Santa Cruz Basin, CA (203) (46251) — Live Marine Conditions & Buoy Data
NOAA station 46251, Santa Cruz Basin, CA (203), reports real-time marine conditions from 33.769°N, 119.565°W in the eastern North Pacific (California). Readings refresh roughly every 10 minutes, and Big Buoy adds 7-day tide predictions, a solunar table, and a multi-day weather outlook for the area.
Southern California Marine Conditions — Santa Cruz Basin, CA (203) is one of several stations in Southern California. See live tides, buoy data, and solunar for the whole area.
Current conditions at Santa Cruz Basin, CA (203)
As of August 21, 2026 at 19:26 UTC, Santa Cruz Basin, CA (203) (46251) is reporting water temperature 73°F, air temperature 73°F, and wave height 2.6 ft at a 14-second dominant period.
- Water temperature
- 73°F
- Air temperature
- 73°F
- Wave height
- 2.6 ft @ 14 s
Observed August 21, 2026 at 19:26 UTC from NOAA NDBC station 46251. Readings update about every 10 minutes.
What NOAA buoy 46251 measures
As a NOAA meteorological station, 46251 reports wind speed, gusts and direction, barometric pressure, air and water temperature, and — where wave sensors are fitted — significant wave height, swell period, and wave direction.
What to watch in the eastern North Pacific
The U.S. Pacific coast is dominated by long-period groundswell and strong seasonal upwelling that keeps nearshore water cold. Watch swell period as closely as wave height — a long-period west swell can make harbor entrances and bar crossings hazardous even when the wave height looks modest.
Frequently asked questions
- Where is NOAA buoy 46251 located?
- Santa Cruz Basin, CA (203) (46251) reports from 33.769°N, 119.565°W in the eastern North Pacific (California).
- How often is NOAA buoy 46251 updated?
- Station 46251 typically reports new observations about every 10 minutes. Big Buoy refreshes continuously so you always see the latest readings, alongside 7-day tide predictions and a solunar table for the area.
- What does NOAA buoy 46251 measure?
- Big Buoy shows wind, barometric pressure, air and water temperature, and wave height and period where available for Santa Cruz Basin, CA (203), plus 7-day tides, solunar peak windows, and a multi-day weather outlook.
- Is Big Buoy free to use?
- Yes. Live data for Santa Cruz Basin, CA (203) and every other NOAA buoy is free with no account required. Big Buoy Pro adds the Wind Tab, the Depth Chart, satellite overlays (sea surface temp, chlorophyll, currents), 16-day forecasts, and forecast model switching.