is located about 21.3 kilometers from Tavernier. It is situated on Carysfort Reef, identified by Admiralty number J2974.

Why it matters: The light station is indispensable for safe passage through the northern Florida Keys, warning mariners away from the extensive and dangerous Carysfort Reef.

Background
Carysfort Reef Light is located on Carysfort Reef east of Key Largo, Florida. The lighthouse has an iron-pile foundation with a platform, and a skeletal, octagonal, pyramidal tower, which is painted red. The light was 100 feet (30 m) above the water. It was the oldest functioning lighthouse of its type in the United States until it was decommissioned in 2015, having been completed in 1852. The light last installed was a xenon flashtube beacon. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1984.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl (3) White 60s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Flash Count
3 flashes
Interval
60s
Raw Code
Fl W 60s
Focal Height
12m
Geographic Range
11NM

Construction & History

Year Built
2014
First Lit
1852

Significant events: station established 1852

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Tavernier(21.3 km)
Admiralty No.
J2974
USCG No.
3-0945
ARLHS No.
USA-143
Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
Wikidata
Q5047751 →

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
12m
Tower Shape
skeletal
Tower Color
white
Material
steel

Structure: A 12m square skeletal tower mounted on a square platform supported by piles.

Location

Country
🇺🇸United States
Sea Region
Carysfort Reef
Latitude
25.2219°
Longitude
-80.2113°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Carysfort Reef Lighthouse at night?+
Carysfort Reef displays the characteristic Fl (3) White 60s — 3 white flashes every 60 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 white color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Carysfort Reef Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Carysfort Reef Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is OCEAN REEF at 6.6 NM to the NW. Other ports served include KEY LARGO (18.5 NM SW), Florida City (20.1 NM NW), Tavernier (21.9 NM SW), Palmetto Bay (24.4 NM NNW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Carysfort Reef Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Carysfort Reef 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 Carysfort Reef Lighthouse?+
Carysfort Reef 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 Carysfort Reef Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Carysfort Reef 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.