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

Sonoma County Lightbeacon Lighthouse

Fl White 6s🇺🇸USOperational

Location & Light Range

About Sonoma County Lightbeacon Lighthouse

A 5-meter cylindrical wooden post, the Sonoma County Lightbeacon stands on Bodega Head, a cape that shelters Bodega Bay approximately 30 kilometers north of Point Reyes. The light is situated near the cape's point, offering broad Pacific Ocean views. Its white light flashes once every 6 seconds, visible for nearly 16 nautical miles. The light's focal plane is 33.5 meters above sea level. While the surrounding site is open to the public, the wooden tower itself is closed to entry.

Why it matters: This lightbeacon serves as a critical navigational aid for vessels approaching Bodega Bay, helping them identify the significant headland and avoid potential hazards.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl White 6s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Interval
6s
Raw Code
Fl W 6s
Focal Height
33.5m
Geographic Range
15.9NM

Location

Country
🇺🇸United States
Region
California
Sea Region
Bodega Head is a prominent cape sheltering Bodega Bay about 20 mi (30 km) north of Point Reyes. The area is popular for its wide view of the Pacific. Located near the point of the cape.
Latitude
38.3007°
Longitude
-123.0546°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Bodega Bay(0.5 km)
Admiralty No.
G4356.8
USCG No.
6-7770

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
5m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Material
wood

Structure: A 5m cylindrical wooden post.

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
Live tracking · 50,000+ mariners

Find Sonoma County Lightbeacon 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 Sonoma County Lightbeacon Lighthouse at night?+
Sonoma County Lightbeacon displays the characteristic Fl White 6s. 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 Sonoma County Lightbeacon Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Sonoma County Lightbeacon Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Bodega Bay at 2 NM to the N. Other ports served include Marshall (11.9 NM SE), Forestville (12.8 NM NE), Inverness (15.4 NM SE), Point Reyes Station (18.5 NM SE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Sonoma County Lightbeacon Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Sonoma County Lightbeacon 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 Sonoma County Lightbeacon Lighthouse?+
Sonoma County Lightbeacon Lighthouse is located within the US West Coast shipping lane — a major trans-Pacific trade route serving West Coast ports of the United States. This makes it an important navigation reference for commercial shipping traffic in the region.
How can I track vessels near Sonoma County Lightbeacon Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Sonoma County Lightbeacon 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.