Southern California
Little Harbor (Catalina Island)
Holding: Good
Shelter: Fair
20 mooring buoys
Shore access
Anchorage California
About This Anchorage
Little Harbor on the windward southwest coast of Catalina Island is the island's most remote and scenic overnight stop — a crescent beach backed by rolling hills of native vegetation, with no crowds, no casino, and no curio shops. The Catalina Island Conservancy maintains the area as part of the protected interior. Bison roam the hillsides above (introduced in the 1920s for a film shoot and never removed). The approach requires rounding the island's west end and is best made in the morning before the afternoon westerly builds.
Highlights
- Remote and uncrowded — the antidote to busy Avalon
- Crescent beach backed by native chaparral and rolling hills
- Bison viewing — small herd roams the hillsides above the anchorage
- Hiking to the island's interior via the Trans-Catalina Trail
- Snorkelling at the rocky points — crystal clear water
- Catalina Conservancy campsite available ashore
Cautions & Notes
- SW and W swells wrap into the cove — can be rolly in northwest weather
- Approach via the west end in the morning before afternoon westerly builds
- Mooring buoys managed by Catalina Island Company — call ahead
- No supplies — fuel, water, and provisions at Avalon or Two Harbors