Experience Mooring on Catalina Island

For adventurous skippers in Southern California, Catalina Island stands out as one of the most accessible and enjoyable cruising destinations. While some may dream of more distant voyages to places like La Paz or the Sea of Cortez, for the majority, Catalina offers the perfect getaway, conveniently located just across the channel.

For those contemplating a first-time voyage to Catalina, here's a breakdown of distances from various Southern California harbors to Avalon and Two Harbors, the two main destinations on the island’s leeward side.

Distances from Southern California to Catalina Island:

• Dana Point to Avalon: 33 miles (38 nautical miles)
• Dana Point to Two Harbors: 38 miles (44 nautical miles)
• Newport Beach to Avalon: 26 miles (30 nautical miles)
• Newport Beach to Two Harbors: 32 miles (37 nautical miles)
• Huntington Harbor to Avalon: 25 miles (29 nautical miles)
• Huntington Harbor to Two Harbors: 27 miles (31 nautical miles)
• LA Harbor to Avalon: 25 miles (29 nautical miles)
• LA Harbor to Two Harbors: 22 miles (25 nautical miles)
• Marina del Rey to Avalon: 38 miles (44 nautical miles)
• Marina del Rey to Two Harbors: 31 miles (36 nautical miles)
• Mission Bay to Oceanside: 31 miles (27 nautical miles)
• Oceanside to Dana Point: 25 miles (22 nautical miles)
• Dana Point to Avalon: 38 miles (33 nautical miles)
• Dana Point to Two Harbors: 44 miles (38 nautical miles)
• Mission Bay to Avalon: 73 miles (63 nautical miles)
• Mission Bay to Two Harbors: 87 miles (76 nautical miles)
• Oceanside to Avalon: 52 miles (45 nautical miles)

For course settings, boaters can view the course settings page.

Mooring and Anchoring on Catalina

Once arriving on Catalina Island, boaters have several options for mooring or anchoring. Avalon and Two Harbors offer secure mooring balls, which can be reserved or obtained on a first-come, first-served basis. Alternatively, skippers can explore the many scenic bays along the leeward coast of the island. If the weather and sea conditions are calm to moderate, anchoring can be a pleasant experience. However, if the Pacific Ocean becomes choppy, staying in the more protected waters of Avalon or Two Harbors is advisable.

For those planning to moor in Two Harbors, an online reservation system is available, allowing boaters to book a mooring ball one week in advance. Here’s how the mooring system works:

• Availability is loaded every Thursday at 8 PM for the coming weekend and remains open until Monday.
• A $25 booking fee applies to all moorings during regular weekends, and additional fees may apply during holiday weekends, including Memorial Day, 4th of July, and Labor Day.
• A 2-night minimum stay is required on regular weekends, while holiday weekends require a 3-night minimum stay.
• The Harbor Department can extend stays after check-in, and the reservation system guarantees a mooring within a specific cove.
• Reservations are non-refundable, and the Harbor Department reserves the right to reassign moorings if necessary.

For mooring reservations in Avalon, Descanso, or Hamilton Cove, boaters must contact the Avalon Harbor Department directly, as Two Harbors’ reservation system does not apply to these areas.

Whether mooring in Two Harbors or dropping anchor in one of the island’s many tranquil coves, a trip to Catalina promises an unforgettable experience. With the right preparation and planning, the journey to this beloved island is well within reach for any boater looking to explore the Pacific waters.  View mooring information.