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Hen and Chickens Shoal Lighthouse

Fl Red 2.5s🇺🇸USOperational

Location & Light Range

About Hen and Chickens Shoal Lighthouse

A red light flashes every 2.5 seconds from a 10.5-meter skeletal steel tower. The structure is triangular and pyramidal, standing on a screwpile foundation. Originally, the tower included an enclosed lantern. This navigation aid is located south of Plantation Key within the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. The nearest port is Tavernier, 4.4 kilometers away. The site is open to visitors, but the tower itself is closed.

Why it matters: This light warns mariners away from the hazardous Hen and Chickens Shoal, a coral reef system.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl Red 2.5s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
Red
Interval
2.5s
Raw Code
Fl R 2.5s
Focal Height
10.5m
Geographic Range
10.5NM

Location

Country
🇺🇸United States
Region
Florida
Sea Region
Located south of Plantation Key, within the protected Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.
Latitude
24.9330°
Longitude
-80.5487°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Tavernier(4.4 km)
Admiralty No.
J2986
USCG No.
3-12195
ARLHS No.
USA-1227

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
10.5m
Tower Shape
pyramidal
Material
steel

Structure: A 10.5m triangular pyramidal skeletal steel tower on a screwpile foundation, originally with an enclosed lantern.

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Hen and Chickens Shoal Lighthouse at night?+
Hen and Chickens Shoal displays the characteristic Fl Red 2.5s. 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 red color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Hen and Chickens Shoal Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Hen and Chickens Shoal Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is PLANTATION at 2.3 NM to the NNW. Other ports served include Tavernier (4.4 NM N), ISLAMORADA (5.6 NM WSW), KEY LARGO (7.3 NM NNE), OCEAN REEF (27.1 NM NNE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Hen and Chickens Shoal Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Hen and Chickens Shoal 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 Hen and Chickens Shoal Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Hen and Chickens Shoal 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.