This series gives details on the best coves at Catalina, and adds to the cruising guide, “Anchoring at Catalina: No Moorings? No Problem!”
At this point in your sailing and boating life, you may be ready to skip the Catalina mooring fields all together and try anchoring out for the day, overnight, or the entire weekend. You would want a place where you can go ashore and explore, check out the surrounding area by kayak, SUP, or dinghy, and be on your own. You are in the middle of the island exploring new possibilities, so read on to get better acquainted with…
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.
The wonderful thing about Goat Harbor is that there is plenty of room, it is a beautiful location, and the shoreline is interesting and open for exploration. It is too far to dinghy to either Avalon or Two Harbors, so when you are ready for some time on the hook away from the crowds, Goat Harbor should be one of your first choices.
When it’s blowing a gale out of the WNW, I take refuge at Hen Rock. In the middle of a black night when I’m looking for a wide-open spot to drop the hook, I go to Hen Rock. For our Memorial Day Flotilla, when we need enough room for 4-7 boats, I plan on Hen Rock. And after a long day training on bow and stern anchoring, we often spend our last night here on a single hook.
Phone: (949) 939 8123
Email: setsail@santanasailing.com
Mailing Address: 65 S Pine Ave Ste 114, Long Beach, CA 90802
Marina Address: 450 E Shoreline Dr, Long Beach, CA 90802