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Prisoners Harbor, Santa Cruz Island
 The Debate Depending upon on whom you rely for expert advice - Fagan or the backside of the plastic charts - Prisoners is either almost as good as Pelican or Prisoners is only suitable if there is no room in Pelican. They're only a mile or so apart, and frankly, we side with the Pelican group if only because you generally get a smoother ride at anchor. On the other, hand, Prisoners can accommodate far more boats and only a single hook is required. It's easy to get ashore and no landing permit is required to the east of the pier. As long as you turn left when leaving the beach area, you're in the National Park. Turn right, and you're out of bounds unless you have a Nature Conservancy permit.
Approach We generally depart Ventura or Channel Islands about 1000. Most days, that means we're motoring toward platform Grace. By the time we get there, we usually have sailable wind. Heading off on a close reach almost always gets us to the vicinity of Cavern Point. It's a pretty bad day if you can't spot Prisoners Anchorage, but in low visibility, it's still easy to work your way around from Cavern Pt. To Coches Pt. Then across Chinese Harbor to Prisoners. The landscape is easy to recognize, but the pier, which you'd think would be very prominent is often hard to see, particularly in late afternoon sun. If in doubt of your position due to fog, stay on the 20 fathom curve and you'll remain clear of all obstructions. On a clear day, the sightseeing is spectacular in close.
How we did it, specifically The western wall of the anchorage is best protected; however, it's not THAT great over there that you want to risk getting in extremely tight. On the other hand, on holiday weekends, with a huge gaggle of boats lying to anchor, we have found ourselves lined up there on two hooks to keep from swinging into the cliff or each other.
Normally, we head to a spot near the mooring ball. When we were there last, there were two yachts moored beach-side from us, and two anchored farther out. The boat closest to the beach had set his anchor in line with the end of the pier, which, according to the chart, put him in about 10' of water at MLLW. If you're going in that close, check the tide tables carefully. If you've got a fairly up-to-date chart plotter, that information is right at hand. Click your cursor on the T on the chart and you'll have the info right at hand. If you're not so equipped, use the link at the top of the page to get tide data, print it and take it with you ... particularly if it is a new or full moon.
The bottom is sand and/or mud and generally provides good holding ground. However, we have encountered eel grass and other weeds near the western banks that make anchoring difficult with a Danforth anchor. On the other hand, we've never had problems with our Spade or Fortress anchor.
Going Ashore The last time we visited, we enjoyed a very calm day and rowing the dinghy or kayak to and onto the beach was no problem. There is a steep gradient at the beach, so if you jump off on the seaside, you'll likely find yourself up to your armpits or, maybe, swimming. The beach is made of rocks of 4-12 inches. Not comfortable for bare feet. If the weather is less clement, head for the SE corner of the anchorage, where it stays smooth the longest. It's also possible to stay dry by landing at the pier, climbing the ladder and dragging your dinghy to the beach. You'll need about a 15' painter to do that. In summer, there is a dinghy dock at the end of the pier on the east side.
Hazards None that aren't charted or visible.
Landing Permits Required If you intend to go ashore and head west, you'll need a landing permit ($70 for all year) from the Nature Conservancy. You can purchase the permit on line. The link is in the grid at the top of the page.
Updates Mooring Ball was nowhere in sight in Mar 09. Maybe out for repairs; maybe gone for good. If you have new or amplifying information concerning this anchorage or the surrounding area, please contact Capt. Dan. His e-mail link and phone are top left.
 Photos:
 Map: Prisoners Harbor, Santa Cruz Island Google Map
 Video:
 Links:
NPS Santa Cruz Info
Nature Conservancy Santa Cruz Info
NPS Boating & Fishing Rules
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