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Nobska Point Lighthouse

Fl WR 6s🇺🇸Southeastern Massachusetts, USOperational

Location & Light Range

About Nobska Point Lighthouse

Nobska Point Lighthouse, established in 1828, guides mariners near the junction of Buzzards Bay, Nantucket Sound, and Vineyard Sound. The current iron tower, standing 12 meters tall with a focal height of 26 meters, replaced the original structure in 1876. Its light exhibits alternating white and red signals. The lighthouse is situated on the southwestern tip of Cape Cod, offering views of Martha's Vineyard and Nonamesset Island.

Why it matters: Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1987, Nobska Point Lighthouse preserves a piece of maritime history.

Background
Nobska Light, originally called Nobsque Light, also known as Nobska Point Light is a lighthouse located near the division between Buzzards Bay, Nantucket Sound, and Vineyard Sound in the settlement of Woods Hole, Massachusetts on the southwestern tip of Cape Cod, Massachusetts. It overlooks Martha's Vineyard and Nonamesset Island. The light station was established in 1828, with the tower protruding above the keeper's house, and was replaced in 1876 by the current 42 foot tall iron tower. The light station was added to the National Register of Historic Places as Nobska Point Light Station in 1987.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl WR 6s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
WR
Flash Count
1 flash
Interval
6s
Focal Height
26m
Light Range
13NM (24.1 km)

Construction & History

Year Built
1828
Heritage Status
National Register of Historic Places listed place

References & Identifiers

NGA No.
J 0456
Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
Wikidata
Q16895870 →
OpenStreetMap
View on OSM →

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
12m

Location

City
Southeastern Massachusetts
Country
🇺🇸US
Latitude
41.5157°
Longitude
-70.6551°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How far offshore can Nobska Point Lighthouse be seen?+
With a focal height of 26 meters and a nominal range of 13 nautical miles (approximately 24.1 km), Nobska Point is visible from well offshore under standard atmospheric conditions. Actual visibility depends on observer height, weather, and sea state. This range makes it a significant coastal navigation aid for vessels transiting the area.
How do mariners identify Nobska Point Lighthouse at night?+
Nobska Point displays the characteristic Fl WR 6s — 1 wr 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. The wr color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Nobska Point Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Nobska Point Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is WOODS HOLE at 1 NM to the NW. Other ports served include FALMOUTH (3 NM NE), VINEYARD HAVEN (4.4 NM SE), East Falmouth (4.4 NM ENE), Oak Bluffs (5.5 NM SE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Nobska Point Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Nobska Point 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 Nobska Point Lighthouse?+
Nobska Point 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 Nobska Point Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Nobska Point 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.