Best Catalina Coves
Well, it finally happened this last weekend. I wanted to introduce my crew to Avalon as part of our Harbor Hopping series, but when we arrived Saturday around 3 PM, Harbor Patrol said all the moorings were sold out. They offered that we could wait outside the harbor for a phone call if a mooring became available, but I could see a handful of other boats hanging around waiting for that same call. I knew Willow Cove was less than 3 NM west of Avalon, and I much preferred to take my chances there, so off we went.
After a short transit past Gallaghers Beach and Toyon Bay, we arrived and anchored bow and stern in company with two other boats. It was a hot afternoon and some of the crew snorkeled, and some just relaxed. And rather than hustling in to get on the wait list at the Lobster Trap in Avalon, we had a relaxing time with dinner and enjoyable conversation as the sun went down on our peaceful cove. Sometimes you need a suitable alternative to Avalon. To prepare in case you find yourself in that same predicament this summer, read on and get better acquainted with…
Willow Cove
Willow Cove, looking E toward Avalon
Willow Cove
Lat 33° 22.7’ N / Lon 118° 21.3’ W
Willow Cove location and Windy Forecast here
Located about 2.6 NM west of Avalon, Willow is one of those coves where there is almost always room, because many sailors do not even know it is there. Willow is easy to miss visually from more than a half mile offshore.
- From Avalon, head NW along the shore toward Long Point past the pier at Gallagher’s Beach, then the pier at Toyon Bay, and Willow opens up immediately to port.
- Approaching from Long Point, shape your course SE toward the pier at Toyon Bay and Willow will become obvious off your starboard bow with a steep ridge leading down to the water and guano topped Mike Nelson Rock sticking up like a 25’ thumb.
I anchor here when it is too crowded at Hen Rock, Whites, or Moonstone, and any time I want to be within easy reach of Avalon. Bow and stern anchoring is preferred.
Photo by Jamen Rhodes
Willow Cove has good protection from S winds, enjoys some protection from the W in the lee of the distant Long Point, and is wide open to the WNW and E. Willow is best when wind conditions are light to moderate. Strong W and NW winds in winter and spring make it a poor choice when the whitecaps roll in.
Anchoring at Catalina: No Moorings? No Problem by Marc Hughston
Willow Cove Schematic with sonar-survey depth contours. Photo by Jamen Rhodes. Sonar survey and rendering by Marc Hughston.
Best Anchorage and Special Considerations
Willow Cove can easily accommodate 3 boats, anchored bow and stern, and 4 boats can fit if they do not mind being a bit closer together. If you are the first one in and choose to anchor on a single hook, you will block the entire cove.
My preferred anchorage is bow and stern lying in the center of the rocky beach. You can set your stern anchor in about 12’ to 15’, and bow in about 30’ to 35’ with a sandy bottom. Along the western border there are rocks on the bottom and a mass of kelp floating on the surface.
During the high season, Memorial Day to Labor Day, expect the wind to start out of the SW and to shift during the day to W and WNW. There is often a light E wind overnight.
Moorings
There are no moorings in Willow Cove.
Going Ashore and Exploring
The beach is rocky, and you can land the dinghy anywhere, but you will want to wear water shoes when you do. Exploration ashore is limited by the steep canyon and ridge, and camping requires a permit.
Snorkeling is decent and more interesting near Mike Nelson Rock. At night, it is really a sight to see the kids at Toyon snorkeling around the rock with red lights on their caps and shining flashlights into the dark water below.
Years ago, I had a student who grew up on Catalina and I asked him about the name of the cove. He said, “You see that chimney up there? That was the Willow’s house.” You can see that chimney at minute 0:31 in this video: Catalina Drone Flight. They had a house up there???
Times to Avoid Willow Cove
Willow Cove offers little real protection from the wind and waves and should be avoided when there are whitecaps or a forecast of winds over 15 knots from the W, NW, NE, and E.
Conclusion
Of the three coves closest to Avalon, Willow is my first choice. You have a bit more room here than you would by anchoring at Gallagher’s Beach or Toyon Bay, and you do not have to worry about small boat sailors and swimmers from the camps. When the wind is light and shifty at Hen Rock and boats are drifting close to each other, or when the Avalon moorings are sold out, Willow is a peaceful, secluded, and very nice alternative.
