- Shelter
- W, SW, S
- Seabed
- sand
- Anchoring
- Allowed
Mooring field and anchorage on the east end of Santa Catalina Island, California, immediately north-west of Avalon Harbour.
- Mooring buoys
- Beach
Guide
Approach and anchoring
Open to winds from W through S. Approach from seaward off the Avalon shore. The bay holds 47 numbered moorings, assigned first-come, first-served by the Avalon Harbour Department on VHF channel 12. Anchoring is possible outside the mooring field over sand with good holding, though the bay rolls with the wash from Avalon boat traffic.
Practical
Moorings are managed by the City of Avalon. Water and shoreside services are reached in Avalon Harbour. The anchorage is reserved for yachts and small craft.
Ashore
No beach landings are permitted in the bay, but dinghy docks give access to Avalon a short row away. The town has shops, restaurants and the Catalina Casino building on the north shore of Avalon Bay.
Key facts
- Type
- Anchorage
- Coordinates
- 33.35067, -118.32663 (33°21.04'N 118°19.60'W)
- Country
- United States
- Shelter
- Sheltered from west, south-west, south winds
- Seabed
- sand
- Anchoring
- Allowed
- Fees
- Paid
- Services
- Mooring buoys, Beach
- Boaters' rating
- 4.5/5
- Updated
- July 7, 2026
Getting there
Descanso Bay lies at 33°21.04'N 118°19.60'W, that is 33.35067, -118.32663 in decimal degrees.
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Write a reviewFrequently asked questions
Which winds is Descanso Bay sheltered from?
Descanso Bay is sheltered from west, south-west, south winds.
Can you anchor at Descanso Bay?
Yes, anchoring is allowed at Descanso Bay.
How do boaters rate Descanso Bay?
Descanso Bay is rated 4.5/5 by boaters on BoatMap.
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