- Shelter
- SE, S, SW, W
- Seabed
- algae
- Anchoring
- Allowed
Anchorage on Santa Cruz Island, the largest of the California Channel Islands, about 23 NM offshore from Santa Barbara.
- Beach
Guide
Approach and anchoring
Sheltered from the south-east through west, exposed to the prevailing north-westerly. Holding is poor over a weed bottom, so set the anchor with care and check it has bitten before settling.
Practical
No facilities on the island. The nearest port is Santa Barbara Harbor, 22.9 NM to the north on the mainland, with the Santa Barbara Yacht Club just inshore of it. Carry all fuel, water and provisions for the crossing.
Ashore
Santa Cruz Island lies within Channel Islands National Park and the surrounding national marine sanctuary. The eastern end is run by the National Park Service and the larger western part by The Nature Conservancy, with walking trails ashore.
Key facts
- Type
- Anchorage
- Coordinates
- 34.02441, -119.68208 (34°1.46'N 119°40.92'W)
- Country
- United States
- Shelter
- Sheltered from south-east, south, south-west, west winds
- Seabed
- algae
- Anchoring
- Allowed
- Services
- Beach
- Updated
- July 7, 2026
Getting there
Prisoners Harbor lies at 34°1.46'N 119°40.92'W, that is 34.02441, -119.68208 in decimal degrees.
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Write a reviewFrequently asked questions
Which winds is Prisoners Harbor sheltered from?
Prisoners Harbor is sheltered from south-east, south, south-west, west winds.
Can you anchor at Prisoners Harbor?
Yes, anchoring is allowed at Prisoners Harbor.
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