Harbor guide
Two Harbors, Catalina Island (Isthmus Cove & Cat Harbor)
Two Harbors, Los Angeles County, CA
Overview
Two Harbors sits on the narrow isthmus that nearly splits Catalina in two, about a quarter mile from sea to sea. Isthmus Cove on the north side is the main boating hub, second only to Avalon in boating activity on the island, with 242 moorings, anchorage for well over 100 more vessels, the ferry dock and the Harbor Department base. Catalina Harbor, known as Cat Harbor, is on the south side and has 96 moorings and anchorage for over 200 boats. Moorings across the Two Harbors area are operated by the Catalina Island Company.
Moorings and reservations
The system has over 700 moorings in more than a dozen sites. Moorings can be reserved online, and the availability for the coming weekend loads on Thursdays. Regular weekends carry a two-night minimum and holiday weekends three nights. Reservations are non-refundable and don't guarantee a specific cove. Unreserved moorings are first-come, first-served when the lessee isn't using them, and check-out is 9 a.m. Fees depend on boat size and length of stay, so use the operator's fee page for current rates. Call the Harbor Patrol on VHF 9 or (310) 510-4254.
The coves
Besides Isthmus Cove and Cat Harbor, the system includes Fourth of July Cove (42 moorings), Cherry Cove (about 100), Emerald Bay (102), Howland's Landing (40), Little Geiger, White's Landing, Moonstone, Hen Rock, Buttonshell and Wells Beach. Cat Harbor is funnel-shaped and open to the south, with good shelter in all but southerly weather. Pin Rock lies close inside the eastern head of the harbor and the head shoals, so watch the kelp-marked depth curve.
Fuel, pump-out and shore boat
The fuel dock sells gas, diesel and water year-round, and propane is available onshore. Pump-out is available in Cat Harbor and at the Isthmus main float; Cat Harbor's is free. The shoreboat runs from 7 AM to 2 AM in summer and 8 AM to 5 PM in winter. Hail it on VHF 9.
Rules that matter
The moorings are a 5 mph no-wake zone. Quiet hours run 10 pm to 7 am. Sewage discharge is strictly prohibited, and anchoring is only permitted 100 yards outside the mooring areas, with a 14-day limit.
Getting there & access
Isthmus Cove
The main mooring field on the north side, with the ferry dock and the Harbor Department. The pier has about 12 feet of depth and the fuel dock is on the east side of the pier. Call the harbor master on VHF 9 or (310) 510-4254.
Cat Harbor
On the south side, protected by Ballast Point and open to the south, so it's exposed in southerly weather. Anchorage is in 4 to 5 fathoms on a soft bottom, and Pin Rock lies close inside the east head. There's a public dinghy dock, and a short flat walk to the village.
Reserving a mooring
Book online. Weekend availability loads Thursdays. Reservations are non-refundable and don't guarantee a particular cove. Reserve a night with the Harbor Department at (310) 510-4253 or moorings@scico.com.
Shoreboat and dinghies
Hail the shoreboat by VHF 9, horn or flashlight, or call (310) 510-4254. The dinghy dock takes boats up to 14 feet with a 72-hour limit.
Anchoring
Anchoring is prohibited between moorings and within 100 yards of the mooring fields. Anchored vessels may not exceed 14 days. Cat Harbor allows anchoring in the northern back bay.
Amenities
- Moorings — 700+ across Isthmus, Cat Harbor, Cherry Cove, Emerald Bay, Fourth of July, Howland's, Moonstone and more
- Fuel dock — Gas, diesel and water year-round; propane onshore
- Pump-out — Isthmus main float and Cat Harbor (free)
- Shoreboat — Hail on VHF 9; summer hours 7 AM to 2 AM
- Dinghy docks — Boats to 14 ft; public dinghy dock at Cat Harbor
- Outboard shop — (310) 510-4212
- Trash and recycling — Dumpsters east of the village behind the restrooms
- Village services — Convenience store, ice, laundry, showers and campsites
Rules & official resources
- The Two Harbors area is a 5 mph no-wake zone
- Quiet hours 10 pm to 7 am in moorings, anchorages and harbor areas
- Discharge of black water is strictly prohibited and boats are subject to dye testing
- Length of stay in a leased cove parcel may not exceed 14 days
- Reservations are non-refundable and don't guarantee a mooring in a specific cove
- Anchoring is prohibited between moorings, in fairways and within 100 yards of designated mooring fields
- California Boater Card required for all operators of motorized vessels, regardless of age, since January 1, 2025
Common boat service needs here
Outboard and mechanical service
Two Harbors has an outboard shop and limited repairs, but no major repair work is allowed in the mooring areas, so owners arrive with engines serviced.
Find Marine Mechanics & Engine Service providers →Hull cleaning
Boats left on moorings for stays up to 14 days in warm water collect growth.
Find Bottom Cleaning, Hull Cleaning & Dive Services providers →Electrical and anchor gear
Cat Harbor and the cove moorings are exposed to southerly weather, so reliable batteries, bilge pumps and anchor lights matter.
Find Marine Electrical & Electronics providers →Canvas and sun protection
Long weekends on a mooring in full sun are hard on canvas, Biminis and cushions.
Find Canvas, Covers & Upholstery providers →Delivery and crossings
Owners without the time or experience for the 25-nautical-mile crossing from Los Angeles Harbor often hire delivery.
Find Yacht Management & Concierge providers →Guides & FAQs
Nearby providers
No providers listed near this location yet — check back soon.