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Goat Island Lighthouse

Fl W 6s🇺🇸Southern Maine, USOperational

Location & Light Range

About Goat Island Lighthouse

Built in 1835, Goat Island Light guards the entrance to Cape Porpoise Harbor in southern Maine. The original station received upgrades in 1859, resulting in the current brick tower. A fifth-order Fresnel lens was installed during this upgrade. Keeper's quarters were added to the island in 1860. The United States Coast Guard automated the light station in 1990, and it remains operational. The keeper's dwellings and tower are currently leased to the Kennebunkport Conservation Trust.

Why it matters: Goat Island Light is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Background
Goat Island Light is a lighthouse located off Cape Porpoise near Kennebunkport in southern Maine. Goat Island Light was established in 1835 to guard the entrance to Cape Porpoise Harbor. The original station was upgraded in 1859 to the current brick tower with a fifth order Fresnel lens. Keeper's quarters were added to the island in 1860. The light station was automated by the United States Coast Guard in 1990 and is currently active. The keepers dwellings and tower are leased to the Kennebunkport Conservation Trust. Goat Island Light can be seen from shore in Cape Porpoise Harbor just off State Route 9 north of Kennebunkport or is viewable by boat. The island is currently closed to the public except by special arrangement.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl W 6s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Flash Count
1 flash
Interval
6s
Focal Height
11.5m

Construction & History

Year Built
1835
Heritage Status
National Register of Historic Places listed place

References & Identifiers

Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
Wikidata
Q5575302 →
OpenStreetMap
View on OSM →

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
7.5m

Location

City
Southern Maine
Country
🇺🇸US
Latitude
43.3580°
Longitude
-70.4251°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Goat Island Lighthouse at night?+
Goat Island displays the characteristic Fl W 6s — 1 white flash every 6 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 Goat Island Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Goat Island Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is KENNEBUNKPORT at 2.3 NM to the W. Other ports served include Kennebunk (2.4 NM WSW), RUMERY'S BOAT YARD (8 NM N), Saco (8.6 NM N), Ogunquit (10.2 NM SW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Goat Island Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Goat 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.
How can I track vessels near Goat Island Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Goat 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.