Cruising From Alamitos Bay, Newport Beach to Beautiful Catalina Island

After three days of wind and choppy seas day four dawned revealing blue skies and perfect sea conditions. We moved Mai Tai to a nearby doc to empty our holding tanks and top off the water tank. A small, remote beach on the north side of Catalina is our target as we cruise to Catalina Island.

We set out to sea with perfect weather and sea conditions. Taking our time exploring anchorages and ports while waiting for better conditions paid off.

https://youtu.be/OSga038ocew

Santa Catalina Island

Catalina Island is about 35 miles from Newport Beach. It is 22 miles long and visible from the mainland on a clear day. The only town on the island is Avalon which is the primary destination and has the largest anchorage.

Arriving at Catalina Island Anchorage
Arriving at Catalina Island Anchorage

We wanted to experience the solitude afforded by this largely undeveloped popular vacation spot. The weather on the island is about the best southern California has to offer. The waters surrounding the island are among the clearest and cleanest anywhere. And, fishing is amazing.

We identified a small beach located on the northeast side in the middle of the island.

Catalina Anchorage
Catalina Anchorage

Our first anchorage on Catalina Island was just as we wanted. Isolated, private and empty of any other boats or people. It was the perfect spot to kick back and relax as we settled into life on the hook.

https://youtu.be/1DCioF5vLUE

This anchorage is located on Long Point. It is a beautiful little cove with a private beach. Water depth drops off quickly from the beach so anchoring close to the beach is possible.

This spot is exposed to surge and can become uncomfortable in windy conditions. We just happened to arrive on a day with perfect conditions.

Second Anchorage – White Cove

After spending the day in our little cove we decided to check out a more populated anchorage with a little more protection from wind and waves. White Cove was a short hop from where we were and looked as good as any. So off we went.

https://youtu.be/PLDQUUCbw6Y
White Cove Catalina Island

When we arrived there were only a few boats anchored here. The crowd grew as the labor day weekend approached. By the time the weekend arrived the anchorage was full and everyone was celebrating.

Practical Life Aboard While At Anchor

Operational considerations while away from the docks and all the amenities they provide, like water and electricity, necessitates strict conservation measures. Electrical power is limited by battery capacity and our ability to recharge. Fresh water is the most critical while in remote locations and strict rationing was implemented.

Mai Tai is equipped with a generator and 100 watt solar panel to assist in battery charging. During the sunny days at Catalina the solar panel kept our house battery bank topped up and ready for night use. During our five days here we never needed to start the generator.

Fresh water was our most urgent concern. Mai Tai is not equipped with a water maker so we had to make our 80 gallons last for at least five days. Luckily we were in a place where the water and weather were perfect for swimming. No showers necessary. We also carried 10 gallons of bottled water for drinking. By the time we arrived at our next port of call we had water to spare.

Fishing Catalina

I’ll be the first to admit that I am not a fisherman. But, fishing here at Catalina made me look like a pro. Granted, these are not trophy fish but it sure boosted my confidence.

Catalina Catch of the Day

Our visit here was everything we hoped it would be. Independence, freedom, self sufficiency and a beautiful setting all wrapped into one memorable experience. We’ll be visiting this paradise again.

As this leg of our journey winds down we prepare to cross back to the mainland.

Join us at the beginning of our journey by clicking here.