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Cathedral Cove Cove, Anacapa Island
| Loc: North Shore Anacapa Island |
Lat: N34-00.9 |
Long: W119-22.3 |
Last visit: Nov. 2008 |
| Tide/Sun/Moon/WX |
Dist: 11 |
Port Hueneme |
WX |
Chart |
18729 |
Anacapa Passage |
Google Map |
| Skipper: Capt. Dan |
Boat: S/V Sancerre |
Capt. Dan |
Port: Channel Islands |
| Landing |
See Restrictions below |
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 An alternative to Frenchy's If you get to Anacapa later than 1200, Frenchy's is likely to be quite crowded. Frenchy's will hold 20 boats, maybe more on a nice day, but that's as crowded as life in the Marina. Who needs that? Cathedral Cove is always worth a look. If the weather is fairly settled or if the wind is dead out of the west, it's a great anchorage. In stormy conditions it's simply spectacular to watch the waves breaking in here. There's all sorts of wildlife outside the caves - countless species of birds, sea lions, seals and the occasional whale. For general info on Anacapa - flora, fauna, history and so forth, click NPS. For specific Channel Islands National Park boating information, click Boating
Approach & Anchoring The picture above shows us approaching from the east. That's pretty typical for a run from Channel Islands Harbor. There are no hazards to navigation until you get in quite close. We typically anchor seaward of the 40' rock, in the lee of the point; however, I have taken my Catalina 36 inside, to the east of the rock. If the wind remains constant from the west, it's an OK spot, but if I were to stay for several hours, I'd drop a stern hook as well. The bottom is sand and shell. We were in 37 feet of water at the location pictured and ran out 150' of chain.
 Kayaking On nice days, this a fine place for kayaking with more than 100 caves perforating the island's coast. Cathedral Cove has several caves and a high-ceilinged, very long tunnel that makes for a pretty spectacular paddle. Click for cove movie. Caution: Particularly in smaller caves, beware of tide and swell. Prudent kayakers don't enter caves if the tide is high or if there is more than a tiny swell. A helmet is always a good idea. It won't keep you from getting crushed on the ceiling if a swell rolls in, but it will save you from falling rocks. I'm pretty well convinced that the critters that live in the dark caves don't want us in there and intentionally bomb us.
Flora & Fauna Dense kelp forests are close to shore and tide pools hold the usual denizens. Brown Pelicans are in abundance as are cormorants and other species. You'll also find sea lions and harbor seals in the small coves an perched on rocks. NPS Restrictions A permit is not required to land or hike on East Anacapa Island or at Frenchys Cove. West Anacapa (except Frenchys Cove) is a protected research natural area and is closed to visitors. Visitors are allowed on Middle Anacapa by permit only and when accompanied by a park ranger. The landing dock is available for unloading purposes only. No craft, including kayaks and inflatables, should be left moored to the dock.
Updates 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: Cathedral Cove - Anacapa Island
 Video:
 Links:
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