Skip to main content
Southern California

Bechers Bay, Santa Rosa Island

Holding: Good
Shelter: Fair
16 mooring buoys
Shore access
Anchorage California

About This Anchorage

The main anchorage on Santa Rosa Island — one of the most remote destinations in Channel Islands National Park. NPS mooring buoys, elk and Torrey pine forests ashore, and a ranger station. Strong northwest winds can make the anchorage untenable; good conditions reward with excellent isolation and wildlife.

Highlights

  • Resident elk herd visible from anchorage
  • Rare Torrey pine groves — one of only two native stands in the world
  • Very few visiting boats — genuine wilderness experience
  • Blue whale feeding grounds nearby in summer

Cautions & Notes

  • 50 nm from Santa Barbara — requires overnight commitment
  • Strong NW winds can develop quickly — anchorage can become untenable
  • Check NOAA forecast carefully; no nearby refuge if conditions deteriorate

Location

Bechers Bay, Santa Rosa Island

33.9897°N, 120.0819°W