Located approximately 20 miles from the mainland, Santa Catalina Island rises 2000 feet above sea level, about 500 feet higher than the Palos Verdes Peninsula. The island is over 20 miles long, making it the longest of the eight California Channel Islands. People have inhabited Santa Catalina Island for at least 7,000 years, and archaeologists have found evidence of complex material cultures with strong maritime traditions. Before the Spanish discovery of the island on October 7, 1542, it is believed that the people living there called it Pimu. Over the years, several groups occupied Santa Catalina Island, including ranching, mining, and military occupation. The island has largely been left in its natural state, preserving its marine life, flora and fauna, ecology, and history. Along with the Palos Verdes Peninsula, it is thought to be used as a navigational landmark by grey whales migrating along the North American coastline 5,000-7,000 miles south from the cold waters of Alaska to the warm water of Baja California, Mexico. From fall through spring, whale-watching season brings annual sightings averaging 2,500 to 3,000 whales from the Palos Verdes Peninsula.

Photo: Denise Boose

Photo: Denise Boose

Photo: Mike Roberts Color Productions, Catalina Color Cards

Photo: Eric Polk

Photo: Eric Polk