Avalon Harbor, Catalina Island

Avalon Harbor is the main boating destination on Santa Catalina Island and the heart of the island's only incorporated city. It is run by the City of Avalon Harbor Department, which assigns the harbor's moorings from patrol boats at the entrance. The harbor office is at 22 Pleasure Pier and answers at (310) 510-0535. Avalon is a no-discharge area, and a seasonal pump-out boat and a free pump-out float keep tanks clean.

Moorings, not slips

Boats stay on moorings in the harbor rather than at marina slips. The state boating agency lists 282 mooring spaces in the harbor, and the wider Avalon area, including Descanso Bay and Hamilton Cove, has over 360 mooring sites. Moorings are assigned first-come, first-served, and the availability is determined by harbor patrol officers at peak times. Advance reservations aren't available to the general public; mooring owners can reserve through an online portal. On arrival, stand by the harbor entrance and wait for assignment from a patrol boat. Fees depend on boat length and are published by the City on its mooring fees page, so check there for current rates.

Calling the harbor

The Harbor Department monitors VHF 12 and 16, and the phone line is staffed around the clock. The Avalon Shoreboat takes you between your mooring and town on VHF 9 or at (310) 363-3935, and charges per person. Divers and repair services listed by the City monitor VHF 12.

Anchoring

There is a designated anchorage outside the breakwater, west of the Casino building and at least 300 feet from the moorings. It is in deep water, isn't patrolled and is used at your own risk.

Fuel, pump-out and services

Dion & Sons runs the fuel dock and store, (310) 510-0046, with gas and diesel. The City's pump-out float on the west side near the Casino is free, and a seasonal mobile pump-out boat can be reached on VHF 68. Public showers sit along the Casino walkway across from the Tuna Club. Speed limit in mooring areas is 5 mph, and generators must be off at 10 pm.