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

Ship Channel Lighthouse

Fl White 4s🇺🇸USOperational

Location & Light Range

About Ship Channel Lighthouse

A 24-meter square skeletal steel tower with a gallery stands on a pile-supported rectangular platform. This rear range light is located in Matagorda Bay, Texas, approximately 2.5 miles northwest of the ship channel's entrance and to the east of the main channel. Its focal height is 24 meters, and it emits a white flash every 4 seconds. The geographic range of this light is 14.1 nautical miles. Reaching this aid to navigation requires boat access.

Why it matters: This range light is indispensable for safe navigation through the Matagorda Bay ship channel, ensuring vessels can accurately follow the designated path.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl White 4s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Interval
4s
Raw Code
Fl W 4s
Focal Height
24m
Geographic Range
14.1NM

Location

Country
🇺🇸United States
Region
Texas
Sea Region
Matagorda Bay, east of the ship channel and about 2.5 miles northwest of the entrance.
Latitude
28.4594°
Longitude
-96.3628°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
24m
Tower Shape
skeletal
Material
steel

Structure: A 24m square skeletal tower with gallery, mounted on a rectangular platform supported by piles.

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Port o'connor(4.6 km)
Admiralty No.
J4192.1
USCG No.
4-27125
Live tracking · 50,000+ mariners

Find Ship Channel 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 Ship Channel Lighthouse at night?+
Ship Channel displays the characteristic Fl White 4s. 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 Ship Channel Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Ship Channel Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is POINT COMFORT at 15.6 NM to the NW. Other ports served include PALACIOS (16.1 NM NNE), Port Lavaca (16.5 NM NW), Lolita (24.2 NM NNW), VICTORIA (33.9 NM WNW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Ship Channel Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Ship Channel 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 Ship Channel Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Ship Channel 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.