Hen Rock, Catalina Island

Shoyrtt

Alamitos to Avalon
SILVER Sponsor
Jul 16, 2020
1,887
Alamitos Bay, CA
Boat Info
1999 450 Express Bridge, 9’ Achilles dinghy w/15hp Suzuki EFI
Engines
Caterpillar 3126TA
We took our third trip to Catalina this weekend. Our good friends lease a mooring at Hen Rock, which is northwest from Avalon and home to small resorts of both the Balboa and San Diego Yacht Clubs. It was a little foggy and smoky heading out of Cabrillo due to all of the wildfires in California so I slowed down and used the radar. About half way, things cleared up and I was able to pick up the speed. The harbormaster for Hen Rock also takes care of the moorings at White's Landing and Moonstone. Between the 3 locations, there might be a total of 75 moorings (around 25 each). No cell service at Hen Rock, but the other two did have a decent signal. Hen Rock is known for the diving in the area. There might have been 4 boats on the moorings and another 4 or 5 just outside anchoring to take advantage of the diving, so it was an entirely different vibe from Avalon. The water was very calm due to being tucked in behind Long Point. Our oldest son joined us, veteran of the 3 day relocation trip from Northern California along with all of our dogs. As you can see from the pictures, it was still a little hazy/smoky out on the island, but we had a great time.
CatalinaIslandMap.jpg
HenRock.jpg

HenRock2.jpg
 
Yep... you got to give Cat Harbor a try just to say you did it.
 
Yep... you got to give Cat Harbor a try just to say you did it.
The funny thing is we certified on Catalina and in the Channel Islands back in 1990. After our first experience after that in Tahiti we had no desire to dive in cold water again.
 
Sounds like an awesome trip @Shoyrtt

Thanks for sharing.
It has been about a year since we went to our one and only trip to Hen Rock. I must say it is our least favorite cove on Catalina Island so far. It isn't sheltered very well from the West swell and it is just ok as far as sights and things to do. The two destinations we really love and go to almost on a weekly basis are Cherry Cove for a quiet and relaxing time or Avalon for the hustle and bustle. Here are two threads on the better options:
Cherry Cove:
http://www.clubsearay.com/index.php?threads/cherry-cove-catalina-island.101778/
Avalon:
http://www.clubsearay.com/index.php?threads/first-catalina-island-trip.100764/
 
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