Catalina Island
Lying just off the coastline of Los Angeles is the most beautiful tropical island, just waiting to share its beautiful hiking trails, secluded anchorages and crystal blue water with you. Catalina is one of our favorite places to visit, because it is so accessible and has something for truly everyone. We offer single night packages up to week long charters, water toys galore, as well as optional meals aboard the s/v Alchemy, to make your Catalina experience exactly what you want it to be.
Catalina Island is about a six hour sail to Two Harbors and a couple hours longer to Avalon. Every time we return we are reminded how incredibly lucky we are to have this treasure of an island right in our back yard. There really is something for EVERYBODY. It is fascinating how many people have never made the short trip out there and if you are one of them, you owe it to yourself to give us a call and make it happen. Seriously, you won’t regret it.
We can make trips as short as a quick overnight or we can spend two weeks exploring every nook and cranny of the island. Scuba diving, snorkeling, fishing, spearfishing, dinghy sailing, paddleboarding, hiking, bike riding, frisbee golf… the activities list really is endless. Alchemy is a fantastic vessel to call home while you’re out here and there are full facilities ashore if you find yourself wanting a proper shower. If you’d prefer sleeping ashore we even have a partnership with the Banning House - the old Wrigley Mansion turned bed and breakfast - for a truly luxurious experience. Give us a call and we’d be happy to talk and put together the perfect experience for you.
“We joined Geoff for a five-night charter aboard the s/v Alchemy in July — it was sublime. From lazy morning coffee on deck to excellent snorkeling in Emerald Bay, we got to see the island in a way most never get the opportunity to. Highly recommend!”
Emily & Rosie Yurko
Traveled to Catalina aboard the s/v Alchemy in July of 2020
Catalina Charter Options
A weekend is great…
Pretty much what it sounds like. If you only have a couple days to sneak out to Catalina we can definitely make a great time of it. We’ll aim to leave the dock at 9am and hoist our sails for a beautiful sail around Palos Verdes and across the Catalina Channel. Often times schools of dolphins will play alongside and depending on the season there’s a good chance of whale sightings.
We’ll aim to arrive and be secured on our mooring mid afternoon and you can begin relax mode. Jump in for a swim, snorkel, enjoy an afternoon cocktail. Your captain will get the dinghy in the water, ready the paddleboards, and get you set up for fun (as if the sail over wasn’t already a blast!) Evening hikes through the hills, a walk to Cat Harbor on the backside, buffalo milks at the shoreside bar.
You can choose to eat dinner ashore, cook aboard, or elect to have your captain cook you a special meal on board. Games, guitar, reading, star gazing. The boat is yours. Do what you wish.
We’ll wake up, make coffee, and enjoy a nice breakfast aboard. We’ll have till 10am to take advantage of whatever activities you like… Another walk/hike, swim, fish, paddleboard, just enjoy a cup of coffee and savor life. We’ll then hoist the sails and enjoy a lovely sail back across the channel towards the harbor.
…a week is better.
A weekend is great but a week is better. A month is even better yet but we wont go there. Once we get over to the island we can do whatever we want. We’re on Island Time now. Do you want to circumnavigate the island and check out a number of the different coves and get a taste of everything the island has to offer? Or would you prefer to stay in one place and just soak it all in. Last time we went departed on half week trip with the intention to go everywhere. This gradually turned into a week of staying in the same exact place. It was fantastic. With the world the way it is right now and so many people able to work from home, this is the perfet time to get out to the island. Great Take a look through some trips we’ve done and ideas we’ve come up with then give us a call to get your trip on the schedule.
The Banning House
Personally, I don’t think there is anything better than waking up on a sailboat in a beautiful anchorage. But maybe the idea of sailing to the island sounds great but staying on board just isn’t your cup of tea. Or maybe you want to sail over to Catalina with a larger group than would sleep comfortably aboard and would like an alternate place to stay. Well the Banning House is a pretty sweet place. The old Banning house turned Wrigley Mansion turned bed and breakfast overlooks Cat Harbor to the South and Isthmus Cove to the North and is just a short five minute walk from the dock. We can sail over in style (way better than the Catalina express) then get you checked in to the Banning house for an awesome evening in a special place. Shoot, maybe you want to take the kids over to the island but mom and dad want some alone time. If the kids are well behaved you might even be able to talk the captain into game night aboard with the kids while you have a romantic evening alone. Come morning, they’re all yours again. If this sounds fun or if you come up with any ideas, give us a shout!
Notes for All Charters
All of our charters are limited to 1-6 passengers by the Coast Guard. All safety equipment will be provided. You are welcome to bring any food or beverage you like although we ask you leave the red wine at home as it will stain Alchemy’s beautiful teak decks. We are also happy to provide amazing food and beverages at our cost. Los Angeles county charges a 6% surcharge for every charter that we must charge for in addition to our charter rates. Gratuity although of course not obligatory is greatly appreciated if you find the service and experience exceptional. The industry norm is 15-20%
Click here to read more about our charter rates and options.
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