Most of Catalina's most beloved anchorages sit on the island's leeward (east-facing) side, between Avalon and the harbors at Two Harbors. Protected from prevailing weather, these coves tend to offer calmer water, easier snorkeling entries, and dramatic canyon backdrops that glow at sunset.
Below are ten guest favorites we regularly consider when planning AURORA itineraries. Some are perfect for an early-morning swim while coffee brews on deck; others shine as golden-hour anchorages or quiet overnight moorings. Exact stops will depend on wind, swell, and mooring availability on the day of your charter.
Lover's Cove Marine Preserve
Just a short distance from Avalon, Lover's Cove is a protected marine area known for tame garibaldi, swaying kelp, and clear, jewel-toned water. It's an inviting first stop for fins and masks – a quick snorkel before easing back aboard for a slow cruise into town.
Descanso Bay & Beach Club
Tucked just beyond Avalon's Casino, Descanso Bay blends a classic beach club atmosphere with easy swimming water. Spend the afternoon between the cabanas and the sea, then tender back to AURORA for a sunset cocktail cruise past the Casino's glowing facade.
Hamilton Cove
A gated villa community just north of Avalon, Hamilton Cove feels like a Mediterranean hideaway. White villas climb the hillside, palms frame the shoreline, and small boats drift in front of the rocky pocket beach – a postcard scene to glide past on your way up-island.
Toyon Bay
A few miles northwest of Avalon, Toyon Bay sits in a private canyon with historic school buildings and a marine science camp tucked ashore. On calm days the water feels almost lake-like, making it a storybook setting for paddleboards, kayaks, and unhurried time at anchor.
White's Landing
Accessible only by boat, White's Landing opens to a long sandy beach, shallow entry, and a relaxed boat-in camp. It's a natural playground for families – easy swims, beach games, and space to wander barefoot along the waterline before returning to the yacht.
Moonstone Cove
Just up the coast from White's Landing, Moonstone offers clear water, moorings, and reliable snorkeling along the rocky shoreline. As evening falls, the cove settles into a hush – the kind of place where you linger on the upper deck, wrapped in a blanket, watching constellations sharpen overhead.
Hen Rock Cove
South of Long Point, Hen Rock is a favorite among divers thanks to its reefs, pinnacles, and dense kelp forests. Drop in for a guided snorkel or dive, then climb back aboard AURORA to warm up with a hot shower, fresh towels, and something comforting from the galley.
Buttonshell Cove
Buttonshell is a small pocket cove east of Two Harbors with just a handful of moorings and a cozy, enclosed feel. It's an intimate overnight choice – close enough to reach the isthmus by tender, yet quiet enough that the only sounds may be shore birds and gentle wake on the hull.
Rippers Cove
At the mouth of a steep canyon nicknamed the Valley of Ollas, Rippers Cove feels wild and remote. A narrow beach and simple boat-in campsite sit under towering hillsides, while the rocky points on either side invite exploratory snorkeling and quiet afternoons off the swim platform.
Emerald Bay
Further up the leeward coast past Two Harbors, Emerald Bay lives up to its name with luminous green-blue water and rich marine life. Spend the day exploring Indian Rock by tender, drifting over kelp forests, and swimming from the stern before settling in for a classic Catalina overnight aboard AURORA.
Imagine Your Day Along Catalina's East Side
Picture waking to glassy water in Emerald Bay, snorkeling beneath sunlit kelp at Hen Rock, then watching Avalon's harbor lights appear as evening settles in. Share the kind of day you're dreaming about, and we'll weave these coves into a charter that feels designed just for your guests.