Whitehead Island Lighthouse

About

Tour Schedule:

The lighthouse is not open to the public, so we suggest a look from the water by boat.

Local Notices to Mariners:

Local Notices to Mariners are available online from the U.S. Coast Guard.

Introduction:

Located on Muscle Ridge Channel, northeast of Tenants Harbor, the Whitehead Island Lighthouse is an important aid to navigation for mariners approaching from the SW as well as a guide when heading south through the channel. The 75-foot-high granite and asphalt tower has a green occulting light (darkens every four seconds) and a fog signal that sounds very 30 seconds during foggy weather.

History:

The original light station was established here in 1807, and construction was finished on the structure in 1852. The United States Coast Guard automated the lighthouse in 1982. A light keeper’s house, tractor garage, schoolhouse, boathouse and fog signal building are still standing on the property today.

Navigating in and Around the Lighthouse:

Use NOAA Chart 13301.

Navigating through Muscle Ridge Channel requires a close eye on the chart, and checking off each buoy as you pass them. Muscle Ridge Channel is loaded with rock ledges, which are easy to lose track of, especially in the vicinity of the light and Sprucehead Island. Seal Harbor, just north of the lighthouse offers protected anchorage for anyone needing a sheltered harbor.