Santa Catalina Island—or Catalina to those in the know—is one of California's best-unkept secrets. It's a hidden gem in plain sight. Day-trippers, cruise lines, vacationers, and A-listers alike have flocked to this small-town island paradise for decades to take in all that it has to offer.

White sand beaches, crystal clear waters, and water sports abound for those interested in relaxing and having family-friendly fun. Fresh seafood, wine, and island-brewed beer and coffee entice foodies. And history buffs will find no shortage of entertainment on Catalina, where old Hollywood has left a deep imprint.

A relatively easy crossing, beautiful coves and Catalina’s many amenities have made this resort island the most popular recreational boating destination in Southern California. Thanks to the position of the island, Catalina offers several protected coves on its leeward side that are calm in all but the most severe weather. On the windward side of the island, Cat Harbor offers safe anchorage and a jumping off spot to explore Catalina’s ‘wild side.’

Grab a Mooring or Drop a Hook

There are hundreds of moorings in Avalon Harbor and dozens more in Descanso and Hamilton coves, all of which are overseen and managed by the Avalon Harbor Department. At Catalina’s West End, Two Harbors and its nearby boating areas offer hundreds more moorings, which are managed by Catalina Island Company. Several coves between the two Catalina boating destinations also offer moorings and protected anchorage areas.

Avalon—Quintessential Seaside Village
The main town of Avalon offers numerous hotels, restaurants, beaches, spa experiences, land and ocean adventures, a golf course and a host of recreational activities for visitors to enjoy. Crescent Ave. is the main street surrounding Avalon Bay. Known by locals as Front Street, this scenic walkway features architectural elements like the Serpentine Wall and Wrigley Fountain adorned with authentic Catalina tile. Many of the town’s beaches, shops, and restaurants are found along Crescent Ave. Avalon is also home to many points of island interest, including Descanso Beach Club, Catalina Island Museum, Wrigley Memorial & Botanical Gardens, Casino Point Dive Park, Lovers Cove Marine Preserve and the iconic Catalina Casino.

Outdoor Enthusiast Playground

Catalina is known for a variety of outdoor activities like camping, zip-lining, hiking, mountain biking and adventurous expeditions to see the famous American bison herd. The island’s pristine waters are a favorite destination for scuba and free diving, sport fishing, and paddle sports. Island waters in  summer and fall can be some of the most productive to see Blue whales , with California Grays whales making their migratory appearances from Mid-December to April.

Let Us Arrange Your Trip

Check in with our Concierge service before your departure and we’ll provision your boat for the trip and provide an itinerary for the best places and times to enjoy any activity. You can tap into local knowledge advice from your Captain and crew.

Travel Times
Catalina’s beautiful blue waters and mountainous landscapes make it an ideal destination for those looking to safely travel. The 27-mile transit to Avalon from Newport Beach Harbor will take about an hour in our Pardo and BRABUS models. The Sirena 58, running at a cruising speed of 15 knots will take just under 2 hours. Morning departures are generally greeted with smooth water and a nascent breeze.

We hope this brief look at Catalina Island helps you find a world of joy in your boating life.

Newport Beach to Avalon: 26 miles (30 nautical miles)
Newport Beach to Two Harbors: 32 miles (37 nautical miles)