Catalina Island by
Private Yacht

Catalina Island sits just 22 miles off the coast of Los Angeles, but by private yacht it feels a world away from the mainland. Clear turquoise water, kelp forests, rugged hills, and a tiny Mediterranean-style town are all within a 60-to-90-minute crossing from Marina del Rey. While the Catalina Express ferry delivers more than a million visitors to Avalon every year, those who arrive by private yacht have a completely different experience — access to quiet coves, more time on the water, and the freedom to set their own pace.

This guide walks through everything you need to plan a Catalina yacht trip: where to anchor, what to do on the island, the crossing itself, and how to pick the right vessel for your group.

The Crossing: What to Expect

The run from Marina del Rey to Avalon is approximately 28 nautical miles and takes 60 to 90 minutes on most charter yachts depending on sea state. Long Beach to Avalon is slightly shorter at around 22 nautical miles. Morning crossings are typically calmer, as the afternoon wind (the classic Southern California onshore breeze) picks up after noon. If seasickness is a concern for anyone in your group, a morning departure is the safest bet.

The crossing itself is frequently spectacular. Dolphin pods regularly run alongside charter yachts, and it is common to see flying fish, sea lions, and seasonally — December through April — gray whales making their migration along the coast. Once you are about halfway across, the water color begins to shift from the greenish tint of the mainland coast to deep, clear blue. The first glimpse of Catalina's hills rising from the horizon is genuinely memorable.

Avalon: The Only Town on the Island

Avalon is the island's only incorporated town, home to about 4,000 year-round residents and the hub of nearly all tourist activity. The harbor is small, picturesque, and defined by the iconic circular Casino building at its north end — not a gambling casino, but a historic 1929 ballroom and movie theater that still operates today.

Anchoring in Avalon: Avalon has roughly 400 mooring balls managed by the Harbor Department. Private yachts can reserve moorings in advance, especially important during peak summer weekends. There is no anchoring inside the harbor itself — you must be on a mooring. For charter guests, your captain handles the reservation and mooring process. A harbor shoreboat takes you the short trip from the yacht to the pier.

What to do in Avalon: Walk the waterfront, grab buffalo milk cocktails at Luau Larry's, rent a golf cart to explore the town (cars are limited on the island), snorkel in Lover's Cove (a protected marine reserve with exceptional visibility), or take the Casino Ballroom tour. For the more adventurous, the zip-line course above town is legitimately thrilling and offers sweeping views of the harbor.

Where to eat: Bluewater Grill for waterfront seafood, Steve's Steakhouse for a classic island dinner, The Lobster Trap for a casual local vibe, and the iconic Avalon Grille on the beachfront. Most yacht charters will time a stop in Avalon to include lunch ashore.

Two Harbors: Quieter, Wilder, Better

If you want to experience Catalina the way it was before the Casino was built, head to Two Harbors on the western isthmus of the island. This tiny settlement of around 300 residents has one restaurant, one general store, a single campground, and some of the best protected anchorages in Southern California. It is a 15-nautical-mile run up the coast from Avalon, or roughly 30 nautical miles direct from Marina del Rey.

Isthmus Cove: The main anchorage on the north side of the isthmus, protected from the prevailing wind. Mooring balls are available, and the holding ground is excellent if you are anchoring. The water is crystal clear — visibility of 40 feet or more is common — with a sandy bottom and scattered kelp beds.

Catalina Harbor: On the south side of the isthmus, Cat Harbor is essentially a fjord — a narrow, deep, protected bay that stays calm even when the outside waters are rough. This is the preferred overnight anchorage for yachts during summer when the afternoon winds kick up on the east side of the island.

What to do at Two Harbors: Kayak between the two bays, snorkel the kelp forests where leopard sharks and garibaldi (California's bright orange state fish) are reliably sighted, paddleboard in the glass-calm morning water, or hike to the top of the isthmus for panoramic views of both bays. The Harbor Reef Restaurant is the one dining option ashore, and it serves surprisingly good food in a setting that feels like a Pacific version of a Maine fishing village.

Other Anchorages Worth Knowing

Beyond Avalon and Two Harbors, Catalina has a string of smaller coves along its coastline, each with its own character.

• Emerald Bay: A Boy Scouts camp in a beautiful protected cove on the island's northwest end. The bay's clear water and kelp beds make it a top snorkeling stop.
• Little Harbor: On the seldom-visited back side of the island, Little Harbor is remote, rugged, and often deserted. Accessible only by boat or a long hike.
• Shark Harbor: Despite the intimidating name, this is a quiet cove next to Little Harbor that sees almost no traffic.
• Ship Rock: A massive rock formation off the island's northwest tip that attracts large marine life. Popular for diving and snorkeling charters.

Day Trip vs. Overnight

You can experience Catalina in a full day, but an overnight trip is markedly better if you have the time.

Day trip (8 – 10 hours): Depart Marina del Rey at 9 a.m., anchor in Avalon for 3 to 4 hours, swim or snorkel, have lunch ashore, and head back in the late afternoon. This format covers the essentials and works well for clients who want the Catalina experience without committing a weekend.

Overnight trip (1 – 2 nights): Depart Friday afternoon, anchor in Two Harbors for the night, swim and explore on Saturday, move to Avalon for lunch and an afternoon ashore, then cruise back Sunday. An overnight lets you experience the island at dawn and dusk when the mooring field is quiet and the light is at its best — genuinely the most memorable hours.

Best Vessel for Catalina

The right yacht depends on whether you are doing a day trip or overnight.

• 40−60 ft motor yacht: Ideal for day trips with up to 12 guests. Spacious enough for comfortable lounging, small enough to anchor in tight coves. Popular choice for birthdays, corporate entertainment, and first-time Catalina trips.
• 60−90 ft motor yacht: The sweet spot for overnight trips. Multiple staterooms, full galley, and a platform stable enough for the occasional rougher crossing. Comfortable for groups of 8 to 12 for multi-day itineraries.
• 90+ ft motor yacht: For larger groups or clients who want heavy-jet-level amenities. These vessels usually include full crew, professional chef, and water toys like jet skis, Seabobs, and inflatable slides.

Stabilizers matter for the crossing, particularly if anyone in the group is prone to motion sickness or you are going on a day with forecasted wind.

When to Go

Catalina is a year-round destination, but the experience changes noticeably with the season.

May – October: Peak season. Water temperatures in the mid-60s to low-70s, warm sunny days, lively town, and ideal conditions for swimming and snorkeling. Moorings book up on weekends.

November – April: Off-season. Cooler air and water, fewer crowds, lower mooring availability issues, and gray whale migration. Restaurants and some activities keep reduced hours. Perfect for clients who want solitude and dramatic weather over warm swimming conditions.

Typical Pricing

A day charter to Catalina on a 50-foot motor yacht typically runs $5,500 to $9,000 all-in for up to 12 guests, including captain, crew, fuel, and complimentary beverages. Overnight charters on an 80-foot yacht with professional crew start around $15,000 per night and scale up based on vessel size and service level. Custom catering, water toys, and ashore activities are quoted separately.