Two Sides of Catalina

For many Catalina veterans, paradise is the twin bays and crystal-clear waters of Two Harbors and Cat Harbor. Separated by an isthmus a half mile wide, these picturesque anchorages represent two sides of Catalina’s west end.

Two Harbors is one of the most popular destinations for SoCal boaters. The surrounding shoreline comprises the main harbor and many protected coves. The Dive & Recreation Center has everything you’ll need to enjoy hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, fishing, snorkeling, and world-class scuba diving. Dining options include Harbor Reef Restaurant, with waterfront dining on the deck, or at your beachside palapa, and Harbor Sands offers signature food and drinks. Be sure to check island activity calendars for special music, athletic, and cultural events.

Catalina Harbor, or as longtime residents call it “Cat Harbor,” is the island’s most protected anchorage. The boat trip around Catalina’s west end takes you along a wild and jagged coastline, punctuated by crashing waves and shafts of light penetrating the morning marine layer. Contrasting deep blue waters and high outcrops of iron rich red volcanic hillsides frame the entrance to the bay. While it is just a short walk from its neighbor, Two Harbors, this picturesque setting can feel a world removed.

The west end of Catalina offers over 700 moorings and anchorages in more than a dozen different locations, including Isthmus, Fourth of July, Cherry Coves, Emerald Bay, Howland’s Landing, Little Geiger, White’s Landing, Moonstone, Hen Rock, Buttonshell, Catalina Harbor and Wells Beach. Mooring reservations are available starting at 8:00 pm each Thursday evening for the upcoming weekend. The Harbor Department handles mooring and shore boat operations, as well as the fuel dock. You can learn more about Catalina and all it has to offer here, visitcatalinaisland.com.

Let Us Arrange Your Trip
Catalina is one of our all-time favorite destinations. 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. Our Captains and crew have a ton of local knowledge they would be happy to share with you and your guest.