- Shelter
- NW, N, NE, W, E
- Seabed
- sand
- Anchoring
- Allowed
Small cove between Avila Beach and Shell Beach on the central California coast, used as an open anchorage off Pirate's Cove Beach.
- Beach
Guide
Approach and anchoring
Approach from seaward inside San Luis Obispo Bay. The cove sits below sandstone cliffs at Cave Landing, with a sand bottom. It is open to swell from the south and south-west and gives shelter only in settled weather with wind from the northern half of the compass. Port San Luis lies a short run to the north-west.
Ashore
A footpath climbs from Cave Landing to the clifftop, with sea caves along the way. Pirate's Cove Beach below is clothing-optional and has no facilities, so carry out all rubbish. Avila Beach village, with shops and restaurants, is about 3 km by road.
History
The cove takes its name from the Prohibition years, when rum-runners landed liquor on its sheltered shore before moving it inland to Port San Luis.
Key facts
- Type
- Anchorage
- Coordinates
- 35.17525, -120.71509 (35°10.52'N 120°42.91'W)
- Country
- United States
- Shelter
- Sheltered from north-west, north, north-east, west, east winds
- Seabed
- sand
- Anchoring
- Allowed
- Services
- Beach
- Boaters' rating
- 2.5/5
- Updated
- July 7, 2026
Getting there
Pirates Cove lies at 35°10.52'N 120°42.91'W, that is 35.17525, -120.71509 in decimal degrees.
Boaters' reviews
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Write a reviewFrequently asked questions
Which winds is Pirates Cove sheltered from?
Pirates Cove is sheltered from north-west, north, north-east, west, east winds.
Can you anchor at Pirates Cove?
Yes, anchoring is allowed at Pirates Cove.
How do boaters rate Pirates Cove?
Pirates Cove is rated 2.5/5 by boaters on BoatMap.
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