Where should I overnight on Catalina Island?

[JamesJ]

Hi all,

I've done many day trips to Catalina in the past so I'm familiar with the mooring procedures at Avalon & Isthmus Cove.

But I'm planning to stay overnight on my boat for the first time there on my next trip.

I'm thinking of staying in Isthmus but I've heard the wind can pick up there at night? Which area would you recommend for the best nights sleep?
Obviously it depends on conditions but it'd be great to hear opinions from people who have slept there before.

I'll pay for a mooring as I don't want deal with anchoring.

26' Cabin Cruiser if it makes any difference.

Many thanks...

[donradcliffe]

All moorings are OK unless the mainland mountains are sharp and clear. If so, the only safe harbor from the Santa Ana winds is the back side of the isthmus.

[Pauls]

To add to what Don mentioned above, at night if the sky is very clear and the stars are twinkling then you can expect a Santa Ana. You do NOT want to be anchored or moored in any cove on the mainland side of Catalina during a Santa Ana. Either head out to sea or move around to the back side (ocean side) of the island.

[JamesJ]

Understood. I'm familiar with the Santa Ana winds and wouldn't be going there if they were forecasted.

[Giro]

Have docked many times on the west side of the isthmus. It has always been in the spring or summer of the year and have never experienced too much weather.
If you are planning a winter venture, I would ask more than one source to be on the safe side.
Santa Catalina is much like a mini Capri, so I highly recommend it!

[botanybay]

When the weather is nice I really love Cherry Cove.

I am normally in Emerald Bay but often flopper stoppers are helpful

[IRENE]

We spent nearly a week in Catalina Harbor and enjoyed it. I think it was 2 days anchored and 4 or 5 days on an expensive mooring. It was easy to rest, quiet, pleasant. Quick walk over to the busier side if necessary. Enjoy.

[botanybay]

Winter rates are great! Pay for 2 nights get week for free.

Or pay for 55 nights get 310 for free�� the waiting list for that deal is huge

[Bowdrie]

Originally Posted by botanybay

When the weather is nice I really love Cherry Cove.

Gotta agree with you.
Others have mentioned the "clear/twinkling nights", and in the day when you see a brown haze moving over the mainland you know you better be prepared to move out.
The Santana winds are not to be trifled with.

[Don C L]

When are you going? Many years ago I stayed at Howland's Landing (Just up from the isthmus) and I seem to recall some wind at night but nothing to write home about. It was in spring and spring can be windy. Avalon is a safe bet and maybe a good one for your first overnight. Sorry I know that's not much help.

[marlin driver]

First time overnight, you can’t go wrong with Avalon. It is the most protected in anything but Santa Anas, and you can get dinner there and walk around. We tend to favor Avalon in the winter (no crowds) and the Isthmus in the summer.

It is a long way around to Cat Harbor and it is a ghost town in the winter. If you stay in Isthmus Harbor, just ask the harbor guys for a protected spot when you radio them for a mooring assignment. There is lots of room in the winter and they will likely give you a tucked in spot on the west part of the mooring field. The wind can blow through the low spot of the Isthmus like a bit of a wind tunnel but usually not really a problem. You can easily get a more sheltered spot by asking and be out of that wind.

Cherry Cove and 4th of July cove are sheltered but farther away from the pier etc and can feel a little remote in the off season. Depends on what you llke but it is hard to go too far wrong.

[nonav]

I’ve stayed over night there in the west side at Twin Harbors.

It was well protected, and the diving was not bad.

[Shoyrtt]

We try to do 15 to 20 weekends a year in Catalina. As others suggested, Cherry Cove is incredible. When you are just outside of the mooring field, there is a large USCG buoy between Cherry Cove and 4th of July Cove that the harbor department wants you to stage at. Call in on the radio that you are looking for a mooring there. Our favorite spots are on the A or B rows, close to dog beach and the "Lions Head". The rock offers some protection if it is windy.

We also love Avalon. I try if possible to pick up a mooring close to the Casino. It is easy to get to the dinghy dock next to the Casino and we found it was a bit more sheltered from the wind and any swell.