Berthing and Anchoring on the Way South
Due to the ever-growing popularity of boating, it's been getting harder than ever to get a slip on coastal California. There just aren't a lot of marina slips available. This is particularly true for multihulls, as there are very few end-ties and they are in extremely high demand.
Fortunately, there are numerous anchoring and mooring opportunities, particularly in the northern part of Southern California. Here are some suggestions:
Cojo Anchorage — Just around Pt. Conception, it's beautiful, unspoiled and free. Good surfing, too.
Santa Barbara Harbor — This big harbor in one of the most beautiful cities in California often has space, particularly on weekends. But it's on a first-come, first-served basis, and they do not take reservations. The last time we checked, the first 14 days were $1.00 per foot per night, plus $7 (non-refundable) for a key card. The second 14 days were $2.00 per foot per night. You can call (805) 564-5531 or (805) 564-5530 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. for availability. The Santa Barbara YC has a single end-tie with a one-day limit. It's a long shot to get it, and you have to pay.
Santa Barbara is a lovely city, so you don’t want to miss it. The harbor entrance requires a nearly 180-degree turn, and there is frequent shoaling. Enter slowly and carefully. In the dark, the background lights make seeing the navigation lights extremely difficult, so go even slower or call the Harbor Patrol on VHF 16 or 12 for assistance.
Up until about November you can anchor for no charge in the anchorage to the east of Stearn's Wharf. Check with the Harbor Master for details and where you can tie your dinghy.
Santa Cruz Island — There are many great places to anchor all over this beautiful island, but no stores or services — or internet unless you have Starlink. The anchoring isn't particularly difficult, and if you can anchor here you'll have no trouble in Mexico. The west end of the island is owned by the Nature Conservancy, and you'll need a permit to land and go more than a few feet inland. You don't need a permit to land on the east end. Dogs are never allowed anywhere on the island. The weather at the east end of the island is generally warmer and more pleasant than on the west end. If it’s dry and extremely clear, expect a Santa Ana to blow, during which time you don't want to be caught on the island's north side.
Ventura — The Commercial Marina will probably be packed because of squid season, so check out Ventura West Marina (805) 644-8266; and Ventura Isle Marina (805) 644-5858. Historically, the Ventura YC (805) 642-0426 has been very accommodating to Ha-Ha boats, but make arrangements in advance. This can be a tricky if not dangerous harbor to enter during big surf or at night. If you have a problem, the Harbor Patrol can help at (805) 642-8618 or via VHF 12 or 16.
Channel Islands (Oxnard) Harbor — Channel Islands Harbor has guest slips in two areas, allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Usually, they have quite a bit of space. For availability, go to the harbormaster's dock at the mouth of the harbor or call the Harbor Patrol 24/7 (805) 382-3007 or on VHF 12 or 16. Heads, showers, potable water, and shore power are available. In addition, there are a half-dozen private marinas, our favorites being Channel Islands Harbor Marina (805) 984-7780 and Vintage Marina (805) 984-3366. Both were huge supporters of the SoCal Ta-Ta, but availability may be lacking. The T-shaped breakwater entrance is safe, but be careful at night.
Paradise Park — This anchorage is around the corner from Pt. Dume, inside Santa Monica Bay, not far from where Jay Z and Beyonce dropped $200 million for a spread. They probably wouldn't mind if you climbed the cliff to come and say hello. There’s nothing there but a pier, an expensive restaurant, and waves for surfing. At times it can be rolly for monohulls, so think about a FlopStopper.
Marina del Rey — The L.A. Department of Beaches and Harbors has over 50 guest slips at Burton Chase Park. You can stay for seven days out of a 30-day period. It’s first-come, first-served. Call (310) 305-9595 for pricing. Usually, there is plenty of room from Sunday afternoon through Thursday night. There are also several yacht clubs and privately run marinas that might have space. Marina del Rey is close to LAX.
King Harbor (Redondo Beach) — There is no anchoring in King Harbor, but the last time we checked there were moorings available for transients. Call the Redondo Beach Marina at (310) 374-3481 during normal business hours or (310) 345-5676 during weekends for the latest info. Or on VHF 05. The folks at the King Harbor YC have a reciprocal transient dock — there is a charge — and have always been nice. But after winter storm damage, you need to check on the latest situation.
Catalina — There are tons of places to anchor for free at Catalina, and some folks even live on the hook year-round. Moorings are dear on a cruiser budget, at least until Nov. 1. Call Two Harbors (310) 510-4253 or VHF 09 for details, and at Avalon (310) 510-0535 VHF 12 & 16. Note that you cannot leave your boat on a mooring and fly home as the harbor patrol might need you to move your boat to another mooring. But if you’re buddy boating with some other folks who can take this responsibility, it might work out. If you’re starting your cruise and have plenty of time, Catalina is worth a lengthy visit, including Cat Harbor on the backside. If you anchor, it can be quite inexpensive compared to many coastal options.
Long Beach Shoreline Marina and Long Beach Alamitos Bay — These marinas may have some transient slips available. For reservations and information call (562) 570-4950.
Newport Beach — Call the City of Newport (949) 270-8159 VHF 19 for information on slips and moorings available for transients. Newport also has a free 72-hour anchorage, and several yacht clubs sometimes have guest slips or moorings. Newport is a great place for riding your bike and walking around. It’s a 30-minute Uber ride to John Wayne Airport and only 75 miles to San Diego.
Dana Point — Dana Point does have several transient slips, and they will take reservations at (949) 496-6137. As with all the places we’ve mentioned, you’ll have a much better chance of getting in on a Monday than on a Friday or Saturday when they frequently fill up. After Labor Day, you can stay up to 90 days. As in many other places, you have to come to the Harbormaster’s Dock and walk up to the office with boat identification and photo I.D. before you’ll be given a berth. Reservations are taken up to six months in advance.
It’s also possible to anchor inside the breakwaters for five days. Two anchorages are available. One at the east end of the harbor, near the bait barge. The second is in the west end adjacent to the Ocean Institute. These areas are managed by the Dana Point Harbor Patrol (949) 248-2222. You’re only supposed to leave your boat for provisioning, not for a weekend at Disneyland. It’s also possible to anchor with some protection outside the breakwater altogether, as it’s often quite calm along this part of the coast. But we'd confirm all these options with the Dana Point Harbor Patrol, as things often change.
Oceanside — This harbor frequently has open guest slips, but they mostly cater to smaller boats. They do take reservations in advance. Call (760) 435-4000 for information. The maximum stay is 30 days. The friendly folks at the Oceanside YC have a long dock. Call them at (760) 722-5751 for current berthing information.
The bottom line is that if you are starting your cruise and don’t have to commute back to the Bay Area or the Northwest, there are places to stay in Southern California before the start of the Ha-Ha, and lots of them are free. If you do want a slip or mooring, always look for it on a Sunday afternoon or Monday morning.
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