- Shelter
- NW, N, NE, W, E
- Seabed
- sand
- Anchoring
- Allowed
Anchorage on the south shore of Santa Cruz Island in Channel Islands National Park, off a broad sand beach.
- Beach
Guide
Approach and anchoring
A narrow cove giving shelter from north and west winds and swell, open to the south and east. The anchorage is tight enough that most boats lie to a bow and stern anchor. Holding is on sand. Santa Barbara Harbor is the nearest mainland refuge, 26 nm to the north.
Ashore
The beach is among the easiest landings on the island, with little surf, and gives access to inland hiking trails up Coches Prietos canyon. The land is owned by the Nature Conservancy: a permit is needed to go ashore, and dogs and fires are prohibited.
Key facts
- Type
- Anchorage
- Coordinates
- 33.96832, -119.70700 (33°58.10'N 119°42.42'W)
- Country
- United States
- Shelter
- Sheltered from north-west, north, north-east, west, east winds
- Seabed
- sand
- Anchoring
- Allowed
- Services
- Beach
- Updated
- July 7, 2026
Getting there
Coches Prietos lies at 33°58.10'N 119°42.42'W, that is 33.96832, -119.70700 in decimal degrees.
Boaters' reviews
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Write a reviewFrequently asked questions
Which winds is Coches Prietos sheltered from?
Coches Prietos is sheltered from north-west, north, north-east, west, east winds.
Can you anchor at Coches Prietos?
Yes, anchoring is allowed at Coches Prietos.
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