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Farallon Island Lighthouse

Fl W 15s🇺🇸Northern California, USOperational

Location & Light Range

About Farallon Island Lighthouse

A white tower standing 12 meters tall, this lighthouse is situated on Southeast Farallon Island. Its focal height reaches 109 meters above sea level. The light emits a white flash characteristic. It was originally built and first lit in 1855. In later years, its lantern was removed, but the light remains operational.

Why it matters: Constructed in 1855, it served to warn vessels approaching San Francisco from the west of the island's hazardous rocky shores. It is recognized as one of the highest lights in California.

Background
Farallon Island Light is a lighthouse on Southeast Farallon Island, California. One of the highest lights in California, it was constructed in 1855 to warn ships approaching San Francisco from the west away from the rocky islands. In later years it was shorn of its lantern, but it remains in use.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl W 15s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Flash Count
1 flash
Interval
15s
Raw Code
Fl
Focal Height
109m

Construction & History

Year Built
1855

References & Identifiers

Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
Wikidata
Q5434798 →
OpenStreetMap
View on OSM →

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
12m
Tower Color
white

Location

City
Northern California
Country
🇺🇸US
Latitude
37.6982°
Longitude
-123.0032°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Farallon Island Lighthouse at night?+
Farallon Island 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 Farallon Island Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Farallon Island Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Bolinas at 19.4 NM to the NE. Other ports served include Lagunitas (23.1 NM NE), Point Reyes Station (24.1 NM NNE), Woodacre (25.2 NM NE), Inverness (25.2 NM NNE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Farallon Island Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Farallon Island 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 Farallon Island Lighthouse?+
Farallon Island Lighthouse is located within the US West Coast shipping lane — a major trans-Pacific trade route serving West Coast ports of the United States. This makes it an important navigation reference for commercial shipping traffic in the region.
How can I track vessels near Farallon Island Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Farallon Island 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.