Are you considering sailing to Catalina Island from Marina Del Rey? I have experienced multiple times over the years sailing from Marina Del Rey to different parts of Catalina Island. Santa Catalina, one of California’s Channel Islands, lies southwest of Los Angeles. It’s known for its wildlife, dive sites and Mt. Orizaba, its highest peak. The resort town of Two Harbors lies to the north. To the south, in the city of Avalon, palm trees and cabanas line Descanso Beach. Avalon’s circular, art deco Catalina Casino is a cultural center with a movie theater, ballroom and museum.
How long does it take you to sail?
Hah! This depends on the wind and if you want to motor sail meaning that you have the sail up and run your engine all the way to the island.
My Average time from Marina Del Rey to Emerald Bay is about 6 hours and I was motor sailing most of the way due to the lack of wind.
Average Wind Speed: 4-6 knots
Average Sailing Speed (engine running): 4-5 knots
Weather Condition: No Rain
Distance: 32.58 miles
Duration: 6.5 hours
Boat: 2022 Beneteau 30
Distance from Marina Del Rey to Catalina Island
| Destination in Nautical Miles (1nm = 1.5 land miles) | nm |
| Marina Del Rey to Emerald Bay | 32 |
| Marina Del Rey to Two Harbors (Isthmus Cove) | 35 |
| Marina Del Rey to Cat Harbor | 45 |
| Marina Del Rey to Avalon | 45 |
What do you see along the way?
You get to see a ton of blue water and lots of it! Just kidding.. and true.. However, you will get to see all sorts of wildlife from seals, sea lions, whales, dolphins, pelicans, and a lot more.
Upon Arrival at Catalina Island
Upon arrival at Emerald Bay, I had the option to either anchor or use the paid mooring and I decided to use the mooring so that I could swim close to the shore.
You have couple of option with either registering for the mooring ahead of time or radio call the harbor on channel 9 or even call on the cell phone.
Mooring Information
Contact Information
Call on Radio VHF 9 or (310) 510-4253 or (310) 510-4254
Cost
$73 per night for 42 feet Catamaran and we will need two nights.
$60 per night for 30 feet monohaul
Checkout Time is 9am.
Mooring Guide
https://www.visitcatalinaisland.com/things-to-do/two-harbors/boating/mooring-sites/
Mooring Map of Emerald Bay
I would prefer to get Mooring R15 or R16 or C5
Mooring Map of Isthmus Cove (Two Harbors)
Mooring Map of Avalon
