The island of Santa Cruz, located just five kilometers from the Zamboanga Peninsula and town of the same name, has earned fame as one of the favorite places of recreation for residents and guests of Zamboanga and one of the best beaches of the Philippines. The main attraction of the island are amazing pink sand and excellent opportunities for diving. The best time to visit Santa Cruz – from mid-January to early March when it is dry and warm weather.

Once the island was literally crowded with tourists, but because of military conflicts flaring up recently in Mindanao, he became quiet and cozy place. To get here, you need to request a pass in the Department of tourism of the city of Zamboanga, as Santa Cruz is a protected area. You must also remember that the island is no abundance of cafes and restaurants, so food should bring. Not here and resorts, and even small hotels. But all this does not stop those who want to see one of nature's wonders – beaches with unique pink sand, which is worldwide, there are only three! This is the color of the sand came from mixing over millions of years RUB into powder red coral-organ regular white sand. Beaches extend along the coast for five miles, and near them, in the tiny settlement of Baja, there are numerous Muslim burial.

On Santa Cruz come fans of scuba diving off the coast of the island there are several small picturesque coral reefs and crystal clear waters allow you to make wonderful underwater footage. Strait Basilan that separates Santa Cruz from Zamboanga Peninsula, serves as a connecting channel between the seas of Sulu and Sulawesi, and because of this boasts a huge number of migratory fish species. Underwater scenery is incredibly beautiful! In 1970-80-ies of the Santa Cruz is frequented by tourists from Germany and Italy, who called the island "Paradise lost".

To reach the island by boat from Zamboanga – the road will take a maximum of half an hour. Also, the city tourism Department organises regular day trips to Santa Cruz.