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Santa Cruz Lighthouse

Fl W 5s🇺🇸Northern California, USOperational

Location & Light Range

About Santa Cruz Lighthouse

Santa Cruz Lighthouse is a maritime navigation aid located in Northern California, US. It is currently operational and active, providing guidance to vessels navigating the surrounding waters. The light sits at a focal height of 18 meters above mean sea level.

Light characteristic: The identifying signal of this lighthouse is Fl W 5s. This means the light produces 1 flash every 5 seconds. Mariners use this distinctive pattern to positively identify the light and distinguish it from other aids to navigation in the area. The light displays a white signal, the most common color for major coastal lights.

Position: Santa Cruz Lighthouse is positioned at 36.9514°N, 122.0267°W, near Northern California in US.

Geographic context: Santa Cruz Lighthouse is situated on the North Pacific Ocean, within the US West Coast shipping lane — a major trans-Pacific trade route serving West Coast ports of the United States. The location falls within the temperate maritime climate zone.

Nearby lighthouses in US: Other lighthouses in the region include Abagadasset Point Range, Absecon, Admiralty Head Light, Ahukini Breakwater, Alameda County (Oakland Area) Lighthouses. View all on the Lighthouses Directory.

Nearby Ports

Santa Cruz

USSRU

0.6 NMNE

Capitola

USCGP

3.7 NMENE

Davenport

USDAV

9.2 NMWNW

Corralitos

USTO3

11 NME

MOSS LANDING

USMLG

14.6 NMSE

Flash Characteristics

Characteristic Signature
Fl W 5s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Flash Count
1 flash
Interval
5s

Physical Specifications

Focal Height
18m
Light Range
Not available
Status
ACTIVE
City
Northern California
Country
🇺🇸US
Latitude
36.9514°
Longitude
-122.0267°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Santa Cruz Lighthouse at night?+
Santa Cruz displays the characteristic Fl W 5s — 1 white flash every 5 seconds. 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.
Which ports and harbors does Santa Cruz Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Santa Cruz Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Santa Cruz at 0.6 NM to the NE. Other ports served include Capitola (3.7 NM ENE), Davenport (9.2 NM WNW), Corralitos (11 NM E), MOSS LANDING (14.6 NM SE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Santa Cruz Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Santa Cruz 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 Santa Cruz Lighthouse?+
Santa Cruz 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 Santa Cruz Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Santa Cruz 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.