If you're a backpacker, you'll love kayak camping. The kayak carries the load! All you have to do is paddle and explore.
|
|
If you're a backpacker, you'll love kayak camping. The kayak carries the load! All you have to do is paddle and explore. |
|
|
|
|
| Santa Catalina Island is a
part of Los Angeles County, 21 miles south of the Port of Los Angeles. The majority of the island (88%) is owned by the Catalina Island Conservancy, and will never be developed. Camping by kayak is one of the best ways to enjoy this natural environment. Since the island is privately owned and protected, all camping must be done in approved campsites. These are Established Campgrounds or Primitive Boat-in Campsites. Please have a couple back-up plans in case your first choice campground or camp sites are not available. There are five Campgrounds: Hermit Gulch (in Avalon); Black Jack (in the pines near the center of the island); Two Harbors (on the lee shore at the village of Two Harbors); Parson’s Landing (near the west end, still on the lee shore); and Little Harbor (on a protected bay on the windward side of the island). All but Hermit Gulch and Black Jack can be reached by kayak. All the campgrounds are reserved through the Santa Catalina Island Company(SCI), online (preferred) or by telephone (not reliable during peak season). The web site is listed on our LINKS page. The phone # is 310-510-TENT, you may fax them at 310-510-7254. You may ask them for their Camping Brochure, which includes schedules for the Safari Bus (runs to the campgrounds between Avalon and Two Harbors), and other helpful information. There are also eleven primitive boat-in designated beach camp sites, all on the lee shore between Avalon and Two Harbors: Willow Cove, Long Pt. Beach; Italian Gardens A,B & C; Goat Harbor; Cabrillo; Gibraltar; Lava Wall; Paradise; and Rippers. For descriptions and other information, please check out our Kayaker's Map, and the Primitive Boat-in Campsites website at www.CampingCatalinaIsland.com. Online reservations may be submitted from the Santa Catalina Island Company website- get to it from our LINKS page. You may call 310-510-TENT to speak with someone in their offices about making Boat-In Reservations. |
 |
| Kayaks are easy to paddle,
can carry all your equipment, are easy to haul ashore in just about any
island nook for a rest stop or opportunity to snorkel. Even novice paddler’s
will find the paddling an easy challenge. On our Kayaker’s Map you’ll
see various notations regarding weather, keep these in mind as you plan
your trip. For families, double kayaks are helpful for paddling with children,
but keep in mind that the sit-on-top double kayaks have a bit less below
deck storage for campers’ gear. Therefore, we suggest using as many
single kayaks as you can, and perhaps only one double boat for every two
singles. The more gear you can stow below, the less tippy the kayak will
be. Sleeping bags: we recommend a back-pack size with synthetic stuffing (keeps you warm if it gets wet)- just like back packing, the more lightweight and compressed your equipment, the better. Line your stuff sack with a trash compactor bag (heavyweight plastic) and stuff your sleeping bag into it first, tie off, then cinch your stuff bag tightly. Lanterns and stoves can be ultra-light equipment if you already have it, but depending on the size of your group and length of your trip - a two burner propane “Coleman” stove may make life easier. One will fit in the storage compartments of our single kayaks. Double trash compactor bags should protect it. Briquets may be helpful, but keep in mind there is no use of starter fluids or gasoline allowed on the island- briquets must be burned in a metal container (BBQ). Clothing & personal items: “Be Prepared” for any type of weather, it can change rapidly and is absolutely unpredictable. Have clothes for hot sun and cold winds. A change of socks and shoes for night. Synthetic materials are best on the water as they dry fast and continue providing warmth even if damp...polar fleece outerwear, nylon underwear etc. Cotton sweatshirts, if they get wet, will be worthless (and heavy). A lightweight windbreaker is helpful tied on deck for instant protection if the breeze should come up. DON’T FORGET hats, sunglasses, sunscreen, sting-eze and antihistamine if you have members of your group who are sensitive to yellow jackets, which are generally more plentiful during dry years as opposed to wet years. In years’ past we noticed that very perfume-y sunscreens (fruity ones, coconut etc.) seemed to attract them. For hikers, bring hiking boots and wear long pants - like the mainland, rattlesnakes do live on Catalina - stay on trails wherever possible, watch for cactus. For fishers - bring your California Fishing License and gear and try to angle up a fresh meal! Snorkel gear is a must, Catalina’s clear waters will astound you...look for kelp and rocks for the best habitat and don’t be afraid to try spots that aren’t on the map (some are still secret). Gear Stowage: Pack your supplies & clothing in ”dry bags” available for rent or sale at DBOS. Remember to keep your personal items to 2 large paper grocery bags-worth & you’ll have no trouble getting everything into your kayak. For campers we rent many different size bags as follows: XS (for personal items, or carry snacks on deck) 6” diam.x10” high (8 liters); Sm. 7.5” x 15” (10 liters); Med. 9.5” x 18” (21 liters) These all fit easily below deck. The more smaller sized dry bags, the easier it is to pack your kayak. Another item that comes in handy is a very lightweight (nylon parachute) tarp. This can be spread on the beach as a clean place to organize your gear before packing your kayak and for unloading at your campsite. For deck-loading on the double kayaks we have XL drybags 12.5” x 28” (57 liters). An alternative is to double bag in heavy trash compactor bags and hope they don’t snag on something, if you have any stuff sacks to put around the plastic bags you’ll, hopefully, eliminate that possibility. |
| (graphic of packed kayak) |
 |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| You can use back-pack type meals, or go gourmet. People get hungry with the combination of sun, sea and exercise so bring lots of food & snacks! Here are some menu ideas from our own trips...the key is the fresh produce. For your own trips, remember that you must pack up and remove all of your trash, so eliminate extra packaging before you leave the mainland. Ice chests don’t really fit in kayaks, they need to be lashed down on top (bring bungie cords!) and remember about that higher center of gravity which may present a greater opportunity for tipping. We use collapsible, insulated soft coolers- and freeze any food items we can to keep the interior space cold for a few days. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
BREAKFASTS: |
DINNERS: •Pasta with chicken breasts (or vegetarian variation) including: shallots, green & red bell peppers, squash, garlic, mushrooms, fresh basil French bread, butter, fresh parmesan cheese •Couscous with turkey or chicken apple sausage curry (or vegetarian variation) peppers, broccoli, onions, almonds, coconut, raisins Sourdough rolls or bread, butter •Green Salad •Soup & Sandwich (for a late Friday night meal) "Trader Joe's” individual soups 1 or 2 each (just add hot water) Variety of sandwich fixins including: lunch meats, cheeses, vegetables, hummus bottled water CAMPFIRE DESSERTS: S'mores Baked apples w/ cinnamon or banana boats w/ nuts & chocolate The more you can prepare ahead of time and freeze, the more time you'll have for fun & relaxing, plus the added bonus of frozen "done ahead" meals helps keep your sodas cold. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Figure one to one & one-half gallons of fresh water per person, per day! Each paddler should have a personal water bottle on deck which can be refilled in camp. It is important to drink water while paddling! They say a liter an hour combined with an energy bar snack, or drink an electrolite-replacement drink to keep your energy level up and save you those sore, tired muscles! A sun shower, although heavy, is a treat for rinsing hair after days of snorkeling. (Water weighs about 8 lbs/ gallon). The Campgrounds (except for Parson’s Landing) have fresh tap water. BOAT-IN SITES DO NOT HAVE WATER. Purchase gallon-jugs in Avalon or Two Harbors, they stash under your seat, (below deck) in both single and double sit-on-top kayaks. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 |
 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The single kayaks can carry any of the free-standing, dome type tents available these days. Tents provide needed shade, as the primitive boat-in sites do not have any structures (while the Campgrounds do) Many of the boat-in sites have picnic tables, (See website www.CampingCatalinaIsland.com for Boat-in Campsite specifics). It is important to keep your food in the shade of a tent during the day (and zipped if you all leave the camp site....the ravens & foxes are notorious thieves!) At night, put all food away, and keep it in your tents with you if possible....island critters will most certainly visit you in search of food. Securely tie up your trash as well, so it doesn’t end up all over the beach by morning! Take all trash with you when you leave!! You will not be welcome back if you do not! Bring plenty of spare trash bags. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| There is no plant
collecting or harvesting of wood allowed on the island by L.A. Co. Ordinance
602(a) P.C. and 602 (b) P.C. and this will be strictly enforced by the Coastal
and Campground Rangers. No smoking is allowed outside of the Campground
fire ring areas, and none at all is allowed in the primitive boat-in sites
per L.A. County Fire Code. No beach fires are allowed per Los Angeles
County Fire due to high fire hazard on the island(Fire Code section 1102.3.9
& Division 2 appendix IIa, section 3 & 13 will be enforced). The cross-channel carriers: Catalina Express, & Catalina Passenger Service (the “Flyer” out of Newport) have varying baggage restrictions. None allow (Fed. regulations) flammables (stove,lantern fuels). Chet’s Hardware in Avalon sells propane canisters, white gas etc. call 310-510-0990 to make sure they stock your type. The Two Harbors General Store also sells fuel (310-510-0303). |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| It is advisable to carry a marine VHF radio on your kayak camping trip. Avalon Harbor monitors channel 12, Two Harbors monitors channel 9. They both will pick up on emergency channel 16 along with the Coast Guard. Cell Phone coverage varies greatly (depending on where you are around the island), we've heard Verizon is perhaps more reliable, but not necessarily adequate. Phone numbers as follows: L.A. Co. Sheriff, Avalon 310-510-0174/Two Harbors 310-510-0872; Avalon Harbor Dept. 310-510-0535; Two Harbors Harbor Dept. 310-510-2683 (COVE); US Coast Guard Rescue L.B. 562-980-4444 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Avalon
has a Von’s Market and an auxillary “liquor/quick-stop” Von’s
Express where last minute food items and gallons of water can be purchased.
Avalon's "Chet's Hardware" store is in the post office arcade
for propane, white gas & other supplies. Two Harbors has a general store
for food, beverages, supplies including various camping stove fuels. Make
sure you are clear with the cross-channel carriers as to what their baggage
restrictions are. |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| KAYAK
RENTAL RATES FOR MULTI-DAY TRIPS RESERVATIONS ARE IMPERATIVE! Rentals include: Open deck (sit-on-top) Kayak, PFD, Paddle and all taxes Single boat: 'Scupper Pro' by Ocean Kayak(OK) with 2 covered hatches (tank well by request) Double boats: 'Cabo' or 'Zest' (OK) with 1 hatch & tank well |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| High Season: June 15 through October 16 and Holidays | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Low Season: October 17 through June 14 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Each paddler must sign a liability release and statement of responsibility. Descanso Beach Ocean Sports is not responsible for predetermining a paddler's skill or ability. Paddlers should be competent in the equipment they are renting, be aware of emergency procedures and open water rescues. We reserve the right to refuse rentals to those who's skills and preparedness do not seem suitable for their intended outing. Rental waivers are required to be signed by both parents of minors. Please ask for a copy of our rental waiver. RESERVATIONS: CALL 310-510-1588 Tuesday through Friday | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cleaning/breakage
& damage deposit: A credit card or cash deposit will be retained pending
gear check-in after trip. Replacements and repairs will be taken out of
deposit. Replacement costs for lost or broken utensils $2 each item. Repair costs for torn sleeping bags, coolers, tents $15 per item. Damaged stoves or lanten parts replaced at cost plus shipping. CLEANING CHARGE for stoves, cook kits etc. returned in unclean condition: $20 stove, $1 each other item. CLEANING CHARGE for PETT: $50 |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Catalina
Freight Line is located
at the old SS Catalina wharf.........
Phone: 310-549-4004 |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Exploring the gentler, Lee (or Channel) side of Catalina Island | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2 days, 1 night:
To see the most of Catalina Island, take the Catalina Express to Two Harbors.
This way you can depart from Two Harbors and enjoy 13 miles of coastline
as you make your way back to Avalon. Make reservations to spend the night
at one of the Primitive Boat-in Campsites along the way. 3 days, 2 nights: Start at Two Harbors again, but paddle west to Parson’s Landing Campground (make reservations as early as possible) for your first night. Then double back past Two Harbors and spend your second night at one of the Primitive Boat-in campsites, and end in Avalon. OR Spend the 1st night at Two Harbors Campground and enjoy dining out at the Harbor Reef Restaurant, running water in camp, fire rings, latrines (a luxury compared to primitive boat-in campsites). Then head out for your second night to a Primitive Boat-In Campsite and end in Avalon. |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 4 days, 3 nights:
Leave from Avalon- in the early morning only- aboard “Ama” heading
for Parson’s Landing Campground. We’ll drop you off there and
you can take your time getting back to Avalon. Some groups like to spend
two nights at Parson’s - getting some good hiking in and also paddling
around the West End to take a peek at the weather side of the island. 2 days, 1 night or even longer: You have a family with younger kids who aren’t going to be helping to paddle, or you feel like not working at all...get your gear & food together, rent kayaks, snorkel gear, boogie boards, etc. from us and charter “Ama” to drop you off, and pick you up at one of the Primitive Boat-in campsites for a relaxing retreat. |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| For kayak campers with time constraints, take advantage of our vessel, ‘Ama’ to provide quick transportation along with your kayaks and gear to your campsite. Enjoy a longer day and the ease of paddling back to Avalon (with the prevailing weather behind you). It’s the perfect way for families with young children to enjoy Catalina Island camping. Or, plan a two or three-day outing starting with Parson's Landing and kayak & camp your way back to us at Descanso Beach. We're happy to help you make your plans, and share our knowledge of Catalina Island. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Fees for one-way delivery
for two persons & gear - additional campers (max. 5 total), add
$10 each Stand-by charges of $75 per
hour apply for delivery waiting time. |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Large
Group want to paddle light? Add to base rate, Fees for delivery services
of gear only (no riders)
at $4 per camper with assistance of 1-2 group members, (1 small duffle and 1 sleeping bag per camper). Please add service charge of $50 each trip if no assistance from your group is provided for loading or unloading. Standby charges of $75 per hour apply for all delivery waiting time. ALL PRICES INCLUDE TAX |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
