Southern California
Emerald Bay, Catalina Island
Holding: Good
Shelter: Fair
18 mooring buoys
Shore access
Anchorage California
About This Anchorage
A narrow northwest-facing cove on Catalina's back side with mooring buoys, remarkable turquoise water, and genuine remoteness. No facilities ashore beyond a scout camp — one of the quietest spots on the island. Best visited in settled summer conditions.
Highlights
- Stunning turquoise water — the name is accurate
- Very few boats compared to Avalon or Two Harbors
- Boy Scout camp and Camp Emerald Bay on shore
- Good snorkelling in the kelp along the cove walls
Cautions & Notes
- Exposed to northwest swell — can be uncomfortable in large swell events
- No fuel, water, or provisions ashore
- Access only by boat or a long hike from Two Harbors