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Santa Cruz Island beach, California - Real-time ocean conditions and beach information on Salty

Santa Cruz Island

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Santa Cruz Island is a stunning coastal beach located off the coast of California, offering an unparalleled island experience. This beautiful beach is known for its pristine shores, crystal-clear waters, and diverse wildlife, making it a haven for nature lovers and beach enthusiasts alike. As part of the Channel Islands, Santa Cruz Island is a unique gem that showcases the best of California's coastal beauty. Visitors can explore the island's many coves, inlets, and beaches, each with its own character and charm. For more information on the island and its attractions, visit the Channel Islands National Park website.

Santa Cruz Island offers a wide range of activities and amenities for visitors to enjoy, from snorkeling and scuba diving to hiking and camping. The island is also home to several notable attractions, including the Scorpion Anchorage and the Painted Cave. For those looking to dine or shop, the nearby town of Santa Barbara offers a variety of options, including fresh seafood restaurants and local boutiques. The crowd levels on the island can vary depending on the time of year, but visitors can expect a more secluded and peaceful experience compared to other popular beaches in California. To plan your trip and book accommodations, visit the Santa Barbara County tourism website.

The best time to visit Santa Cruz Island is from April to October, when the weather is mild and the waters are calm. Visitors can access the island by ferry or plane, and parking is available at the Island Packers ferry terminal. For those with mobility issues, the island's scenic trails and beaches are relatively accessible, with some areas offering wheelchair-accessible pathways. To get the most out of your trip, be sure to check the Channel Islands National Park accessibility page for more information on parking, trails, and facilities. With its unique blend of natural beauty and recreational activities, Santa Cruz Island is a must-visit destination for any traveler looking to experience the best of California's coastal charm.

Quick Answers

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What is Santa Cruz Island most known for?

Santa Cruz Island is most known for great fishing opportunities.

Is Santa Cruz Island kid-friendly?

Santa Cruz Island may have limited amenities for young children. Check current conditions before your visit.

Is Santa Cruz Island good for surfing?

Santa Cruz Island is better suited for swimming than surfing. Waves are currently 1.9ft.

What is the best time of year to visit Santa Cruz Island?

Late spring through early fall (May-September) offers the warmest weather and water temperatures. Summer can be crowded. Fall provides pleasant conditions with fewer visitors.

How are the crowds at Santa Cruz Island?

Santa Cruz Island tends to have fewer crowds due to limited amenities. Great for those seeking a quieter beach experience.

Is today a good day to swim at Santa Cruz Island?

Swimming is possible with proper precautions. Current conditions: moderate water temperature (61°F, wetsuit recommended), calm waves ideal for swimming.

Real-Time Beach Data

Salty delivers real-time intelligence across land amenities, air quality and weather, ocean conditions, and sun exposure.

🏖 LAND

Facilities & Restrooms

Restrooms: Yes

Recreation & Sports

Bonfire pits: Yes
Fishing: Yes

Accommodation

Camping: Yes

💨 AIR

Air temp: 55°F
Wind: 2 mph
Air pressure: 1022 hPa
Feels like: 54°F
Wind direction: NW
PM 2.5: 4 µg/m³
Humidity: 78%
AQI: 33
PM 10: 6 µg/m³
Rainfall: 0 mm
Visibility: 12 mi
Dew point: 48°F
Conditions: Clear sky

💧 SEA

Water temp: 61°F
Wave height: 1.9 ft
Swell direction: W
Wave period: 8 sec
Current velocity: 0.9 mph
Swell wave direction: NW

☀️ SUN

UV index: 3.5
Sunrise: 7:03 AM
Cloud cover: 0%
Sunset: 4:57 PM
Total daylight hours: 9.9 hrs

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ABOUT SALTY

Salty is your definitive source for real-time ocean conditions, beach information, and marine safety data worldwide. Access comprehensive beach intelligence including weather forecasts, water temperatures, wave conditions, and surf reports. Discover ocean education resources, conservation events, and beachside promotions all in one place. Whether you're planning a beach day, tracking marine conditions, or exploring coastal destinations, Salty provides trusted, up-to-date ocean and beach data for every shore around the globe.

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