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

Hams Bluff Lighthouse

Fl (2) White 30s🇺🇸USOperational

Location & Light Range

About Hams Bluff Lighthouse

A 9-meter square cylindrical skeletal metal tower with a lantern stands at Hams Bluff. Built in 2010, it displays two white flashes every 30 seconds from a focal height of 120 meters, with a geographic range of 26.9 nautical miles. This modern structure is situated near an older, historic lighthouse. The site is open to the public, though access to the tower is restricted. The nearest port is Frederiksted, 3.6 kilometers away.

Why it matters: The lighthouse's modern construction and operation alongside a historic predecessor highlights the ongoing need for reliable aids to navigation in these waters.

Background
The Hams Bluff Light is an historic lighthouse on Saint Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. It was first lit in 1915 under the Danish Government. It was since transferred to the United States Lighthouse Service and later came under the jurisdiction of the United States Coast Guard. The historic tower has been abandoned; the beacon is now mounted on an adjacent new truss tower. The light displays two white flashes every 30 seconds at a focal plane of 394 feet (120 m). The lighthouse was listed on the United States National Register of Historic Places in 2019.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl (2) White 30s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Flash Count
2 flashes
Interval
30s
Raw Code
Fl(2) W 30s
Focal Height
120m
Geographic Range
26.9NM

Construction & History

Year Built
2010

Significant events: Construction of a new tower in 2010, positioned behind an older, historic lighthouse

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
9m
Tower Shape
square cylindrical skeletal
Tower Color
white
Material
metal

Structure: A 9m square cylindrical skeletal tower with a lantern.

Location

Country
🇺🇸United States
Region
United States Virgin Islands
Sea Region
Coastal location in the US, situated near a historic lighthouse
Latitude
17.7692°
Longitude
-64.8709°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Frederiksted(3.6 km)
Admiralty No.
J5640
NGA No.
14656
USCG No.
3-32845
ARLHS No.
VIR-006
Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
Wikidata
Q5646382 →
Live tracking · 50,000+ mariners

Find Hams Bluff Lighthouse on the live nautical map

Plan voyages near United States, 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 Hams Bluff Lighthouse at night?+
Hams Bluff displays the characteristic Fl (2) White 30s — 2 white flashes every 30 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 Hams Bluff Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Hams Bluff Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Frederiksted, Saint Croix at 3.5 NM to the SSW. Other ports served include Port Alucroix (7.3 NM SE), Limetree Bay (8.2 NM ESE), Christiansted, Saint Croix (9.6 NM E), Saint Thomas (34 NM N). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Hams Bluff Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Hams Bluff 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 Hams Bluff Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Hams Bluff 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.