Santa Cruz Island is the largest of the California Channel Islands located off the coast of Southern California. It is situated approximately 22 miles off the mainland and is part of the five islands that make up the Channel Islands National Park. Santa Cruz Island is the only island in the chain that is privately owned.
Santa Cruz Island is approximately 96 square miles in size, making it the largest of the islands. It has a rugged terrain with steep canyons, high peaks, and a variety of habitats. The highest point on the island is Devils Peak at 2,400 feet. The island is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including endemic species such as the island fox, island scrub jay, and the Santa Cruz Island bush mallow.
The Chumash people were the first to inhabit Santa Cruz Island and are believed to have been living on the island for over 10,000 years. In the early 1800s, the island was used as a ranching operation by the Mexican government. Later, the island was used for farming and ranching by the American government. Today, the island is privately owned by the Nature Conservancy.
Santa Cruz Island has a rich history and has played an important role in the development of California. In 1835, the island was used as a base for the Mexican Navy during the Battle of Santa Cruz Island. During World War II, the island was used as a training base for the United States Navy. In the 1970s, the island was used as a filming location for the movie Jaws.
Today, Santa Cruz Island is a popular tourist destination. Visitors can explore the island’s rugged terrain, take in the breathtaking views, and observe the abundant wildlife. The island is also home to a variety of activities such as kayaking, snorkeling, and camping.
Experience Santa Cruz Island with unforgettable activities by our partner GetYourGuide. The offer is also ideal as a special gift idea for family and friends who are planning to visit Santa Cruz Island. Cancellations are possible up to 24h before the start of the activity (unless otherwise stated in the activity description), with a full refund of the booking price.
Santa Cruz Island in the USA experiences a Mediterranean climate with mild temperatures year-round. In the winter months, temperatures range from the mid-50s to mid-60s Fahrenheit, while in the summer months, temperatures range from the mid-60s to mid-70s Fahrenheit. During the spring, the island blooms with wildflowers, while the summer months bring foggy mornings and sunny afternoons. In the fall, temperatures drop and the rains start to come, while the winter months bring colder temperatures and more rain. All in all, Santa Cruz Island offers mild temperatures and a variety of weather conditions throughout the year.
Our weather forecast for Santa Cruz Island helps plan your stay according to the weather. For sunny days, pack light and breathable clothes, swimwear, and sunscreen. For winter weather, it's recommended to bring warm clothes, gloves, a hat, sturdy footwear, and a raincoat.
| Date | Icon | Temperature | Wind speed/gusts | Cloudiness/Visibility | Air humidity/pressure | Sunrise/Sunset |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec. 21st 2024 Dec. 21st 2024 | max: 17.8 °C min: 9.5 °C |
9.4 m/s 11.2 m/s |
74.4 % 14.3 m |
76.4 % 1,022 hPa |
07:01:07 16:54:06 |
|
| Dec. 22nd 2024 Dec. 22nd 2024 | max: 20.0 °C min: 10.6 °C |
19.8 m/s 31.0 m/s |
72.6 % 16.3 m |
68.2 % 1,019 hPa |
07:01:35 16:54:38 |
|
| Dec. 23rd 2024 Dec. 23rd 2024 | max: 18.9 °C min: 12.5 °C |
16.2 m/s 25.9 m/s |
62.3 % 22.3 m |
68.8 % 1,018 hPa |
07:02:02 16:55:11 |
|
| Dec. 24th 2024 Dec. 24th 2024 | max: 18.5 °C min: 12.4 °C |
25.9 m/s 38.5 m/s |
56.9 % 23.7 m |
70.3 % 1,018 hPa |
07:02:28 16:55:46 |
|
| Dec. 25th 2024 Dec. 25th 2024 | max: 17.5 °C min: 11 °C |
24.8 m/s 38.9 m/s |
29.0 % 24.1 m |
58.6 % 1,016 hPa |
07:02:51 16:56:22 |
|
| Dec. 26th 2024 Dec. 26th 2024 | max: 17.8 °C min: 11.2 °C |
20.2 m/s 31.7 m/s |
64.7 % 24.1 m |
59.6 % 1,015 hPa |
07:03:14 16:56:59 |
|
| Dec. 27th 2024 Dec. 27th 2024 | max: 18.3 °C min: 12 °C |
24.8 m/s 39.2 m/s |
48.0 % 24.1 m |
64.0 % 1,015 hPa |
07:03:34 16:57:38 |
|
| Dec. 28th 2024 Dec. 28th 2024 | max: 17.2 °C min: 12.1 °C |
33.1 m/s 56.2 m/s |
74.6 % 24.1 m |
80.2 % 1,017 hPa |
07:03:53 16:58:18 |
|
| Dec. 29th 2024 Dec. 29th 2024 | max: 19.0 °C min: 13.5 °C |
18.0 m/s 26.6 m/s |
49.9 % 24.1 m |
74.3 % 1,018 hPa |
07:04:10 16:59:00 |
|
| Dec. 30th 2024 Dec. 30th 2024 | max: 19.5 °C min: 14.6 °C |
8.6 m/s 10.8 m/s |
99.7 % 24.1 m |
59.1 % 1,017 hPa |
07:04:25 16:59:43 |
|
| Dec. 31st 2024 Dec. 31st 2024 | max: 17.5 °C min: 13.4 °C |
22.3 m/s 36.7 m/s |
99.1 % 24.1 m |
76.2 % 1,014 hPa |
07:04:39 17:00:27 |
|
| Jan. 1st 2025 Jan. 1st 2025 | max: 15.2 °C min: 13.4 °C |
19.1 m/s 32.8 m/s |
93.1 % 21.0 m |
85.4 % 1,012 hPa |
07:04:50 17:01:12 |
|
| Jan. 2nd 2025 Jan. 2nd 2025 | max: 15.6 °C min: 11.8 °C |
19.8 m/s 29.2 m/s |
18.6 % 21.7 m |
83.5 % 1,013 hPa |
07:05:00 17:01:58 |
|
| Jan. 3rd 2025 Jan. 3rd 2025 | max: 13.2 °C min: 10.9 °C |
25.2 m/s 32.0 m/s |
62.0 % 24.0 m |
76.7 % 1,010 hPa |
07:05:08 17:02:46 |
Would you like to travel to Santa Cruz Island on a cruise ship or would you just like to know when a certain ship will dock there? Here you will find an overview of the cruise ships that will be calling at the port of Santa Cruz Island.
| Date | Ship | Arrival | Departure | Details |
|---|
Photos by cruise fans for cruise fans!
Share your best pictures with the community and discover authentic images from travellers who have already been there.
- There are no photos available for Santa Cruz Island yet.
Share your holiday photos with the community and inspire others to their next adventure!
There are a few basic rules to follow
.| Port | Distance |
|---|---|
| Santa Barbara in the USA | 44,65 km |
| Long Beach in the USA | 140,29 km |
| Avalon in the USA | 142,60 km |
| Santa Catalina Island in the USA | 143,58 km |
| San Diego in the USA | 282,19 km |
