California Anchorages
12 anchorages — depth, holding, shelter and shore access.
Avalon Harbor, Catalina Island
Southern California
The main port of Catalina Island and Southern California's most beloved overnight anchorage — 350 mooring buoys managed by the Catalina Island Company, a waterfront casino ballroom, Descanso Beach Club, and the best snorkelling on the California coast. Pick up a yellow buoy and take the water taxi ashore.
Ayala Cove, Angel Island
San Francisco Bay
Ayala Cove on Angel Island is the most popular overnight anchorage in San Francisco Bay — a well-protected indent on the island's northwest shore with room for 50–60 boats on mooring buoys managed by California State Parks. The island is car-free; hiking and cycling trails ring the perimeter with uninterrupted views of the Golden Gate, Bay Bridge, and Marin Headlands. Water taxis run to Tiburon and San Francisco. Juan Manuel de Ayala anchored here in 1775 on the first European survey of the bay.
Isthmus Cove (Two Harbors), Catalina Island
Southern California
The main anchorage at Two Harbors, the quiet side of Catalina Island. Well-protected mooring field with full services ashore — the Harbor Reef Restaurant, dive shop, and general store. Preferred by experienced cruisers over busy Avalon. Good diving at nearby Ship Rock.
Pelican Bay, Santa Cruz Island
Channel Islands
Pelican Bay on the north shore of Santa Cruz Island is the premier anchorage in Channel Islands National Park — a horseshoe cove of deep blue water backed by steep volcanic cliffs, with a sandy beach and sea cave system accessible by kayak or dinghy. The island is the largest of the eight Channel Islands and one of the most biologically rich places in California; island foxes, endemic scrub-jays, and nesting bald eagles are common ashore. The National Park Service maintains the anchorage with visitor moorings, and the dive conditions in the kelp beds are exceptional.
Scorpion Anchorage, Santa Cruz Island
Southern California
The largest and most accessible anchorage in Channel Islands National Park. NPS mooring buoys, camping ashore, a ranger station, and excellent kayaking into the famous sea caves on the north coast. The best starting point for first-time Channel Islands visitors.
Bechers Bay, Santa Rosa Island
Southern California
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.
Emerald Bay, Catalina Island
Southern California
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.
Fry's Harbor — Santa Cruz Island
Channel Islands
One of the best-protected anchorages in Channel Islands National Park, Fry's Harbor sits on the north side of Santa Cruz Island — a sheer-cliffed sea cave at the anchorage entrance, clear water for snorkeling and diving, and reliable protection from NW swell behind a rocky headland. Nearest launch point is Channel Islands Harbor, Ventura, or Santa Barbara (30–40 nm). Part of Channel Islands National Park; no facilities ashore.
Little Harbor (Catalina Island)
Southern California
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.
Prisoner's Harbor, Santa Cruz Island
Channel Islands
Prisoner's Harbor on the north-central coast of Santa Cruz Island is the quieter, less-visited alternative to Pelican Bay — a wider, more open cove with better holding in sand and excellent protection from northwest swells. The Nature Conservancy manages the western 76% of the island; their landing dock here gives access to superb hiking through the central valley's oak woodland and native chaparral. This is the closest anchorage to the island's interior and the best staging point for multi-day hiking permits.
Richardson Bay, Sausalito
San Francisco Bay
A broad, sheltered bay off Sausalito just inside the Golden Gate, famous for its houseboat community and stunning views of Tiburon and the Marin hills. Anchor in the deeper water south of the houseboat anchorage; holding is good in mud. San Francisco city lights from the cockpit at night.
Smugglers Cove, Catalina Island
Southern California
A remote, beautiful anchorage on Catalina's east end with mooring buoys, crystal-clear water, and dramatic cliffs. Far fewer boats than Avalon or Two Harbors, with excellent snorkelling, kayaking, and hiking through preserved ranch land. No facilities ashore.