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Little Gull Island Lighthouse

Fl W 15s🇺🇸Downstate New York, USOperational

Location & Light Range

About Little Gull Island Lighthouse

Constructed in 1806, the Little Gull Island Lighthouse stands 25 meters tall, with its light positioned 28 meters above sea level. This structure is situated on a small, approximately 1-acre island in Long Island Sound. The light emits a white flash. The lighthouse was automated in 1978, continuing its navigational function. It is located northeast of Great Gull Island.

Why it matters: This lighthouse marks the primary entrance to Long Island Sound, known as "The Race".

Background
Little Gull Island Light is a lighthouse on Little Gull Island, a small island in Long Island Sound, located approximately 0.4 miles (0.6 km) northeast of Great Gull Island. Both islands are located in the Town of Southold, in Suffolk County, New York, and lie roughly midway between Plum Island and Fishers Island. Little Gull Island is approximately 4.6 miles (7.4 km) southwest of Fishers Island and the channel of water between them is the main entrance to Long Island Sound, known as "The Race". The lighthouse, which was built in 1869 and automated in 1978, occupies much of the rocky island, which is only about 1-acre (4,000 m2) in size.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl W 15s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Flash Count
1 flash
Interval
15s
Focal Height
28m

Construction & History

Year Built
1806

References & Identifiers

Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
Wikidata
Q6650223 →
OpenStreetMap
View on OSM →

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
25m

Location

City
Downstate New York
Country
🇺🇸US
Latitude
41.2063°
Longitude
-72.1068°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Little Gull Island Lighthouse at night?+
Little Gull 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 Little Gull Island Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Little Gull Island Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is FISHERS ISLAND at 5.6 NM to the NE. Other ports served include NIANTIC BAY (7.8 NM NNW), NIANTIC (8 NM NNW), NOANK SHIPYARD (8.6 NM NE), New London-Groton Apt (8.7 NM N). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Little Gull Island Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Little Gull 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 Little Gull Island Lighthouse?+
Little Gull Island 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 Little Gull Island Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Little Gull 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.